by Oman Observer

MUSCAT — Tariq Al Barwani, the Sultanate's IT whiz kid, has become the first Omani student to graduate with a Masters degree in Information Technology from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia.

Al Barwani attained a distinction average in the 11-month course at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus.

Al Barwani talent was recognised by the Faculty of Information and Communications Technology when he was selected from 200 students to work as a tutor in the advanced web technologies subject during the second semester. He had attained outstanding marks in the subject in the first semester.

Al Barwani said what set Swinburne apart from other universities was that it offered IT courses that were highly relevant to the needs of the industry. “Unlike other universities, Swinburne’s courses are practical as well as being theory-based. I chose to study at Swinburne because the university offers cutting-edge IT courses and technology that ensure graduates are ahead of the rest in the job market. I also gained a lot of valuable experience working for the ICT faculty at Swinburne.

As an international student, I had the benefit of meeting other students from around the world, as well as Australian students, and sharing and exchanging information with them. This is the sort of valuable international experience that is highly sought after in the workplace,” he said.
Tariq gained his undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Computer Science with honours, at one of Canada’s top universities, the University of Acadia. Now, back in the Sultanate, his main aim is to “serve my people and put Oman firmly on the global IT map”.