Pakistan – Microsoft Pakistan, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), organized a groundbreaking event titled “Bridging the Academia-Industry Gap” on Thursday, May 30th, 2024. Held at the Auditorium, HEC Headquarters in Islamabad, this event marked a significant step towards fostering collaboration between academia and industry to equip graduates with the skills required to excel in today’s rapidly evolving workplace.
Highlights of the Event:
- Welcome Address by Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum: Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, setting the stage for an engaging and productive discussion on bridging the academia-industry gap.
- Keynote by Jaye Richards Hill: Microsoft’s Director of Education Industry for Central Europe Middle East & Africa, Jaye Richards Hill, delivered an insightful keynote address, shedding light on the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in shaping the future of technology leaders.
- Presentation on Latest AI Offerings: Mr. Jibran Jamshad shared Microsoft’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) offerings, providing attendees with valuable insights into the cutting-edge technologies driving innovation in the industry.
- Remarks by Distinguished Guests: Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, and the Honorable Chief Guest, Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme, shared their perspectives on the significance of bridging the academia-industry gap for the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
- Launch of Microsoft Initiatives: The event witnessed the launch of several Microsoft initiatives aimed at empowering future tech leaders, including Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Learn for Educators, and Microsoft for Startups – Founders Hub. These initiatives were unveiled in the presence of esteemed Vice Chancellors of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), highlighting the collective effort to drive innovation and excellence in Pakistan’s education landscape.
Empowering Future Tech Leaders
Through strategic collaborations and innovative initiatives, Microsoft and HEC committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that graduates equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in the digital age. By harnessing the power of technology and fostering a culture of collaboration, this partnership aims to empower future tech leaders and drive sustainable socio-economic growth in Pakistan.
For more information about Microsoft’s initiatives and collaborations, visit Microsoft Pakistan’s website.