MUSCAT: The second edition of Campus Talks concluded successfully at Muscat College on Monday, bringing together industry leaders, technology experts and students for an engaging discussion on “The AI Generation: Preparing for the Future of Work.”

Organised by The Arabian Stories and powered by Deepal, the event featured a panel discussion with Anum Kamran, Vice President at Techoman; Saud Al Zakwani, Vice President of Information Digital Solutions & CI at OQ Exploration & Production; and Beylasan Al Ruzaiqi, Data Science Engineer at ONSOR, who shared insights on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the evolving workplace.

Addressing attendees, Nishad Padiyarath, CEO of The Arabian Stories, said the initiative was created to bridge the gap between academia and industry by exposing students to real-world experiences and emerging trends.

“The future belongs to those who are willing to learn, adapt and embrace change. The conversations we have today can inspire the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders,” he said.

During the discussion, Al Zakwani highlighted the growing importance of problem-solving skills in the AI era, sharing the story of a recent graduate who used AI-powered coding tools to rapidly develop a prototype solution for a business challenge.

“If you graduate with problem-solving skills, regardless of whether you use AI, a computer or a calculator, that sets you apart. Organisations ultimately value people who can solve real problems and create impact,” he said.

He noted that AI is reshaping traditional business processes and enabling individuals and startups to innovate faster than ever before.

“The companies and individuals who succeed will be those who identify a problem that no one else has solved and focus on delivering that solution. Skill has become the most valuable currency in today’s world,” he added.

Speaking on the practical application of artificial intelligence, Al Ruzaiqi stressed the importance of understanding both the capabilities and limitations of AI.

“Many organisations say they want AI, but they do not always have a clearly defined problem to solve. Professionals need to develop the ability to understand when, how and why AI should be used, while also recognising its limitations and risks,” she said.

Kamran urged students to view AI as a tool for empowerment rather than competition.

“We are not competing with AI; we need to utilise AI to our advantage. While AI can automate many tasks, it cannot replace human curiosity, empathy and the ability to truly understand customers. The people who will succeed are those who effectively combine AI with human intelligence,” she said.

The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing students to engage directly with the speakers on career opportunities, digital transformation and the future of work.

Campus Talks is a knowledge-sharing platform launched by The Arabian Stories to connect students with leaders and industry experts through meaningful conversations on technology, business, leadership and innovation.