The built-up to the 10th anniversary edition of Oman Awards for Excellence was launched yesterday with the programme committee of Ernst & Young, Trowers and Hamlins and Apex Press and Publishing promising several changes to this year's programme while enhancing quality and business community participation.

For the first time, a new category of award will recognize the achievements of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman, besides a special 10th anniversary award to a company which has consistently participated in the competition in the last 10 years. The special anniversary award is not open for competition and will be decided by the programme committee.

Three new sponsors -Bank Sohar, Oman Wastewater Services Company and the Fund for Development of Youth Projects- have strongly endorsed the awards, backing the People Development Award, Environmental Award and Small/Medium Enterprise of the Year Award respectively.

The coveted Flame of Excellence Award will be sponsored by BankMuscat for a record 10th year while a sponsor for the Exporter Award will be announced soon. The Oman Awards for Excellence recognize the achievements of best performance by private sector companies and individuals.

"Our award categories have always focused on key areas driving growth in the private sector of Oman, and this year, celebrating our tenth anniversary is no exception," said Philip Stanton of Ernst & Young.

Submission of online award applications begins on March 1 and closes on March 31 on the new Oman Awards for Excellence website, www.omanawards.com, redesigned by Omania E-Commerce, the programme's e-solutions partner. Five finalists will be short-listed for the Flame of Excellence Award while three finalists will be announced for the other four categories.

The gala award ceremony will be held on May 10 at Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. About 500 attendees are expected at the annual event celebrating excellence in performance by the private sector in Oman.

Shaikha al Farsi from BankMuscat said the leading bank was glad to continue the sponsorship of Oman Excellence Awards. “We appreciate the successful organizing of the awards programme which encourages competition among the private sector companies and enriches the economy of Oman and welfare of the people.”

Malak al Shaibani said the Fund for Development of Youth Projects (FDYP) was delighted to sponsor the SME award. The FDYP has a new identity in facilitating SMEs, which have a tremendous role to play in Oman's economy, Malak noted. The role of SMEs needs to be further recognized and encouraged, she added.

H. V. Seshadri from Bank Sohar said it was a privilege to sponsor the People Development Award. “Bank Sohar is firmly committed to excelling in its field of operation and the association with the Oman Excellence Awards perfectly fits in with the bank's corporate ethos”.

Rosemary Campbell from Oman Wastewater Services Company said the sponsoring of the Environmental Award reflected the company's efforts to raise awareness on environment conservation, particularly in the backdrop of climate changes sweeping across the world. “We are keen to encourage business houses to adhere to environmental conservation.”