IN-HOUSE NEWSLETTER OF SUHAIL BAHWAN GROUP VOLUME 05 | ISSUE 19 OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2018
FROM THE VICE CHAIRPERSON’S DESK Dear Colleagues Welcome to the 2018’s last edition of Suhail, our SBGH family newsletter.
Designed & Published by Media and Communications Division Suhail Bahwan Group [Holding] LLC P.O. Box: 169, PC 100 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Phone: +968 2465 0037
First of all, I would like to thank you all for your hard work and dedication during the year that has just gone by. No doubt it has been a challenging year; however, challenges are always an integral part of any business and our performances are measured by the ways and means of how we overcome such challenges. During the past year, many of our companies have achieved new milestones, won awards and recognitions and embarked on new business ventures. However, there is still plenty that can be done.
Email: pr@suhailbahwangroup.com
As a well-diversified group with businesses that impact every aspect of people’s life, the opportunities are endless. With many new developments across the country and constantly and rapidly evolving business environment, we should identify new opportunities, leverage our Group’s strength and move forward with confidence in the coming year.
DISCLAIMER SUHAIL is an internal newsletter meant exclusively for SBGH employees. Although immense care has been taken, we request our readers to bear with us in case of any errors and omissions. Please send us your feedback, comments, contributions and suggestions to pr@suhailbahwangroup.com
Let’s continue to work hard, sow seeds of dedication and commitment and I am sure we all will reap fruits of success. Once again I want to thank each one of you for being part of SBGH family. I look forward to another busy and productive year ahead, and wish you all the very best in 2019.
Amal Suhail Bahwan
Contents
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October-December 2018 | Issue 19
Board Members of Jazeera Steel, Sohar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . meet SBGH Vice Chairperson
04 05 VCP inks IT project contract with NRAA Gaiety and colours mark Omani 06-07 Women’s Day Vice Chairperson takes part in NPI’s European 09 Union Accreditation award ceremony Bahwan Tourism takes part in European 17 Road Show 2018 BPT conferred NEC Partner Excellence 19 Award Bahwan Healthcare receives Best Pharma Establishment Award 25 Bahwan IT and Huawei hold seminar on digital transformation 30
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Bahwan Logistics showcases capabilities at global logistics .......................... forum
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SUHAIL | Corporate news
Board Members of Jazeera Steel, Sohar meet SBGH Vice Chairperson Members of the Board of Jazeera Steel, Sohar recently met with SBGH Vice Chairperson Sheikha Amal Suhail Bahwan who is the Chairperson of Jazeera Steel. In picture (left to right): Mr. Bejoy John, CFO-Jazeera Steel, Mr. A N Venkat, CEO-Jazeera Steel, Mr. Abdul Kadar Darwish Al Balushi, Director-Jazeera Steel, Sheikha. Amal Suhail Salim Bahwan, Chairperson-Jazeera Steel, Mr. Taqi Ali Sultan, Vice Chairman-Jazeera Steel, Mr. Yasser Abdullah Salim Al Rashdi, Director-Jazeera Steel and Mr. Abdulla Salim Al Araimi, Director-Jazeera Steel.
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Vice Chairperson inaugurates Jazeera Steel’s new office building Our SBGH Vice Chairperson Sheikha Amal Suhail Bahwan who is alsothe Chairperson of Jazeera Steel Co, Sohar recently visited Sohar and inaugurated the company’s new office building. She also commissioned the new Cut-to-Length machine on the occasion. Later she held discussions with the senior management of Jazeera Steel on the progress of the company.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 04
SUHAIL | Corporate news
VCP inks IT project contract with NRAA Bahwan IT was awarded a project by the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) to create a platform for end-to-end Electronic Document & Records Management system implementation. The project was sealed with a contract signing ceremony by Sheikha Amal Suhail Bahwan, Vice Chairperson, and His Excellency Dr. Hamad AlDhawyani, Chairman of NRAA, at the NRAA head office recently. The project name ‘WASUL’ was also unveiled on the occasion. The first phase is to bring 18 government agencies under the project. NRAA is an independent authority to oversee and setup necessary processes, standards, policies and procedures to govern the creation, storage, maintenance, and archival of documents and records for the public sector and other government entities.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 05
SUHAIL | Corporate news
Gaiety and colours mark Omani Women’s Day As a tribute to the significant role the Omani women play in building the nation and home, Suhail Bahwan Group celebrated the Omani Women’s Day in all cheerfulness and colours. Omani women employees of the Group, many of them donning colourful traditional Omani dress, gathered at the Group’s headquarters in Al Qurum. Sheikha Amal Suhail Bahwan, Vice Chairperson of the Group, joined her Omani colleagues to celebrate the joyous occasion by cutting a cake followed by a lively interaction with employees. Amal Bahwan said, “The Omani women have received special attention and care of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said that has led them to play a prominent role in the development of Omani society over the years. We are proud of what we have achieved under his wise leadership. Today’s women are knowledgeable, stronger, more empowered, and are reaching greater heights. What better occasion there can be than celebrating it on the Omani Women’s Day!”
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 06
SUHAIL | Corporate news
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 07
SUHAIL | Corporate news
Vice Chairperson visits Nizwa Museum project As part of her strategic follow up on some of the prestigious projects being carried out by SBGH Group companies, Vice Chairperson Sheikha Amal Suhail Bahwan recently made another visit to the “Oman Across Ages Museum” coming up in Nizwa commissioned by the Royal Court Affairs. The project’s entire steel fabrication is being executed by Bilad Oman and has been progressing at rapid pace with major and vital steel structures of the building installed in recent months. Sheikha Amal Bahwan toured around the site and was briefed on the latest development of the project. Later Mr DPS Kapoor, General Manager Bilad Oman and his team congratulated her on being ranked among the Top Ten Women Influencers in the Middle East by Forbes Magazine.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 08
SUHAIL | Corporate news
Vice Chairperson takes part in NPI’s European Union Accreditation award ceremony National Pharmaceutical Industries (NPI), the first pharmaceutical formulating facility in Oman in which our Vice Chairperson Sheikha Amal Suhail Bahwan is a board member attended a gala ceremony to announce its accreditation of European Union Good Manufacturing Practice Certificate (EU GMP Certificate). This accreditation enables NPI to get quicker access into newer markets in the EU, Far-East, Latam, CIS, and Africa region. In a ceremony held in December, Chairman of NPI Dr. Ghazi Omar Al Zubaidi and the Board of Directors unveiled the EU GMP certification in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Health, prominent doctors and other dignitaries. NPI, which has been in operation for the last 17 years, is majorly owned by Oman Investment Fund and Suhail Bahwan group. Amal Suhail Bahwan, who has been associated with the company since the beginning, recalled the enormous transformation that NPI has undergone since inception from being an Oman-centric pharmaceutical producer to a globally accredited manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. The EU accreditation is a tribute to the hard work put in by all at NPI, she said.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 09
Distinguished Emp
October 2018 1] Kamil Mohd Khalfan Al Hasani, Sales Executive, Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC | 2] Sulaiman Nasser Al Badri, Telecom Technician, Bahwan Projects and Telecoms LLC | 3] Sultan Hamed Khalfan Al Shibli, Hardware Technician, Bahwan IT LLC | 4] Krishna Ram, Rebar Detailer, Bilad Oman LLC | 5] Manoj Sreedharan Nair, Senior Executive-Sales, Bahwan Furnishings & Trading LLC | 6] Bose Nambanath Raghavan, Helper, Bahwan Logistics LLC | 7] Saif Abdullah Suliman Al Rubaiey, Watchman, Bahwan International Properties LLC | 8] Shiran M N M, Assistant Manager-Networking, Information Services Department | 9] Mathew John, Electrical Engineer, HR& Admin Division | 10] Thomas Augustine Subash, Deputy Manager, Internal Audit Division | 11] Sony Thomas, Accountant, Finance and Accounts Division.
November 2018 1] Dalal Nasser Sulaiman Al Wahaibi, Receptionist, Human Resources & Admin. Division | 2] Abhilash Ansel, Site Supervisor, Bahwan Projects and Telecoms LLC | 3] Abdul Qader Ismail Mohammed Al Balushi, Junior Collection Officer, Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC | 4] Trinath Rabi Pradhan, Erector, Bilad Oman LLC | 5] Nawal Shahdad Khamis Al Balushi, Programmer, Information Service Department | 6] Khalifa Saleh M Al Jaradi, Asst. Manager Accounts, Bahwan Logistics LLC | 7] Abdul Sobhan, Cleaner cum Helper, Bahwan International Properties LLC | 8] Narjis Nasser Abdullah Al Saadi, Senior Audit Assistant, Internal Audit Division | 9] Ahmed Hussain, Asst. Manager, Finance & Accounts Division | 10] Abdulmonim Abdullah Darwish Al Bulushi, Sales Executive, Bahwan Furnishings & Trading LLC.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 10
loyees of the Month
December 2018 1] Aysha Sulaiman Salim Al Amri, Autocad Draftsman, Bahwan Projects and Telecoms LLC | 2] Jitendra Pandey, Structural Fabricator, Bilad Oman LLC | 3] Meenakshi Sundar K, Asst. Manager-Developer, Information Service Department | 4] Nabil Doshambeh Murad Al Balushi, Junior-Officer Sales, Bahwan Logistics LLC | 5] Amna Said Rashid Al Sooti, Account Assistant, Finance and Accounts Division | 6] Manikandan K, Foreman, Internal Audit Division | 7] Anayat Ali, Watchman, Bahwan International Properties LLC | 8] Vikram Singh, Warranty Co-ordinator, Bahwan IT LLC | 9] Arjun Sharma, Machine Operator, Bahwan Furnishings & Trading LLC | 10] Ma Wilma Desiatco, HR Executive, HR and Administration Division.
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Farewell Vice Chairperson Sheikha Amal Suhail Bahwan gave a warm farewell and wishes to three employees who retired after several years of dedicated service with our Group. Ramalingam Chelliah, Assistant Foreman, Bahwan Logistics retired after 34 years of service, who is liked by all his colleagues for his pleasant nature and sincerity. Leo M J Rodrigues, Administration Officer from HR and Administration Division retired after 26 years of service. A quiet and hardworking person, Leo is very popular among all colleagues. Abdul Hameed Ahmad, Helper from HR and Administration Division known for his affable nature and also popular among colleagues, retired after 15 years of service
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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SUHAIL | Know your colleague
Know your
Colleague ‘‘ I am happy to have found a job in Suhail Bahwan Group, where I get good support from my colleagues and superiors. This has helped me to discharge my duties and responsibilities in a better way. ‘‘
Sami Bin Hamad Al Hinai
Please tell us about yourself. I was born in Wadi Qrayat village in the Wilayat of Bahla in Al Dakhiliyah governorate in 1990. I am married and blessed with a daughter.
Brief us on your educational background. I completed my preparatory, primary, secondary and education from Abu Al Muathar Public School in my village. After completing my schooling, I joined the Amerat Institute for Computer and completed a computer course. Then I worked in a private company as a computer programmer for a while before moving to the Ministry of Housing as an administrative clerk. Later I worked in a company specialising in marketing and finally I joined Suhail Bahwan Group in 2013 as a public relations officer.
What is your functional role? My job mainly involves obtaining clearances from the government agencies and private sectors. I mostly deal with the Ministry of Manpower in the recruitment of expatriate labor force. I also follow-up for the licenses of medical assistants at Bahwan Healthcare Centre, issuing and renewal of visas of workers at the Department of Immigration, Passports and Civil Affairs of the Royal Oman Police. Some transactions are electronically cleared and for some of them my presence is required at the institutions and government agencies. I also review and correct employee data which in turn would help the group.
Sami Bin Hamad Al Hinai Public Relations Officer HR & Administration
How has been your work experience so far?
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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SUHAIL | Know your colleague After I joined Suhail Bahwan Group, I am happy to have found a job where I am fully active for the whole day. The best part of my job is that I get good support from my colleagues and my superiors. This has helped me to discharge my duties and responsibilities in a better way. Now with years of experience I am eager to shoulder additional responsibilities, which my superiors have asked me take up.
What have you learnt on the job? As a public relations officer, my job has its own set of challenges, which I have to face on a daily basis as I have to deal with many government and private institutions. However, at times I face difficulties in dealing with the Ministry of Manpower officials while issuing and renewal of licenses for a large number of workers. My job has taught me to be calm and patient all the time and the same has been appreciated by my colleagues and superiors.
Is there any suggestion to improve work environment at SBGH? We need regular training courses that enhance our computer skills. At the same time especially for the Omanis it is important to conduct courses in English as it is the global language in businesses. Some courses on developing human resources and self-development also would be useful along with some latest updates on public relations as it is an important aspect for the development of any company.
What is your ambition in life‌? Future plans? My first priority is to complete a course in Public Relations as this would help me perform my duties in a better way and also help improve my career graph. I also want to reach a respectable position in this company with sincere hard work and dedication. I want to give all good things in life for my wife and daughter.
How have your parents influenced your life/career? Parents are the main support system in my life. They always encourage me to work hard and reach great heights in my life. If they had not supported my endeavours, I would not have reached this stage today.
How do you spend your leisure time? I spend my leisure time with my family, and I keep myself updated regularly on the latest happenings at the Arab and international arena by watching news in TV and reading newspapers daily.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 13
SUHAIL | Corporate news
Training Division conducts customer service training The Training division of Human Resources Department recently conducted an intensive course under the title of “Critical Elements of Customer Service in the Digital Era” for Bahwan Travel Agencies employees. The programme was included as part of SBGH strategy that in today’s social and digital media explosion, one satisfied customer experience can translate to thousands more and help businesses grow.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 14
SUHAIL | Company news
India’s prominent travel agency official visits Oman Mr. Jude D’Souza, Associate Vice President, FCM Travels, Mumbai travelled to Oman on a familiarisation trip with his family in October. The visit follows his discussion with the Ministry of Tourism, India office with FCM Travels to push Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) business from India to Oman. He had extensive discussions with Bahwan Travels and BTA hopes to leverage this visit to generate more MICE business.
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UK tour operator visits Oman to strengthen inbound tourism Ms. Helen Nelson, Product Manager, Ramblers World Holidays, UK, visited Oman on a familiarisation trip in November. Bahwan Tourism Inbound Division has been working with them to generate business from the UK. After the visit, the managing director and the management of Ramblers Holidays have agreed to promote Oman in their autumn/spring 2019/20 brochure.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan Tourism takes part in European Road Show 2018 Bahwan Tourism Inbound Division took part in the European Road Show 2018 at the invitation of Oman Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in November. The roadshows were held in Amsterdam, Milan & Rome where major Destination Management Companies and hoteliers from Oman participated. HE Ahmed Bin Nasser Al Mehrezi, Minister of Tourism, along with his team led the road shows. Bahwan Tourism Inbound Division was represented by Mr. Subrat Mishra, National Sales Manager – Inbound & Ms. Yousra Al Busaidi, Executive – Inbound division
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Russian tour operators visit Oman Russia has been one of the important tourism markets for Oman. With the recent relaxation of visa process for Russians by Oman this year and commencement of direct flights to Muscat in Oct. 2018, Bahwan Tourism is expecting a jump in inbound businesses from Russian market. One of our Russian agents, Ms. Irina, Director of ART Tour, who has been dealing with Bahwan Tourism for more than a decade, visited Oman on a familiarisation tour along with 12 prominent tour operators in November. Bahwan Tourism isexpecting a surge in Russian visitors in the coming year.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 17
SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan Tourism represented at Poland’s tourism event Ascope Hub Destination, Bahwan Tourism’s newly appointed market representative for Poland & Eastern Europe participated in the “Meet the Bidder” event held in Warsaw, Poland in November. Ascope Hub’s managing partners Mr. Alexander Skopetz and Ms. Sylwia Marszalik showcased Oman as an attractive destination among the B2B MICE operators from Poland & Eastern Europe with pre-arranged meetings with several buyers.
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BFT ties up with Chinese furniture manufacturing company Bahwan Furnishings and Trading (BFT) and Sunon Furniture China have entered into agency agreement recently where in BFT will represent Sunon products in Oman. Following the agreement BFT had sent its sales team Mr Madivanane K and Mr Chandra Mohan to Sunon Furniture Factory, in Hangzhou, China to get extensive, hands-on product training at their factory and to get toknow in detail about their entire product range. Sunon Furniture is the largest office furniture supplier in China based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, near Shanghai.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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SUHAIL | Company news
BPT conferred NEC Partner Excellence Award Bahwan Projects and Telecoms (BPT) was awarded the “NEC Partner Excellence” award for its top performance and excellent contribution recently. Paul Kievit, President of NEC Enterprise Solutions, presented the award to Mr. Yasser Mohamed Khier, General Manager, BPT, at a gala ceremony held on the sidelines of GITEX 2018 in Dubai. NEC , a leading IT and Communications solutions provider, whom BPT represents in Oman awards its top performing business partners in the enterprise ICT market in the Middle East region for their excellent performance over the past period. Mr. Mohammed Faiyaz Ahmed, who also attended the event, met the representatives from various compnaies such as NEC, Cisco, Avaya, Huawei, Oxygen, Planet Technologies, Fanvil, and Nantex and held discussions with them. The expo was a good business opportunity to witness new product launches, understand the current market scenario and competition in the Mena region.
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BPT takes customers to Leica Customer Experience Event Leica Switzerland, BPT’s partner for Geosystems business, organised a customer experience event in Dubai to showcase its new range of products and solutions in December. A series of seminars and hands-on demonstrations covering all Leica product range with Geomatics systems were conducted at the event.
The Ministry of Defence, which is planning to procure machine control and scanning solutions in 2019 deputed five key officials, who had detailed discussions with Leica Executive Vice-President Mr. Mark Concannon and his team. Mr. Saleh Mohammed Salem Al Barwani from MoD assured to support BPT/Leica by providing them business during 2019.
BPT invited officials from its key customers such as National Ravinder Raina from BPT accompanied the customers to Survey Authority, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Stragbag, Galfar coordinate and understand their requirements. and some consultants.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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SUHAIL | Company news
BPT staff attend technical training of new Leica products Leica, one of Bahwan Projects & Telecoms (BPT) major business partners, invited its dealers from the Middle East region for a technical training in Dubai in October. The aim of the event was to give introduction training for Leica DD220 & DD230 Smart Cable locators and refresher briefing on DS2000 Utility Detection Radar. Mr.Sukumar from BPT attended the training where demos and hands on training were given on DD220 and DD 230 smart locators using different techniques to detect the power and metal cables, mapping of the cables and data download to the software to participants. These products will soon be introduced in Oman market.
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BPT takes part in technical expo in Dubai A two-member team from Bahwan Projects &Telecoms (BPT) mechanical division Mr. Ravinder Raina, Assistant General Manager and Mr. Ashok Kumar, Senior Sales Executive, visited WETEX Exhibition held in Dubai recently. They met potential manufacturers, suppliers with a possibility to increase business for BPT. They met several officials including Mr. Gary Vincent, Managing Director of Elster Metering, UK and Ian Holmes-Higgin, Portfolio Leader on Residential Meters. The team also had a detailed meeting with Mr. Fernando Moreira, Vice President and Mr. Imran Khan, Technical Sales Engineer, Integra Metering, about the ultrasonic water meters. These products impressed many industry and utilities officials
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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SUHAIL | Company news
BPT installs 55m Telecom Tower at PDO’s Yibal Khuff Bahwan Projects and Telecoms (BPT) installed a 55meter telecom tower, which is mainly used for the telecommunication requirement for the Yibal Khuff CPF & power plant and related field areas. The tower will be used for the installation of TETRA communication antennas and cables, Wi-Fi system for Yibal Khuff Plant, long range CCTV camera and other future communication needs. PDO will also use this tower for eagle-eye surveillance to control “In and Out” activities in terms of security concerns in CPF and power plant area. The overall tower design and implementation of this selfsupporting tower was carried out by BPT O&G team.
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Bahwan Electronics’ business partner visits Oman A high level team from Midea Group, one of Bahwan Electronics’ principals, recently visited Oman to further strengthen their business relationship and their presence in Oman market. The delegation led by Ms.Mariana –President, Midea, Ms.Ada Han – Toshiba Management Head(MIB), Mr.Elvis Wang – General Manager (MME) and Mr.Pramod Singaluri – Regional Business Head (MME) held discussions with Mr Amit Nanani, General Manager and his team members. Midea Group is a world’s leading technologies group in consumer appliances, HVAC systems, robotics and industrial automation systems, and smart supply chain (logistics).
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
SUHAIL | 21
SUHAIL | Know your colleague
Know your
Colleague ‘‘ In today’s competitive market it is very important that our sales teams get updated with the latest in sales and negotiation skills with emphasis on training them to deal with different types of customers. ‘‘
Saleh Hamdoon Ali Al Musallami
Can you please tell us about yourself – your place of birth, family studies and initial career? I was born in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi in North Sharqiyah region in 1973. I am married and I have four sons and a daughter. I completed my elementary and preparatory school at Imam Ezzan Bin Tamim School in Samad As Shaan and my secondary school from Imam Al Muhanna Ibn Jafer school in Al Mudhaibi. In 1994, I joined the Suhail Bahwan Group at Bahwan Electronics. I was posted at the Makkaha Centre, Ruwi showroom to look after sales and after two years I moved to Muttrah showroom, where I worked for another two years.
What is your functional role? My responsibility is to deal with customers and get orders for the company. I also receive complaints from consumers and ensure they are rectified through our service division. I also deal with government institutions and ministries to cater to their electronics and appliances requirements. I am also responsible for following up the payments of the company and keep track of sales record with other companies and government entities. I am also familiar with all the products that are in the company’s warehouses that help me get orders.
Saleh Hamdoon Ali Al Musallami Assistant Manager Bahwan Electronics, Nizwa
How has been your work experience so far? After I joined Bahwan Electronics, I underwent a certificate course in English language as well as a marketing and sales course at the Technical
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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SUHAIL | Know your colleague and Administrative Training Institute with the support from the company. This has greatly helped me hone my skills to a large extent. I have served the group for 24 long years and I am currently an assistant manager. I have reached this position because of my sincere efforts, hard work and importantly the encouragement and support from my superiors and colleagues at work.
Which project or assignment has given you immense job satisfaction, and what have you learnt on the job? When Bahwan Electronics completed a project in one of the organistions, the payment was held up for a long time for reasons unknown. Despite repeated follow ups there were no positive results. Then the company entrusted me the job of getting the payment due. I took it as a challenge and after frequent visits and diligent follow up and liaison with senior officials, I got the payment released. This assignment gives me immense job satisfaction and I feel proud as my role was lauded and recognised by colleagues and higher officials in the company.
Do you have any suggestion to improve work environment? Training courses should be conducted for the sales and marketing at regular intervals so that they are updated about the market trend and their competitors. In today’s competitive market it is very important that our sales teams get updated with the latest in sales and negotiation skills with emphasis on training them to deal with different types of customers.
What is your ambition in life‌? Future plans? I would like to complete my higher studies in sales and marketing which in turn would help me perform better and achieve even better results in my job. With adequate experience and proper education qualifications I hope my career graph also will go up so that I can serve our Group in a much better way and in a higher capacity.
How have your parents influenced your life/career? Parents are my real backbone as they have continuously supported me in whatever I do. I have learnt a lot of good things from them. Right from my childhood till today they are my guiding force.
How do you spend your leisure time? I like to go on vacation trips, I also play soccer with my friends, and I spend most of my time with my family members.
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan Electronics and BMart employees enjoy a day out Muscat based Bahwan Electronics and BMart employees enjoyed a day out at Seeb beach in December. The near full-day activity was aimed at team-building, improving relationships through group activities and motivating the employees. A mix of sports, games and other fun-filled activities ensured teams from several functional departments coming together and getting to know each other much better.
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Bahwan Electronics Warehouse Sale a Huge Hit The year-end sale by Bahwan Electronics at the Ghala warehouse was a huge hit as hundreds of people thronged the place early in the morning to grab products that were on sale at heavily discounted prices!
October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan Healthcare receives Best Pharma Establishment Award Bahwan Healthcare Centre (BHC) has been recognised as one of the five best pharma establishments by the Director- General of Pharma Affairs and Drug Control, Ministry of Health (MoH). The award was given to BHC’s medical storage at the Central Warehousing and Distribution Centre in Misfah. The MoH selected BHC for its outstanding services to the public and for maintaining best quality standards in pharmaceutical service. Congrats Pharma team!!
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BHC receives coveted ISO certification Bahwan Healthcare Centre (BHC) reached another milestone after being awarded the coveted ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification by Bureau Veritas – a global leader in certification services and accredited by UKAS, UK’s National Accreditation Body. Mr. Sanjay Suri, General Manager, BHC, accepted the certification from Mr. Alireza Lesan, Operations ManagerCertification, Bureau Veritas Middle East in the presence of Mr. Twinkle Chackola, Manager-Sales & Marketing, Bureau Veritas Middle East and the BHC team at a ceremony held at the Group’s headquarters Al Rawaq recently. The ISO certification is the most widely accepted and trusted quality management system globally for any business that assures our customers will continue to receive the best quality products & services from BHC.
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan Healthcare Centre and Partner Organise Live Demo of Coronary Procedure Bahwan Healthcare Centre (BHC) and its valued partner Medtronic recently organised a live broadcast of a coronary procedure held in Paris, France to a gathering of around 20 participants mainly intervention cardiologists, technologists and nursing staff from National Heart Center and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. After the live broadcast, the participants had a good interaction with the proctors in Paris on handling various critical coronary procedures.
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Bahwan Healthcare supports Oman Diabetes Association’s insulin pump club event Bahwan Healthcare recently sponsored the first annual meeting of insulin pump club in Oct, organized by Oman Diabetes Association. The Chief Guest was Her Highness sayyida Horia ben Asaad AL Said. Dr. Nour AlBusaidy, Chairman of Oman Diabetes Association was also present. Around 80 diabetic patients and their family members attended the educative and informative session that covered insulin pump usage update, diabetes awareness and few other entertainment activities. Bahwan healthcare was presented with a recognition award by Oman Diabetes Association for supporting the event.
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SUHAIL | Company news
BHC supports national level blood donation campaign to enter Guinness World Record Bahwan Healthcare Centre (BHC) recently extended its support to a national level blood donation campaign organized by the Department of Blood Bank services, Ministry of Health in association with Ministry of Health Employees Fund. The campaign was held on the same day on 21 November across the country with Blood Bank professionals collecting blood from donors at several centres and achieved the Guinness World Record of “the most people to sign up to donate Blood in 8 hrs – Multiple venues”.
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Bahwan Healthcare and partner conduct Oman’s first Transfusion Science programme Bahwan Healthvcare Centre in association with its principal, BioRad recently conducted International Transfusion Science Course for the first time in Oman dedicated to key clients, especially transfusion experts and opinion leaders in the field from Europe, Middle East & Africa. Inaugurated by Ms. Ann Madden, BioRad Vice President & General Manager of Immunohematology Division, the programme included a broad range of lectures reviewing theories in Immunohematology and transfusion science along with a special interactive session featuring complex case studies.
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SUHAIL | Company news
BHC sponsors Scientific Day Continuing with its support to Oman’s medical industry initiatives, Bahwan Healthcare Centre (BHC) sponsored the Fifth Cardiac Cath Lab Scientific Day organised by National Heart Centre and Oman Heart Association in December. Around 120 participants attended from Oman where BHC displayed product details of cardiac implantable devices. BHC team explained the benefit of our products to key customers and visitors.
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American Spine Center conducts seminar on neck and back pain American Spine Center in association with Muscat Family Physicians’ Group organised a medical seminar on Neck & Back Pain – Non Surgical Options recently. Dr. Gourishankar Patnaik, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics & Spine Surgeon at the American Spine Center, explained non-surgical treatment/options such as oral & injectable medications, massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, psychotherapy and counselling. He said that all these forms of treatment improves quality of life of the ailing patients. Dr. Sanjay Dalal – Coordinator “Muscat Family Physicians” said the seminar was aimed at spreading awareness on neck, back and spine problems and the latest treatment available. He also promised to organise more such seminars in future. Around 70 doctors practicing in Muscat governorate including senior spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons, internists, ayurvedic, homeopaths, physiotherapists and many family physicians of the group attended the seminar.
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan IT team demonstrates sporting spirit in football tournament Anywhere any day, football is a game of team spirit and joy. To experience this, Bahwan IT organized a football tournament at Bousher Olympic Center in Dec 2018. All the football lovers from Bahwan IT formed teams and had great matches. After an exciting and electrifying tournament the team led by Ahmed Omair Al Balushi took the champion’s trophy. Some of the extra ordinary football talents observed on ground were Jasim Al Balushi, Tariq Al Zadjali, Murali Paruthippura, Mutasim Al-Nasri, Rabia Al Amri, Ibrahim Al Balushi, Boominathan, Iqbal Kazi, Akhil Bagayatkar, Ammar Sawalmeh, Nawaf Ahmed Darwish Al-Hamadani, Mohammed Said Rashid Al-Habsi, Haitham Abdullah Nasser Al-Maad and few others as well. Most of the family members also joined to witness the amazing evening and cheer for their favorite players’ team.
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BIT Gladiators battles it out at IT Premier League “BIT Gladiators”, Bahwan IT’s cricket team lost to Spartan 11 in the finals of the IT Premier League cricket match held at the Mabelah cricket ground recently. In a keenly fought match, BIT Gladiators, the reigning champion, was overpowered by the Spartans with some excellent display of cricket. Well played BIT Gladiators!!!
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan IT and Huawei hold seminar on digital transformation Bahwan IT and its business partner Huawei jointly conducted a seminar titled ‘Roads to Digital Transformation’ in December. The event was primarily to announce to the Oman customers about the Huawei-Bahwan IT association and also to showcase Huawei’s solutions to the digital transformation addressing real world technology solutions. During the seminar, Bahwan IT was presented with the Enterprise Gold partner certificate for the year 2019.
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BIT and Cisco systems conduct seminar on cyber security Bahwan IT recently conducted a seminar on cyber security in association with Cisco systems, one of its business partners and the leading cyber security company providing advanced cyber security solutions to customers. The seminar highlighted solutions and gave a live demonstration on DNS security, stealwatch (forensic solutions) to participants. The seminar was attended by cyber security specialists from various ministries and private enterprises. Ms. Sally Harby from Cisco highlighted about the security solutions.
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SUHAIL | Company news
Cisco senior officials visit BIT Cisco senior officials Mr. Shukri Eid Atari-Managing Director, Mr. Ali Lawati –General Manager and Mr. Ranjit Rath, Channel Manager, recently visited Oman and met BIT officials to discuss business and assure its full support to BIT. The team discussed focus area in Oman in terms of networking, security, analytics and artificial intelligence.
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Bahwan IT staff celebrates Indian festival of lights In a spirit of togetherness and bonhomie, Bahwan IT staff celebrated Diwali – the Indian festival lights along with their family members. The place was decorated with traditional lamps, candles and flowers followed by traditional dance and cultural programmes by colourfully dressed children and adults. The event was enjoyed by everyone and it gave Bahwan IT family one more occasion to share and enjoy their rich heritage together.
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan IT and Business partner organize roadshow for Sohar clients Bahwan IT along with its business partner VMWare Technology conducted a road show exclusively for their Sohar customers in December. Mr. Hisham, VMWare Specialist, spoke and explained about modernizing the data centers, integrate public clouds, empowering the digital workspace and transformation of network & security. The event was attended by key customers of BIT in Sohar including Orpic, Sohar Aluminium, Oman Aluminium Rolling Company, Sohar University and Sohar Industrial Port Company etc.
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Bahwan IT conducts Microsoft workshop for Electricity Holding Company Bahwan IT conducted a Microsoft workshop for Electricity Holding Company and its subsidiaries (Nama Group) on the Microsoft Office 365 and Security products in October. Employees from the IT departments from all the subsidiary companies attended the workshop. Nama Group has Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection and Windows Advanced Threat Protection as part of their Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. Bahwan IT has implemented the Office 365 & Windows APT in each of their subsidiaries. The event was well received by Nama and Microsoft team.
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan IT and Fortinet organise security event Bahwan IT along with its platinum partner Fortinet, organised a Fortinet security event at Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton Hotel recently. The event was attended by top officials from the ministries. Fadi Yehia, Country Manager of Fortinet, Oman, welcomed the gathering and the new and advanced security solutions from Fortinet were presented by its system engineers Mr. Tony and Mr. Hadi at the event.
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Two projects of Bahwan IT and MITECH win prestigious His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence Two e-government projects executed by Bahwan IT & MITECH won the “His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in eGovernment� award. It is a matter of pride and great achievement to win two of the seven government sector awards among the 64 national IT projects that were vying for top honours. The Best eServices project for Supporting G2E Business for 2018 was awarded to the Ministry of Environment & Climate Affairs for its eServices project that was fully designed, developed and delivered by Bahwan IT. The Best Full Government Project for 2018 was awarded to the Royal Oman Police for its Bayan Project that was designed, developed and delivered by MITECH along with Crimson Logic. The HM award is the highest recognition in the Sultanate where the ITA along with the external jury evaluates and awards the best IT projects in the country.
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SUHAIL | Know your colleague
Know your
Colleague ‘‘ Life is full of challenges but if you face them with smile and determination, you will easily achieve great things life. Be active and energetic and wear a smile always. ‘‘ Said Salim Said Al Subhi Please tell us about yourself. I was born in the Wilayat of Sohar in Al Batinah governorate in 1959. I am blessed with seven sons and four daughters and I currently reside in Wadi Al Abyad in the Wilayat of Nakhl.
Brief us on your educational background. I completed my basic education from the Saidia School in Muscat and then joined the Sultan’s Armed Forces School, and entered the Royal Air Force of Oman in 1976. I enrolled directly to the aeronautical engineering course where I attended many courses over several years in the UK and honed my skills.
Please tell us about your professional career? I retired from the armed forces services in 2005, but still I wanted to work as I am quite energetic and active by nature. After taking a short break for a year, I got the opportunity to join Bahwan Logistics Company. I like the work environment here and I am happy to be part of the Suhail Bahwan Group. Now I have completed 12 years and still my spirits are high to serve the company in my full capacity.
What is your functional role? At Bahwan Logistics, I am in-charge of liaising and getting permits from the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Royal Oman Police for transporting heavy duty gas equipment and generators, received from across the world and from the GCC countries coming through land or sea ports.
Which project or assignment has given you immense job satisfaction, and what have you learnt on the job?
Said Salim Said Al Subhi Deputy Manager Bahwan Logistics LLC
My job is quite challenging as it involves timely delivery of permits to transporters however every time when I get a permit on time, it gives me immense job satisfaction. But one assignment etched in my memory is when an oversized cargo was held up at the Duqm port for want of a permit.
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SUHAIL | Know your colleague The cargo transport was getting delayed and it was my responsibility to get the cargo released from the port somehow. I put my best efforts and my relationship with the Ministry of Transport and Communications and managed to meet the undersecretary and explained to him the situation. He readily helped me arranged for the required permit to be issued. This initiative was lauded by my superiors.
Is there any suggestion to improve work environment? Providing training at regular intervals is very important for employees. It helps them to upgrade their skills that would improve their productivity at work. Since logistics sector is very vast, employees need to keep abreast of the changes happening in the logistics industry so that they discharge their responsibilities diligently.
What is your ambition in life‌? Future plans? I have fulfilled most of my responsibilities towards my family and I want to retire on a high note from the Suhail Bahwan Group. The Group has given me everything that I aspired for after my service at the armed forces. I am grateful and thankful to chairman Sheikh Suhail Bahwan and Sheikha Amal Bahwan for providing me the opportunity to serve the company with all responsibilities.
Who has influenced your life greatly? Parents are one of the greatest blessings that the God has given to mankind. They are the main support system in my life Had they been not there I would not have reached anywhere in life. They have stood like a rock and supported me in all my endeavors.
How do you spend your leisure time? I spend my holidays with my parents and children and I like to read books and watch football matches.
What is your message to your colleagues and children? Life is full of challenges but if you face them with smile and determination, you will easily overcome and achieve great things life. Be active and energetic and wear a smile always.
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan Logistics showcases capabilities at global logistics forum Bahwan Logistics, as the Platinum sponsor of the IRU World Congress, made a significant presence and gained lots of business leads at the global event held in Muscat in November 2018. The event was inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan. After the inauguration, HH Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq al Said made a tour of the exhibition centre and stopped over at Bahwan Logistics stall and appreciated our presence at the event. Teams from Bahwan Logistics, HR and Admn and Media ensured to maximise our presence and marketing efforts at the event. In addition to participating in the seminars and proceedings, Bahwan Logistics team also made exclusive business presentations to potential international clients. A marketing promotional video highlighting Bahwan Logistics’ capabilities and infrastructure was shown to visitors. A marketing literature showcasing its expertise in providing end-to-end logistics solutions was also distributed to visitors. Bahwan Logistics has received several enquiries and business leads which the team is following up actively postevent.
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SUHAIL | Company news
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SUHAIL | Company news
Bahwan IT and HPE organise technology roadshow Bahwan IT along with its business partners Veeam and HPE conducted a technology road show in Muscat in October. The event introduced HPE’s latest Intelligent all flash storage for 24/7 availability of data with a multiple level of deduplication of data for optimal storage. It also highlighted data protection solutions offered by Veeam backup software for a complete data protection rather than just backup. The attendees included BIT’s top customers from PDO, Orpic, Diwan of Royal Court and many others.
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BIT team attends global event Huawei Connect 2018 As the biggest and best partners for the Huawei Enterprise Business Group in Oman, BIT team was invited to attend the Huawei Connect-Shanghai 2018, a conference for the global ICT ecosystem held in October. Over 25,000 visitors and more than 1,500 partners from around the world including industry leaders shared ideas, explored technologies, and joined forces for shared growth at the event where more than 200 sessions were held. The event provided BIT with the opportunity to meet the best minds in the industry to chart the way forward and explore new opportunities and new streams of business in the technology space.
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SBGH in the NEWS
SUHAIL | Kaleidoscope
Fatimah Al Zahra Mosque Chairman’s new gift to Al Hail As part of the Al Hail Greens Development project at North Mawelah in Muscat, a prestigious project of our Chairman Sheikh Suhail Bahwan’s Charity foundation, a new mosque has been completed and opened for residents. Built on a 12,000 Sqm of plot of land, the Fatimah Al Zahra Mosque has a built up area of 5000 SQm with capacity for 3000 people to pray - a new and beautiful landmark adding to the beauty of Al hail area. The mosque has a unique architecture combining contemporary and Omani style. The contemporary style façade is made up with combination of glass and marble and has distinctive façade lighting, adding to the beauty during evening when lit. The dome has intricate design made of layered glass with customized chandelier, one of its kinds in Muscat. The Mosque has been designed by architect Dr. Farooq Yaghmour from Amman, Jordan and was executed by Projects and Interior Design Department. The Al Hail Greens Development is a very passionate integrated real estate project of Chairman.
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May Allah bless our Chairman for his generous heart and contributing such wonderful monuments for the present and future generations. October-December 2018 | Issue 19
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Down the Memory Lane…. During the course of Suhail Bahwan Group’s 50 years’ history, we have come across several events/occasions and landmarks many of which have been photographed and preserved for posterity. In this issue, we present you with a set of rare photographs of our Chairman Sheikh Suhail Bahwan on various occasions.
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