A national student design competition has been launched by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) to find the visual brand that will reflect the uniqueness of Oman-made goods and services, with a RO500 cash prize for the winner.Oman-based students of all nationalities are being invited to enter the competition, which will provide the Origin Oman campaign with a distinctive logo that will be used on letterheads, signage and advertising as well as on the Internet.
Judges for the competition have been drawn from the media and design sectors and represent those working at the forefront of Oman’s creative industries.
Origin Oman is a new think, buy and eat local business initiative spearheaded by PEIE. “In simple terms, the campaign aims to preserve and enhance the economic, human and natural vitality of Oman’s communities by promoting the importance of purchasing locally made products and services,” says Nasser Al Rahbi, PEIE’s Media Co-ordinator.
“Origin Oman certainly isn’t a militant 'buy only Oman' initiative,” says Al Rahbi, “it’s a balanced and rational campaign that is more about educating consumers and institutional buyers as to the availability of Oman-made products and services and the internal success stories many of our manufacturers are enjoying in the international markets.”
“We need this type of nudge,” suggests Hamida, “I guess that once the average Oman-based consumer realizes they already buy local to some degree, whether that’s washing powder, fruit and vegetables, baby nappies, sweets, car batteries, or cooking oil - the blocks you build your house with, they will perhaps engage in the idea a lot more. In fact, the overall economic impact of buying local is actually phenomenal,” comments The PEIE Media Co-ordinator.
The creation of a visual identity for the Origin Oman campaign offers a challenging opportunity to those students involved in media and design. "We're inviting submissions for this challenging brief from across Oman – we hope that as many colleges as possible will participate in this important initiative. Indeed, the competition is another way for us to help promote the importance of buying locally-made goods and services. Along with the other judges I am delighted to be involved with this project, and I am sure the competition will attract the highest calibre of entry," remarks Hamida Al Balushi the competition’s co-ordinator.
Those interested in entering the Origin Oman student logo competition should log on to http://www.peie.om/ to review the competition’s guidelines. The closing date for entries is Tuesday 20 May 2008.
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