Latest news with #OOC
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
'Sports Marketing and Investment' seminar organised
Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), represented by the Olympic Academy of Oman, organised a specialised seminar titled "Sports Marketing and Investment" yesterday, Tuesday, at its headquarters. This initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance modern economic concepts within the sports sector and explore diversified financial support for sports entities and institutions. The seminar aimed to highlight the importance of shifting from traditional reliance on sponsors to innovative and sustainable financing models. This move aims to strengthen Oman's sports infrastructure and support the goals of Vision 2040 in integrating sports as a contributing sector to the national economy. The seminar covered concepts of sports marketing from a civilisational and strategic perspective, discussing challenges in diversifying income sources. It emphasised building effective commercial partnerships beyond traditional sponsorship. Additionally, it discussed sports investment as promising economic opportunities and the importance of developing an investor-friendly environment aligned with international practices. Sajjad bin Mohammed al Lawati, Vice-President of the Oman Table Tennis Federation, presented various models and examples reflecting the current landscape of sports marketing, its opportunities and challenges. He stressed the need to broaden public understanding of sports' dual role as an economic and social value. The seminar also highlighted successful practices in sports investment and underscored the importance of networking between sports institutions and both public and private sectors. This networking enhances the sports system's financial self-sufficiency and helps achieve its developmental objectives. This seminar aligns with the Olympic Academy of Oman's direction to provide educational and training programmes that respond to institutional development needs in the sports sector. It aims to enhance its capacity to address economic challenges through scientific and practical methods.
Observer
7 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Secretary-General of OOC receives president of IBSF
Abdullah bin Mohammed Bamakhalef, Secretary-General of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), received Mubarak Hamad Al Khaterin, President of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF), on Sunday at the OOC headquarters, as part of his official visit to the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting focused on exploring avenues of mutual cooperation between both parties, including opportunities to further develop the sport of billiards and snooker at both the national and international levels. Discussions highlighted the importance of keeping pace with the sport's global progress and enhancing its competitive presence. The two sides also exchanged views on supporting relevant programs and initiatives, and emphasised the significance of establishing effective channels of communication between the OOC and the International Federation to support the sport's growth in line with global standards. IBSF president toured the Oman Olympic Museum This meeting comes as part of the OOC's continued efforts to strengthen ties with international sports organisations and expand collaborative opportunities that align with its goals of advancing the sports sector in accordance with best international practices. As part of the visit, Mubarak Hamad Al Khaterin toured the Oman Olympic Museum, located within the OOC premises, where he viewed exhibitions, archival documents, and models that chronicle the journey of sports in Oman and the nation's participation in Olympic, regional and international events.
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
CN Bio introduces cross-species DILI services to enhance
CAMBRIDGE, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CN Bio, a leading provider of Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems and solutions that accelerate drug discovery and development workflows, has introduced two new animal microphysiological system (MPS) models that enhance translatability in preclinical drug safety and toxicology assessments to its Contract Research Services (CRS). Building upon the Company's FDA-recognized drug induced liver injury (DILI) assay, the expanded offering enables rapid, comparative studies between commonly used animal and human models to flag interspecies differences early, and better informs in vivo study design. Traditional human in vitro methods have limited capacity to accurately determine drug toxicity. Added to this, the discrepancies between these methods and in vivo animal studies make it challenging to accurately predict safety risks for humans during preclinical testing. Often, unsafe drug candidates are wrongly progressed, and potentially life-saving ones are misclassified and abandoned, ultimately impacting clinical progression. In response to growing market demand for tools that address these concerns, CN Bio has expanded the in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) capabilities of its established PhysioMimix ® DILI assay, adding the ability to easily compare results across human-, rat-, and dog-derived Liver-on-a-chip models. These assays offer a modernized workflow to generate predictive and actionable insights that mitigate the risk of costly, late-stage conflicting data, and reduce unnecessary animal use by providing early warning of hepatotoxicity/DILI prior to in vivo studies. Accessible through the Company's CRS, the new offering harnesses the longstanding expertise of CN Bio's scientific team to provide detailed data analysis, optimized outcomes, and data-driven conclusions beyond what is achievable using existing in vitro models. The assay enables a broad range of longitudinal and endpoint testing for DILI-specific biomarkers from single- or repeat-dosing studies over a 14-day experimental window. This provides a more comprehensive overview of underlying mechanisms of hepatotoxicity or latent effects of drug candidates to improve IVIVE assessment and streamline clinical progression. Dr Emily Richardson, Lead Scientist, Safety and Toxicology, CN Bio, said: 'Understanding safety risks is critical to successful drug development, however, fundamental physiological and biological differences between species can lead to inaccuracies in predictions, often causing drug candidates to be wrongfully abandoned as toxic, or worse, mistakenly classified as safe.' She added: 'Having established our DILI assay as an industry leading option to garner more valuable insights across the development pipeline, we were in an ideal position to expand its capabilities and address this crucial gap in understanding hepatotoxicity using the most commonly used animal models. Partnering with us to utilize this powerful service not only ensures robust and reliable results but also provides access to a team of Organ-on-a-chip experts, who are invested in your success; to de-risk your pipeline and move it forward with confidence.'
Observer
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Sayyid Shihab opens National Olympic Shooting Complex
MUSCAT: The National Olympic Shooting Complex (NOSC) in Muscat was opened on Monday under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs. The facility's opening is in line with Oman's ongoing development and modernisation process, with the aim of harnessing all capabilities to maintain high national standards. At the outset of the ceremony, HH Sayyid Shihab unveiled the commemorative plaque, marking the official inauguration of the National Olympic Shooting Complex - Muscat. The attendees then watched a visual presentation on the stages of construction of the NOSC, its facilities, services and its modern technologies and equipment. Then, HH Sayyid Shihab toured the facilities of the NOSC and listened to a briefing about every shooting range and its supporting units. HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said tours the National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat. Sayyid Shihab opens National Olympic Shooting Complex On this occasion, HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), said that the National Olympic Shooting Complex - Muscat constitutes a sporting accomplishment. He pointed out that the NOSC serves as a leading destination for sports talents, an incubator for marksmanship and a podium for hosting local and international events. 'This achievement reflects constant support to the sports sector by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and highlights the vital role of sports as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development in the Sultanate of Oman,' HH Sayyid Azzan added. Vice-Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), Chairman of Oman Shooting Association, said that the National Olympic Shooting Complex - Muscat is an achievement that consolidates the Sultanate of Oman's position as an incubator for sporting excellence. He added that the facility serves as home for competencies and skills and a spacious arena for crowning Olympic champions and embracing achievements. HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said inspects the facilities at the National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat. HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said inspects the facilities at the National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat. He added that the NOSC boasts advanced facilities and features a strategic vision that elevates the status of human resources under the Royal patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, who places the advancement of sports among top priorities of comprehensive development, in line with Oman Vision 2040. The NOSC was built in accordance with the highest international specifications and standards approved by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), to meet the technical and organisational requirements that are required by the Olympic sport of shooting. The NOSC stands out as a comprehensive edifice for all shooters in Oman, embracing their ambitions and providing them with the best environment for training, competition and excellence. It is a milestone in the march of Oman Modern Renaissance and a clear symbol of the progress achieved by the Sultanate of Oman in the field of sports infrastructure. The NOSC is an embodiment of the Royal vision for empowering human resources and backing Omani sports at regional, continental and international levels. HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said tours the National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat. The shooting facility at the National Olympic Shooting Complex. The shooting facility at the National Olympic Shooting Complex. SHOOTING RANGES The complex's main building extends over an area of 2,400 square metres and it includes a spacious open hall, administrative offices, a warehouse for weapons and a store for ammunition, in addition to a restaurant and a media broadcasting room that keeps pace with the aspirations of digital and visual coverage of tournaments and events. The NOSC also includes a 10-metre shooting range that occupies an area of 2,700 square metres, includes 80 targets and accommodates 80 shooters at one time. It also includes a 25-metre shooting range that occupies an area of 2,900 square metres and includes 50 targets that can accommodate 50 shooters at the same time. The facility also includes a 50-metre shooting range that occupies an area of 2,600 square metres, comprising 80 targets that can accommodate 80 shooters at one time. This makes the NOSC one of the most prominent shooting ranges in the region. The facility also has a large hall designated for final competitions. The hall occupies an area of 1,600 square metres and it can accommodate 10 shooters. The opening ceremony was attended by government officials, the chairman of Oman Shooting Association, senior officers of the SAF and other military and security services and members of Oman Shooting Association. — ONA
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Korea Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Bridge to Africa] Kenya urges Korea to fast-track maritime, mineral cooperation
Kenyan minister suggests Korea–Africa trade expos, digital platforms to bridge gap in Korean businesses' limited knowledge of African markets Kenya is calling on Korea to deepen maritime and mineral cooperation through accelerated technology transfers, said Hassan Ali Joho, Kenya's Cabinet secretary for mining, blue economy and maritime affairs, in an interview with The Korea Herald. 'We are looking for Korean support in building infrastructure for fisheries, training human resources, transferring fish processing technologies and advancing the blue economy through expert collaboration,' he said. Joho was in Busan to attend the 10th Our Ocean Conference, held from April 28 to 30. According to Joho, Kenya aims to enhance marine sustainability by expanding "Marine Protected Areas," improving coastal pollution control and involving local communities in conservation efforts. Highlighting 50 years of Kenya-Korea ties, Joho referenced memorandums of understanding on the blue economy and fisheries signed during the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, along with a draft proposal for mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates to boost Kenyan employment on Korean vessels. Joho outlined Kenya's interest in creating frameworks for certificate recognition under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as well as launching student and trainer exchanges in maritime education, joint research and technical support in fisheries development. 'Kenya has been selected to host the 11th edition of the OOC in 2026,' Joho told The Korea Herald. As Kenya prepares to host the next OOC, Joho praised Korea's achievements in marine conservation and port management as a model for Kenya's own strategy. Discussing the seaweed sector, Joho revealed Kenya's plans to expand seaweed farming through new sites, deep-sea cultivation and industrial development. 'This will require Korean technical expertise and research support. Korea has valuable experience in building a sustainable seaweed industry,' he added. However, Joho also acknowledged challenges in the Korea-Africa business environment. 'Many Korean businesses have limited knowledge of African markets, regulations, consumer behavior and investment opportunities,' he pointed out. 'Likewise, African enterprises often lack access to information about Korean technologies and standards.' To bridge this gap, Joho recommends establishing more joint business forums, Korea–Africa trade expos and digital platforms for greater commercial visibility. 'We must also strengthen the role of embassies and trade missions to facilitate better cooperation,' he added. Commending Korea for its role in maritime training, Joho highlighted ongoing cooperation between Kenyan institutions, such as Bandari Maritime Academy, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Mount Kenya University and Pioneer International University, and Korea's Maritime Education Training Support Center. He noted that Korean instructors and retired seafarers have helped train Kenyan cadets, offering valuable international exposure. Joho also urged Korea to view Kenya as a strategic partner in critical minerals. 'Kenya recognizes and appreciates the role Korean companies play in the global mineral trade, particularly in green and critical minerals,' said Joho. 'To complement one another, Kenya proposes to advance Korean interests in the supply of mineral resources.' He outlined potential areas for collaboration, including strengthening Kenya's value-addition capabilities, developing mineral smelting technologies, supporting rural cottage industries and pursuing joint research in green technology-related mineral processing. 'Korean investment in the entire value chain — from exploration to final products — will be key to inclusive growth,' he emphasized. On the regional front, Joho detailed Kenya's efforts to strengthen maritime security under the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment. 'Initiatives like Exercise Usalama Baharini 2024 and the upcoming Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement 2025 underscore our commitment to maritime safety and tackling illicit activities,' he said. He also pointed to Kenya's leadership in promoting a regional cabotage regime to boost intra-African trade in the African Continental Free Trade Area. 'This culminated in Kenya hosting the African Cabotage and Blue Economy Conference in 2023,' he recalled, adding that as of January this year Kenya has eased travel requirements for African nationals, exempting most from the electronic travel authorization process. 'This is part of a broader push to increase intra-African trade and investment,' he added. Profile: Hassan Ali Joho is a Kenyan politician currently serving as the Cabinet secretary for mining, blue economy, and maritime affairs. He began his political career in 2004 and was elected as a member of parliament for Kisauni in 2007. From 2013 to 2022, he was the first governor of Mombasa County and has held positions such as assistant minister for transport, national organizing secretary and deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement. Joho is a member of the International Steering Committee of the Strong Cities Network, promoting peace and security. sanjaykumar@
