The Sultan's School

HSBC is the largest international financial services organisation in the Middle East. The unique nature of HSBC’s history and growth in the region is a vivid illustration of the HSBC Group’s brand ‘The world’s local bank’. Its long-term commitment, expertise, innovation and capital investment dedicated to and located in the region, as well as the employment and career development of local nationals, gives HSBC a distinctive and unmatched local character and capability.

Through a number of subsidiaries and associated companies, HSBC delivers a wide range of financial services to all sectors of the regional marketplace. These include personal finance, commercial and corporate banking, trade services, cash management, treasury and capital markets, investment and private banking, insurance, consumer and asset finance, securities and custody services.

HSBC has a long history in Oman. Established in 1948 in Muscat, The British Bank of the Middle East (BBME) was the country’s first bank, and for many years was the only bank supporting the development of the Omani economy.

HSBC also plays a significant role in the Omani Community. HSBC is dedicated to an active Corporate Social Responsibility program which includes support for educational and environment projects. Earlier this year, HSBC in Oman sponsored a range of educational programmes such as:
HSBC Chevening Scholarship Programme The HSBC Chevening Scholars programme, part of the UK government-run Chevening Scholarships scheme, has been running since 2000. The programme is targeted at graduate students and young professionals who demonstrate the potential to become leaders, decision makers and opinion formers in their own countries. So far, HSBC has supported over 100 talented international students, giving them the opportunity to study at a British university for a year.

Star Schools Project HSBC Oman launched the Star Schools Project in two government secondary schools in Muscat on 7 May 2006 in association with the Ministry of Education. The Bank adopted the two schools in Muscat for a period of two academic years. The Project will take students through various programmes that encourages greater understanding of business and finance, increase environmental awareness, promote English language proficiency, facilitate life skills experiences and to help students build a strong foundation for good business practices. The Star Schools have also been enrolled to participate in the Injaz Oman programme. This programme, which will be covered over thirteen weeks, will support the banks effort in preparing young Omani students for the job market through a regional programme of presentations on business and life skills development for school students
Dar Al Atta's Education Programme HSBC in the Community Middle East Foundation has supported Dar Al Atta, a local charity organisation, towards providing uniforms, school supplies and meals to underprivileged students in local public schools for this academic year.

Association for Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs The HSBC in the Community Middle East Foundation has supported the Association for Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs for the past five years, through a range of projects that include:

• Construction of an Assessment Unit, which provides measures to assess children’s abilities.
• Sponsorship of a fundraising event that was held in aid of the Association.
• Supporting the operations of their research centre that will assist their efforts in educating more Omani instructors.
• Advertising in annual publication that provide a review of their achievements and operations.

Young Musicians Awards HSBC is an annual sponsor for this competition as it provides a platform for young musicians to be recognised at a national level. For the first time in 2006, the competition has been opened to participants from the GCC. The Young Musicians Awards provides students with an opportunity to develop their skills and compete at a national level.

Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children HSBC has supported the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children in Al Khoud in setting up a Resource Centre within the branch. The Centre will include IT facilities that will cater for seventy children who attend the Association. It will enable teachers to educate children using the latest technologies and softwares for communication.

Interschool Quiz Competition HSBC sponsored the Interschool Quiz Competition for the second consecutive year to support education amongst students striving for excellence. HSBC supports the development of local talent and the HSBC interschool quiz provides an ideal platform to develop knowledge in a competitive and fun environment

Interschool Public Speaking Challenge HSBC sponsored the Public Speaking Challenge this year as it encourages young people develop their public speaking skills and it also helps them become more confident, which will contribute to their furture careers. Over fifteen schools from the Sultanate participate in this annual competition and the age categories range from elementary level till secondary school.

BBC Young Musicians HSBC Oman sponsored the BBC Young Musicians visit to Oman in December 2006. This visit is part of their regional 2006 tour which covers countries including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The BBC Young Musicians of the Year’s biennial competition is broadcast on BBC2, and is regarded as UK’s leading classical music event for young people.