We are glad to see more and more members coming forward to serve the Board. This year we witnessed a contest for 4 positions- the maximum ever. 65 members attended and voted at our last AGM. We look at nominations as a positive expression of interest to serve the Board. We had, started a practice to give the right of first refusal to eligible candidates who had contested but lost the last election, to fill vacancies which arise in the Board in the course of the year. We intend to continue this practice this year too.
We take pride in our transparent yet simple process to elect our Board. Any member could volunteer through the Chapter website during the period specified for nominations nomination, by giving their brief profile and also write a few words on how they would serve the chapter. He/She did not need anybody’s consent nor could anybody prevent anyone from nominating and contesting. A member, whether new or old, could nominate for any position if he/she met the requirements prescribed in the Chapter bylaws for that position.
It is heartening to note that attendance at our chapter meetings is increasing. Yet, this is not enough. We would like more and more, and if possible, all our members to attend our chapter programs. We have had speakers at many of our meetings from outside Oman, all of whom were impressed with the participation at our chapter meetings, and have expressed the desire to return when they come again to the region.
The College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS) have allotted us office space, shared with two other professional bodies in Oman. This is something that successive Boards have pursued for many years. Further, CBFS has considered favorably our request that our members could use the CBFS Library and be able to borrow ISACA Muscat Chapter donated book, at a nominal fee. The operational details would be worked out and informed to the members. We have bought the first batch of books for the library.
We do not rest on our laurels. We recognize the need for continuous improvement in all aspects of Chapter functioning. Each successive Board has built on the hard work and achievements of the earlier Boards, to reach where we are today. Among the challenges for this year is the need to revamp the website. The forum that is created should be used. The website and its complementary tool – the chapter’s E-Newsletter (http://www.isacamuscat.org/newsletters.asp) are very important for the Chapter. We need volunteers having the burning zeal to come up with creative ideas. These two communication/PR arms of the chapter should effectively project the chapter and its activities to the community of present and prospective members, students, sponsors – past, present and future. The website should be a gateway to the rich resources – with many downloadable resources and e-books. We need to reach out to the student community. ISACA has innovative programs that would most surely equip them to be better professionals.
ISACA’s tag line has changed from January 1, 2010. It is “Trust in, and Value from Information Systems” ISACA’s membership has become more relevant now in today’s world of Cyber crime, financial frauds, security breaches and privacy related problems. ISACA and its certification exams CISA® (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISM® (Certified Information Security Manager) and CGEIT™ (Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT) prepare professionals and equip them with knowledge to face these risks. The latest ISACA certification - CRISC™, The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control™ certification addresses the needs of professionals who are involved with risk identification, assessment, evaluation, risk response and risk monitoring. Organisations that invest in training and supporting members to seek and maintain such certifications, are no doubt equipping themselves to face these challenges.
If you are not an ISACA member and would like to be one, then, look no further – send me a mail to day. I like this line - “If knowledge is power: How powerful are you?” This is something you need to ask yourself. At ISACA Muscat Chapter we help you to meet, network, share knowledge and experience.
Wishing you all a great year ahead!
Venkatesan Muralidhar
CISA, CGEIT, CA, CWA, PMP |
