Microsoft and HEC collaborated to Bridge Academia-Industry Gap by Empowering Future Tech Leaders
Pakistan – Microsoft Pakistan brought together leading figures from academia and industry for a dynamic event "Bridging the Academia-Industry Gap" on Thursday, May 30th, 2024. Held at the Auditorium, HEC Headquarters – Islamabad, the event focused on fostering collaboration and equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in the modern workplace.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission followed by a Keynote by Microsoft’s Director Education Industry, Central Europe Middle East & Africa Jaye Richards Hill. Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Jaye Richards Hill stated, "At Microsoft, we believe that technology can be a powerful bridge between academia and industry. By equipping students with the latest tools and technologies, and fostering collaboration with industry leaders, we can prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow."
Mr. Jibran Jamshad addressed the audience on latest AI offerings by Microsoft. Mr. Jibran Jamshad highlighted a recent survey from the World Talent Initiative, which paints a picture of a rapidly changing workplace driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The survey revealed a significant increase in AI adoption, with a staggering 75% of knowledge workers now using AI tools in their daily tasks. Interestingly, nearly half (46%) reported adopting these tools within the last six months, highlighting a rapid acceleration in AI integration. Despite initial fears of job losses due to AI, the survey also identified a talent shortage in cybersecurity, engineering, and design. Companies are now prioritizing AI skills when hiring, and employees are actively upskilling themselves through platforms like LinkedIn Learning to stay competitive. LinkedIn has introduced a new AI skilling framework for organizations, offering over 50 free learning courses to help professionals at all levels enhance their AI expertise. This suggests that AI is creating new opportunities for those who are willing to adapt.
Imagination and innovation took center stage with a showcase by Team Sign Saathi, a group of GIKI students whose project reached the Imagine Cup global semi finals. Top Imagine Cup projects were showcased to dignitaries.
The event also featured remarks by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, and the Honorable Chief Guest, Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman Prime Minister youth programme. Mr. Rana Mashhood emphasized the crucial role of technology in empowering Pakistan's youth, stating, "Equipping our graduates with the latest technological skills is paramount to ensuring their success in the competitive global landscape. Events like this pave the way for a more collaborative and future-proof education system. A big kudos to Microsoft for organizing these events"
Marking a significant milestone, the event witnessed the launch of Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Learn for Educators & Microsoft for Startups – Founders Hub in the presence of respected Vice Chancellors of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This initiative signifies Microsoft's commitment to supporting academic institutions in Pakistan and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.
The event concluded with a networking session, solidifying the connections between academia and industry leaders.
![Meezan Bank & IBA-CEIF jointly hold a graduation ceremony for Meezan Justuju, Islamic Finance Talent Development Program Krachi, [May 23, 2024]: The graduation ceremony for the flagship Islamic Finance Talent development program – Meezan Justuju, was held today at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi. Chairman IBA CEIF (Centre of Excellence in Islamic Finance) and ex-Governor State Bank of Pakistan – Dr. Ishrat Hussain, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Founding President & CEO Meezan Bank – Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, Deputy CEO Meezan Bank – Syed Amir Ali, Director IBA CEIF & Group Head Shariah Compliance, Meezan Bank – Mr. Ahmed Ali Siddiqui were also present at the ceremony. The Profit before Tax of the Islamic banking industry surpassed PKR 393.4 billion during the August to December quarter of 2023. With a network spanning over 5,000 branches, an asset base exceeding PKR 9 trillion and a deposit base of PKR 6.75 trillion, Islamic finance in Pakistan is not only outpacing conventional banking but also gaining significant global traction. This momentum is driven by its alignment with responsible investing and its appeal to both traditional Muslim markets and beyond. This demand coupled with the approaching deadline mandated by the Federal Shariah Court for a full transition to an Islamic finance system by 2027, has heightened the need for Islamic finance training. The partnership between Meezan Bank and IBA represents a crucial step in addressing this shortage and facilitating the transformation of Pakistan’s economy into one that is interest-free and asset-based. Dr. Ishrat Hussain, who played a pivotal role in establishing Islamic banking in Pakistan, extended his best wishes to the program participants and advised them to seize this valuable opportunity. He emphasized the importance of upskilling the youth and expressed appreciation for the collaboration that has facilitated skill-based learning and enhanced the employability of the participants. "There is a growing need for human resources in the Islamic finance industry, especially as the economic system is slated to undergo changes by 2027," he stated. Founding President and CEO of Meezan Bank, Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, stated, “The initiative of Meezan Justuju with IBA CEIF demonstrates Meezan Bank's strong commitment to nurturing talent and promoting the growth of Islamic finance in Pakistan. By investing in the education and training of young professionals, Meezan, as an industry leader, aims to facilitate the Islamic Finance industry of Pakistan.” Mr. Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Director of IBA CEIF, remarked, “We are witnessing a remarkable 24% growth in the country’s Islamic banking industry, accompanied by a surge in demand for trained resources. With almost 5,000 Islamic banking branches now established, there is an average requirement of nearly 4,000 skilled Islamic bankers to meet industry demands. The Meezan Justuju program stands as a distinctive collaboration between industry and academia, forging a network of highly skilled Islamic bankers while empowering aspiring professionals to contribute to a responsible and equitable financial system.” Syed Amir Ali, Deputy CEO of Meezan Bank, said, “As the fifth most populous country in the world, Pakistan has a significant opportunity to harness the potential of its youth. However, the country's female workforce participation remains limited, standing at only 22%. I am delighted to witness the enthusiastic participation in Meezan Justuju, which presents an excellent opportunity for upskilling and contributing to the country's GDP.” He underscored the urgent necessity for fresh graduates to integrate into the economy, stating, “The skills and knowledge acquired through programs like Meezan Justuju will prove invaluable as the demand for Shariah-compliant financial solutions continues to rise. Every rupee earned will contribute to the GDP.” The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the talented participants as they received their certificates. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for recruiters to select graduates for roles in the Islamic financial industry. Meezan Justuju Meezan Justuju is a fully funded initiative by Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank, in collaboration with IBA-CEIF (Institute of Business Administration – Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance). This program is designed exclusively for fresh graduates to equip them with comprehensive knowledge and expertise in Islamic banking and finance and making them employable for the growing Islamic Banking Industry (IBI). About Meezan Bank Meezan Bank is leading Islamic bank of Pakistan and also one of the largest banks nationwide in terms of branch network as well as deposits. With a network of over 1,000 branches in more than 330 cities, it has the largest Islamic banking network in Pakistan. Meezan Bank has consistently been recognized as the Best Islamic Bank in Pakistan by numerous local and international institutions including its recognition as the ‘Best Bank’ by Pakistan Banking Awards – the most prestigious award in the country’s financial sector for the third time in 2023 and by Islamic Finance News - Malaysia, Global Finance magazine - New York, Asset AAA - Hong Kong, Asiamoney – Hong Kong, The Banker – United Kingdom, South Asian Federation of Accountants, Islamic Finance Forum of South Asian Awards, – Dawn & IBP Pakistan, Employers Federation of Pakistan and CFA Association - Pakistan. The VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (formerly JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company) has reaffirmed the Bank’s entity rating to the highest possible level of ‘AAA’. The AAA rating denotes the highest possible credit quality, with negligible risk factors, being only slightly more than for risk-free debt of the Government of Pakistan.](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVuLCAb_ck77I9JiAXSWE8Rz38Xl72F-F91gkJPfrcrzP_WIPVwC80K37B-5OvM7jg4_UOTG8ZesDnKufXiyM8V_MEfzfR9KwXVcu0R1F5tXIlKeZLpsUn1rELG02PYKOHwBsilM0SWtcsBJitjSyTlBqP46sQUK_ZyKirFlBy6iD0fyzed8RcE9uGHKb/s850/Meezan%20Bank,%20Justuju.jpg)
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