Shaping Tomorrow, Today: Oman Shell and SQU Mark Successful Completion Of Nxplorers Pro Pilot Phase
Oman Shell, in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), celebrated the successful completion of the pilot phase of its flagship university-level innovation program, NXplorers Pro, during a special closing ceremony held at SQU.
The event marked the culmination of a transformative learning journey designed to empower students with the tools and mindset to tackle complex, interconnected challenges facing Oman and the world.
Launched earlier this year, NXplorers Pro is a next-generation educational initiative aimed at pre-graduate students. It builds on the success of the original Shell NXplorers program—first introduced in 2018 with the Ministry of Education—and elevates it by introducing university students to NXthinking, a unique methodology combining systems thinking, scenario planning, and change management.
The closing ceremony provided a platform for participating students to showcase their innovative projects in a curated exhibition, with two representatives from each team presenting solutions related to key areas such as food security, water management, energy sustainability, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event was graced by Dr. Salim Al Harthi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Community Service at SQU, who toured the student showcase and presented awards to the top-performing teams in recognition of their creativity, collaboration, and potential for real-world impact.
Speaking at the event, Malak Al-Shaibani, General Manager, Corporate Relations and In-Country Value at Oman Shell, remarked: “NXplorers Pro represents our belief that the most meaningful solutions emerge when young people are empowered to think differently. This program isn't just about developing skills, it's about nurturing a generation of critical thinkers and responsible innovators. We are proud to witness the passion and ingenuity these students have demonstrated, and we’re excited to continue building a future where they are not only participants but leaders in shaping Oman’s sustainable journey.”
From SQU, Dr. Salim Al Harthi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Community Service, shared his perspective on the significance of the program: “The NXplorers Pro program has brought theory to life, transforming classrooms into real-world labs of innovation. Our students didn’t just learn; they explored, collaborated, and created. This collaboration with Oman Shell is a milestone in how academia and industry can come together to empower youth. The passion, depth, and originality shown by these students today give us great confidence in the future leaders we are helping shape.”
As the curtain falls on the pilot phase of NXplorers Pro, the energy and ideas generated by its participants signal only the beginning of a broader movement. Oman Shell and Sultan Qaboos University reaffirm their shared vision to expand the program’s reach, integrate its methodology into higher education, and foster an ecosystem where innovation, sustainability, and youth empowerment go hand in hand.
With these bright minds leading the way, the future of Oman is not just in good hands, it is in inspired ones.
