Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The high level of enthusiasm among the participants continued on the second day of the six-day long Young Leaders Conference (YLC), 2018. Pakistan’s largest food company, English Biscuit Manufacturers (Private) Limited, founding partner of the Young Leaders Conference were the day sponsors for the event.

The theme of the day celebrated the major milestones of Pakistan through a diverse panel of industry icons. The theme explored 3Ps, the philosophical and psychological setup of the region along with the possibilities that lie within the country.

Talking about the YLC theme, Ayesha Janjua, Head of Marketing at EBM, said “I have high hopes that your biggest takeaway from these 6 days will be to take every challenge head on, to inspire others to follow your lead in doing the right thing. EBM wishes you luck in discovering your true capabilities.”

Renowned trainer and founding member of School of Leadership, Shireen Naqvi started proceedings in her capacity as ‘Day Champ’, providing participants with valuable insights about the possibilities and challenges of the country.

A thought-provoking discussion setting the context of the 3Ps was also carried out by Javed Jabbar, former senator and Federal Minister of Pakistan.

Patriotism was fervently displayed by the participants during the stimulating activity ‘Sooper hai Pakistan.’ With the help of video blogs, participants were asked to demonstrate the positive side of the country according to their perspectives utilizing the hashtag #SooperHaiPakistan. The inventiveness and individuality of each video showcased the pride in one’s origins and a desire for Pakistan to thrive.

Shireen Naqvi then took the stage for the sub-continent’s psychological setup that helped participants further understand the current situation of Pakistan as well as other developing regions where development is often times thwarted.

Justice Nasira Iqbal, Pakistani judge and an international law expert, then discussed the philosophical foundation of Pakistan exploring Allama Iqbal’s writings that encouraged the participants to take charge.Dr Umar Saif, computer scientist and academic, addressing on possibilities of Pakistan and the world, emphasized the need of technology to address issues that hinder sustainability and development of the nation.

A plenary segment titled ‘Technology for Pakistan’s biggest challenges?’ followed which was moderated by Zainab Tariq and included Yusuf Hussain, Madiha Hussain, Nadeem Pervaiz and Junaid Iqbal amongst the panelists. During the session the participants got the opportunity to learn from the panel regarding how technology can help alleviate specific problems that afflict our nation and impede their development prospects and how it is central to the dynamics of economic development itself.

The conference also featured spotlight sessions by Shuja Haider, singer, songwriter and a composer and Fiza Farhan, Former CEO Buksh Foundation, on the topic ‘Breaking Barriers’ and  shared their epic tales of struggle and success. These short, educational sessions were followed by ‘Hunger Banquet’, a simulation to differentiate the economic tiers that exist in society. With a career spanning over decades, Shahzad Nawaz, actor and producer, took the stage for the keynote session on ‘Lets brand Pakistan!’ He highlighted the importance of projecting a positive image of the country globally and how it can be achieved successfully. A capacity Building segment on goal setting ended this rigorous day for the participants with up to date academic and practical based knowledge.

For the past 16 years, YLC has offered exposure to worthwhile causes, networking opportunities, and learning sessions, presented by over 50 expert speakers from different fields. This year’s conference has been sponsored by our Founding Partner EBM and Cause Partners Australian Government, The Asia Foundation, Feroze1888, USEFP, Wilshire, Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF Pakistan), British Council Pakistan, IlmPossible, UNICEF, Marie Stopes Society, Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited, Jubilee Life Insurance, Alif Ailaan, KFC Pakistan, ACM Foods, PTCL and Sui Southern Gas Limited.

Jang Media Group, the News, Geo News are the official media partners and Suno FM 89.4 is the official Radio Partner, for the conference while Xenith PR serves as the PR partner, helping to bring the message of YLC to all media platforms and providing essential coverage. TCS is serving as a logistics partner, ensuring smooth- running and timely execution.

YLC 2018 is being held in Lahore and Chandbagh from 1st July-6th. 

Lahore, July 1^st, 2018: Energy, exuberance and excitement dominated proceedings as the 17^th edition of the Young Leaders Conference (YLC), Pakistan’s premier youth leadership summit, got underway on Sunday at Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore. Dr.Umar Saif, Chairman of PITB was the guest of honor at the event.

Around 300 young and energetic participants from all across Pakistan will stay together for 6 days and will go through leadership training, learning from influential speakers and engagement in skills-based workshops and activities. YLC founding members including Kamran Rizvi and Shireen Naqvi welcomed the participants and other attendees along with YLC’s partners and SoL’s board members and advisors.

 “YLC has been a great forum for people who are ambitious to make a mark in this world. This event will enable the participants to come face to face with the challenges in their life, tackle social issues, realize their abilities and potential and network with some of the top people in the business. We are proud to say that YLC has entered its 17^th year and has influenced hundreds of individuals who have walked out of here with new hopes and life-changing experiences.” – said Shireen Naqvi, Founder of SoL while addressing the audience regarding the spirit of YLC.

“It’s great to see such initiatives. Our youth is inspired to lead but lack the opportunities or the skills to do so. Such forums prepare young individuals to navigate adolescence and realize their potential as an adult. This kind of training enables them to be more confident, motivated and able and prepares them to be the next generation of leaders in the workforce and in communities.”- stated Dr. Umar Saif during his welcome address.

A set of mentors from various organizations also addressed the participants with anecdotes and experiences from their personal lives. 

Umair Jaliawala, Director at School of Leadership, kick started the program discussing ‘Personal Leadership’ which aimed to empower youth so that they can guide the direction of their life instead of letting time and chance determine their course. YLC’s vision and values were communicated by Kamran Rizvi and Shireen Naqvi in the form of a group activity amongst the participants. It was followed by a simulation to introduce the audience to this year’s theme ‘Its time’ and the concept behind it.

The first day also followed certain innovative sessions and activities, including ‘#PKNHDR’ by Dr. Faisal Bari in which participants formed a strong connection with the global debate shifting to the recent NHDR and explaining what it entails for Pakistan; a discussion on how and why the youth can play an important role for the future of our country.

The day also included an informative session by Alif Ailaan, ‘Taleem do, vote lo’ and a capacity building session on emotional intelligence by Shireen Naqvi.

This year’s conference aims to be bigger and better by hosting and training hundreds of students and young professionals from all across Pakistan equipping them with the skills and knowledge to bring about change in their communities.

This year’s conference has been sponsored by our Founding Partner EBM and Cause Partners Australian Government, The Asia Foundation, Feroze1888, USEFP, Wilshire, Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF Pakistan), British Council Pakistan, IlmPossible, UNICEF, Marie Stopes Society, Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited, Jubilee Life Insurance, Alif Ailaan, KFC Pakistan, ACM Foods, PTCL and Sui Southern Gas Limited.

Jang Media Group, the News, Geo News are the official media partners and Suno FM 89.4 is the official Radio Partner, for the conference while Xenith PR serves as the PR partner, helping to bring the message of YLC to all media platforms and providing essential coverage. TCS is serving as a logistics partner, ensuring smooth- running and timely execution.

The conference will continue till July 6^th, 2018.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)   The 17th installment of the Young Leaders Conference is Pakistan’s pioneering youth empowerment and leadership event organized by School of Leadership. The conference, which saw its initiation in 2002, is all set to take off this year at the Faletti’s hotel in the historic city of Lahore from July 1^st. The second half of the conference starting from July 4^th – 6^th will take place in Chandbagh.

Conducted on an annual basis, YLC has been playing a significant role in influencing the lives of countless young individuals imparting the confidence and exposure that they need to succeed. Over the past 16 years, the alumni network of YLC has extended to 4,700 and has impacted over 2 million indirect beneficiaries from more than 130 cities, towns and districts of Pakistan.

The theme chosen for the year and revealed in early April is ‘Its Time’. As the key drivers of social change, it’s time for the youth to bring in new ideas and innovations and put efforts to bring a change to the future of Pakistan.

This six-day residential program, supported by the founding partner EBM, brings together 300 youngsters between the ages of 18-24 from all over Pakistan, with an average ratio of 50% male and 50% female participants. These participants are mentored by over 50 expert speakers, scholars, educationists, corporate heads, academicians and trainers on themes including economics, environment, gender equality, business development, arts and culture and policy making.

Many of the volunteers have contributed back to their campuses, communities and companies in extraordinary ways. Over 105 youth-led organizations have emerged across Pakistan as a result of YLC’s Social Action Projects giving hope, putting themselves out there, sensitizing their society about global and local challenges and redefining their own lives in social action. The myriad of sessions, simulations, field visits, and panel discussions held throughout the conference ignite hope and inspire the youth to bring a change in all sections of the society.

Azhar Hamza, the YLC Champ for 2018, is all geared up for the conference. Mentored by Kamran Rizvi, Shireen Naqvi and Umair Jaliawala, Directors at SoL, Hammad Saeed, CEO at SoL, Maalik Khaskhely, Executive Director at SoL, Waqar Ali, Consultant at SoL and supported by his energetic team, Azhar Hamza is ready to lead the change.

This year’s conference has been sponsored by their Founding Partner EBM and Cause Partners The Asia Foundation, Australian Government, Feroze1888, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, USEFP, Wilshire, British Council Pakistan, UNICEF Pakistan, Marie Stopes Society, Jubilee Life Insurance, Alif Ailaan, KFC Pakistan, PTCL, Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited, ACM Foods and Sui Southern Gas Limited.

Jang Media Group, the News, Geo News are the official media partners and Suno FM 89.4 is the official Radio Partner, for the conference while Xenith PR serves as the Digital and PR partner, helping to bring the message of YLC to all media platforms and providing essential coverage. TCS is serving as a logistics partner, ensuring smooth- running and timely execution. Along with that, YLC has also partnered with Torque for their strategic support. The YLC vision of youth empowerment and leadership is shared by and reflected in the efforts of all our partner organizations.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Dolmen Mall, renowned for celebrating festivities all year round, brought together leading international and local brands to celebrate Ramadan at Dolmen with 70 high achieving students from The Citizen’s Foundation (TCF).

Under the umbrella of Dolmen Cares, the collaborated activity with Dolmen Mall brand partners like Khaadi, BabyShop, OUP, McDonalds and Sindbads celebrated positive social change through education by delighting students with a recreational and educational trip around the mall. Members of participating brands, TCF, socialites and celebrities like Asaad Ahmed, Kashmir Band, Moammer Rana, Sonya Hussain, Nadeem Baig and others were among the forerunners spreading smiles on the faces of TCF students who got top scores last academic year. 

Aged between 8 to 11 years, boys and girls from less privileged backgrounds were delighted to participate in a ‘on the house’ shopping spree and iftaar upon completion of the academic term. Volunteers from participating brands rejoiced the student’s achievement and resolve for their academic pursuits by helping them select their Eid outfits from the country’s most favoured brand – Khaadi! The spirit of giving caught momentum as the students toured around the mall towards Baby Shop and were elated to receive surprise gifts.

Naureen Khan – General Manager Marketing, Dolmen Mall shared her view: “We take pride in giving our community a reason to revel the joys of love and togetherness through their fervor for shopping, food and entertainment. I believe it is our collective responsibility to share and bring a positive change in society through this collaboration with TCF and all our brand partners. We delight in ensuring that there is something for everyone and it was a pleasure for our team to creating memories by celebrating Ramadan at Dolmen with TCF children. We felt grateful to have a chance to spread smile on the faces of these bright TCF students through Dolmen Eidi.”

Testing the literacy and street soundness, students were quizzed on creativity, math and social skills by OUP – Oxford University Press team and remained engrossed in a story telling session until a scrumptious iftaar by McDonalds at the Dolmen Mall’s food court. The excitement peaked as Sindbads’ made an appearance to handout Dolmen Eidi and goody bags in addition to taking children for unlimited Sindbads play time and rides.

“Ramadan holds a special place in our hearts; people are in the spirit of giving and it helps us continue our mission to educate the less privileged children of Pakistan. Education remains one of the most pressing matters of our country and we staunchly believe that it is the only answer to the questions of poverty and other social issues. Our children have demonstrated great talent and diligence with 64% scoring A/ A+ grades last academic year. This Ramadan, we are delighted to have this unique collaboration with the Dolmen family that not only highlights our endeavor but also motivates children to become agents of positive change,” said Isfandyar Inayat, General Manager Outreach at TCF.

The Economist has called The Citizens Foundation (TCF) “perhaps the largest network of independently run schools in the world.” TCF has nearly 1,500 schools in 700 sites across Pakistan where children were previously out-of-school. The Foundation is the largest private employer of women in Pakistan with an all-female faculty of 12,000 teachers and principals. TCF has 220,000 students this year. Nearly half (48%) of TCF students are girls. Eighty-eight percent of TCF alumni have gone to college and 71% are employed.

 

Islamabad –  The Pearson-Edexcel launched international iPrimary and
iLowerSecondary programmes in Pakistan for the students aged 5-14
years.

This academic excellence initiative would support in strengthening
country’s education system and standards will provide an opportunity
to the students to attain international education locally in Pakistan
even at a very beginning level of their educational career.

Mr. Hasan Khattak, Director Examinations Services, British Council and
Mr. Kevin Hiatt, Product Head International Curriculum Global Schools
Pearson UK launched this new initiative in Islamabad today at a local
hotel.

Mr. Hasan Khattak, Director Examinations Services, British Council
said that, “It gives me immense pleasure to have collaborated with
Pearson. The British Council works closely with Pearson-Edexcel in
many countries around the world. The British Council creates
educational and cultural relations between people of other countries
and the UK and our partnership with Pearson-Edexcel in the area of
delivering UK qualifications is a vital aspect in building cultural
relations in Pakistan.

British Council’s effort for creating equal opportunities and
Pearson’s support and commitment go hand-in-hand and have improved
outcomes for learners in Pakistan tremendously.

Mr. Kevin said at the launching ceremony that, UK’s awarding body
Pearson Edexcel is supporting schools and teaching staff to achieve
excellence in the education sector which is also the objective of Govt
of Pakistan. The launch of iPrimary and iLowerSecondary programmes is
the real example of our commitment to Pakistan.

Edexcel being the largest awarding body in UK qualifications and
curriculum is well recognised globally and schools affiliated with
Edexcel are supported fully to ensure the delivery of qualifications
in a quality environment. Pearson also adds to Edexcel’s strengths by
offering an array of content and technology-led solutions to schools
while helping them match international standards of education.

Addressing at the launching ceremony, Mr. Faisal Mahmood, Country
Manager, Edexcel Pakistan said, the new curriculum will provide an
opportunity to the students to learn UK qualifications and achieve
results that compare well with students all over the world. He
mentioned that, the students in Pakistan have been achieving
outstanding results consistently over the years.

Pearson Edexcel iPrimary and iLowerSecondary is a complete and
comprehensive flexible programme for use in International Schools. As
well as the curriculum itself, the programme also comes with a wealth
of support with sample schemes of work, exemplified units of work,
internally assessed progress tests, externally assessed achievement
tests and a comprehensive professional development programme – all
supported by world-renowned Pearson print and digital courseware.

The launch ceremony was attended by leading private schools of the
country, teachers, students, distinguished guests and Edexcel team.

Pearson Edexcel iPrimary is a complete, six year programme for use in
International Primary Schools and iLowerSecondary is a complete, three
year programme for use in International Secondary Schools.

The leading private schools including British Overseas School, British
International School, Beacon Light Academy,  Roots Millennium School
Karachi are already offering Pearson qualifications at their schools
and laying down the Foundation for future success and Steer students
towards success at International GCSE with a curriculum that builds on
their learning at every stage.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Education remains one of the biggest challenges Pakistan is facing as a nation. 22.6 million children in our country don’t go to school, that’s 44% of all children aged 5-16, according to Pakistan Education Statistics. The Citizens Foundation (TCF) has been working towards enabling quality education for the less privileged for the last two decades. It has now turned into a formidable movement of education with the support of people who believe in making a positive difference through their actions. With the launch of its new zakat campaign, TCF is inviting all Pakistanis to help TCF resolve the education problem and with it many interlinked social issues that are present in the absence of illiteracy.

Speaking about the campaign, Isfandyar Inayat, GM Outreach at TCF said, “Ramzan is the time of great significance for Pakistanis and Muslims all around the world. As it approaches near, most of us tend to introspect about the good initiatives we can and must take. All around us, we see the social issues like poverty, hunger, unemployment, health issues, economic disparity, extremism and intolerance. When we try to understand what’s that one thing that will solve for these problem; we realize that education is the only answer we find. Our campaign creative revolves around this idea: the street children are raising their hands to ask difficult questions about their difficult situations and the citizens are raising their hands to support them saying that education is the only solution. It also signifies the curiosity and will to do better as raising hand is a strong part of school culture synonymous with learning.”

“It is our collective responsibility to join hands for a positive change, for education of the less privileged, to enable a brighter future for children living in poor localities. That’s why, our message this Ramzan invites all Pakistanis to be a part of TCF’s mission to educate Pakistan,” he added.

TCF is considered one of the most transparent and trustworthy not-for-profit organizations in Pakistan. Established in 1995, TCF has created a far reaching impact by providing low-cost education to the less privileged children with an aim to create agents of positive change. Today, TCF is educating 220,000 children in its nation-wide network of almost 1,482 schools located in the heart of rural communities and urban slums. A strong believer in equal opportunities, TCF ensures that 50% of all student enrolment is represented by girls. TCF has been mentioned by ‘The Economist’ as perhaps the largest network of independently run not-for-profit schools in the world. Additionally, employing around 12,000 women as an all-female faculty makes it the largest private sector women employer in Pakistan.

In the matric results 2016-17, the pass rate for TCF students was 96%, while there was a remarkable increase in the percentage of students securing A+ and A grades, from 48% percent the year before to 64% in 2017. These results are a testimony to the sustained hard work of dedicated staff and students.

Now is the time for anyone who believes in making a positive impact play their part and raise their hands to support education. With a little step taken today, we can create a big difference in our tomorrow. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/tcfzakat

To support education on social media, use hashtags #Educationistheanswer#TCF#LetsEducatePakistan

 

Earn Skywards Miles on everyday spends First co-branded debit card in collaboration with an international airline

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) : Standard Chartered and Emirates airline unveiled a new Emirates Standard Chartered Debit Card for their shared customers. The new card is an extension of the partnership between the two companies which was announced last year with the launch of a co-brand Credit Card.

Designed to meet the different needs of a diverse client base, the Emirates Standard Chartered Debit Card will allow clients to enjoy an array of exclusive privileges and world class services from both Standard Chartered and Emirates airline.

The Emirates Standard Chartered Debit card allows customers to earn Skyward Miles with everyday transactions such as eating out at restaurants, shopping online and petrol purchases. In addition, customers enjoy better Miles earning rates on Emirates flight ticket bookings. The card also gives customers multiple travel benefits such as access to airport lounges in Pakistan and complimentary airport transfers in Pakistan.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shazad Dada, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Pakistan said: “We are delighted to launch Pakistan’s first international airline co-branded Debit card. Our experience with Emirates has been filled with excitement, success and innovation, for us and our clients. We endeavour to deliver products and services based on the needs and aspirations of our clients and truly believe that with the Emirates Standard Chartered debit card your best travel experience is closer than you think.”

Jabr Al Azeeby, Emirates’ Vice President Pakistan said: “Our journey in Pakistan has been defined by progressive investment, partnership and growth. We constantly try to improve and innovate our product and services. This partnership with Standard Chartered and the launch of our co-branded debit card will go a long way in further enhancing the travel experience of our Pakistani customers.”

Last year, Standard Chartered and Emirates launched a co-branded credit card to mark the beginning of this partnership. This credit card, which is available in two premium variants; Infinite and Platinum, allows clients to enjoy an array of exclusive privileges and world class services from both Standard Chartered and Emirates Airline.

 

 

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Ufone will be visiting multiple higher education institutions across Pakistan starting today till May 09, to recruit interns for their flagship apprenticeship program, The Summer Internship Program (SIP) 2018.

Ufone’s SIP is a project-based internship initiative designed to help students who are ready to enter the job market by giving them the opportunity of working under supervision of experienced professionals. The internship program is launched once every year, through which a limited number of students are placed within the organization for 6-8 weeks after undergoing a competitive and merit-based selection process.

Mr. Syed Zulfiqar Ali Zaidi, GM Human Resource Ufone shared, “Summer interns navigate opportunities built around mentoring and on the job learning not only to prepare them for challenges in the corporate world but also to reflect on their career choices. The SIP enables Ufone to help bridge the gap between industry expectations and academia deliverables while contributing to a talent pool for future business needs.”

The recruitment drive will be carried out in top universities across Pakistan including: Bahria University, Islamabad; National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad; NUST Business School/NUST School of Social Sciences & Humanities – Islamabad; NUST School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences, Islamabad; Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Swabi; NUST – Pakistan Navy Engineering College, Karachi; National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Karachi; Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Karachi; Karachi School of Business and Leadership; College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Rawalpindi/Military College of Signals – Rawalpindi; Lahore School of Economics; Lahore University of Management Sciences; and Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Zong 4G launches the Graduate Trainee Programme 2018 on April 19^th 2018, to provide an opportunity to young aspiring fresh graduates across Pakistan to gain professional training and a chance to become part of Pakistan’s leading cellular network.

Taking a great pride in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, Zong enrolls numerous graduate trainees from top universities nationwide who are mentored to become future leaders in the respective domains of sales, marketing, and engineering and information technology.

This year, Zong 4G aims to set a new high by recruiting more of raw talent by offering them an opportunity to learn and fulfill their potential in a stimulating and collaborative environment to lead the digital revolution for the prosperity of Pakistan.

Under the emblem of ‘Leaders in making”, the programme hires graduates through a rigorous, comprehensive & transparent assessment process. Providing a prospect to grow and have impact in their respective area of interest, Zong 4G has designed an intensive advancement scheme of 18 months which includes classroom training, on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring and rotations within and across the functions in an accelerated learning environment.

Apart from a structured learning programme, formal training and professional development process, working in the cross-cultural working environment also enables them to adapt to the dynamics of the global ecosystem. More in more the budding talent of Pakistan also gets an exposure to telecom industry, which fast tracks their learning by gaining first-hand knowledge and training from the pioneers of 4G in Pakistan.

Program Details for the year 2018 are below

Areas of Interest:

• Commercial (Sales & Marketing)
• Engineering
• Information Technology

Eligibility Criteria

The preliminary requirements for the training programs are:

• Age: 26 years max
• Education: Fresh Graduates with the following degrees are eligible to apply: BBA/MBA, Bachelors/Masters of Engineering (Telecom/Electrical/Electronics), Bachelors/Masters of Information Technology or equivalent.
• Score/CGPA: Minimum 2.5 CGPA or 70% Marks required.
• Work Experience: Not more than 01 year.
• Last Date to Apply:May 06, 2018

For more program details and online application submission, the graduates can visit: https://www.zong.com.pk/zong-careers/graduate-trainee-programme

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Zong 4G, opened the doors of its headquarters for a delegation from Roots Millennium School. Under the realm of its ‘New Hope’ employee volunteer program, Zong 4G has been bridging the digital divide to make a meaningful impact on the wider community and contribute towards its commitment of a more digitalized Pakistan.

Youth being the ambassadors of this nation on so many platforms, some of the school’s brightest students were invited for a visit of CMPak, this comprised of a tour of CMPak headquarters where the students were provided with an overview of the basic information and developmental milestones of the corporation.

More in more, the students were briefed about the numerous departments and functions of a successful multi-national enterprise. Emphasizing the importance of customer centric approach of the company, students were also given a hands-on demonstration of Zong 4G’s state of the art customer care center where they got to interact with the employees and spent time closely understanding the dedication behind serving the customers round the clock.

Consequently, in this era of rapid development, innovation is what drives a company to new heights, thus, students were also informed about the importance of product innovation at Zong 4G and how it changes industries and markets, hence being the key for any business to be the market leader.