Category: Education

Lahore – A legacy of almost 50 years of excellence, Pakistan’s leading biscuit manufacturing company English Biscuit Manufacturers (Private) Limited has been the founding partners of School of Leadership premiere annual event – the Young Leaders Conference consecutively for the past 16 years. This event spanning over six days is planned to take place in Karachi starting from Wednesday (today). The theme for YLC this year is ‘300’ honoring youth who are awakened, imaginative, disciplined and dynamic. Talking about the YLC theme, Dr Zeelaf Munir, CEO and MD at EBM said, “We want the youth to understand that strength isn’t always in numbers. Like the 300 Spartans who understood the key to success; to never surrender but stand dignified when faced with adversity. The world’s biggest challenges are in fact opportunities and our youth understands this and needs visionary leadership. EBM’s message this year to our youth is ‘Rise to Glory’.

We believe youth are the true harbingers of change and success as our country’s future belongs to them.”
“We strongly believe in SOL’s philosophy of enabling the youth to help them grow and become better leaders. Over the years we have seen immense improvement in the conference content and diverse turnout. Full credit to team SOL for organizing such an interactive convention.” said Ayesha Janjua – Head of Marketing at EBM.

 Karachi – The finalists of this year’s Intel ISEF and the alumni of previous years were acknowledged and awarded at Intel® Innovation in Education Ambassadors and Alumni Awards today in Karachi. The awards were presented in recognition of the outstanding achievements of organizations and individuals working with the Intel® Education Initiative in Pakistan over the years. The event was attended by leading educationists of the country.

Held since 2003, the Intel Innovation in Education Ambassadors and Alumni Awards appreciated the efforts of Intel ISEF Finalists who participated in the International Science & Engineering Fair held in Los Angeles, USA in May this year. The alumni of past years were also awarded for their remarkable achievements and continued passion in promoting innovation and research in science as well as the integration of technology in education.

Intel also acknowledged the efforts of Danish Public School, Pak Turk International School and Colleges and Aga Khan Higher Secondary School for their support in sponsoring projects at ISEF 2017.

The Acknowledgement Awards for Intel ISEF Finalists / Alumni and Ambassadors aimed to showcase innovative initiatives and the efforts of key stakeholders for their effective support and sustained efforts in promoting programs for innovation in sciences that have benefited the education system all across Pakistan.

Islamabad – The institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan participated in the leading Education Expo in all major cities of Pakistan. The ICAP stalls attracted thousands of visitors, including people from various walks of life particularly students and counselors.
A number of parents also accompanied their children in the expo at ICAP stall at each station to explore the best available learning opportunities for them.
Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the ICAP stall and applauded the contributions made by the Institute and chartered accountants to strengthen the economic development of country and are leading the corporate sector towards success.
The minster was briefed that around 25% to 30% of ICAP professionals are spread across the globe and are in high demand due to their professional competence, integrity and drive for professional excellence. He urged the Institute being leading accountancy body of Pakistan help Government of Sindh in attaining the glory of the province within shortest possible time.
It is worth mentioning here that besides giving updated information about the CA stream, fee structure, exemptions and scholarship opportunities etc. a number of students have informed about unique characteristics of CA Pakistan such as global mobility, leadership roles etc. that’s helps in removing uncertainties and doubts and helps the students in decision making.—Agencies

ISLAMABAD – Martin Dow in collaboration with Nutshell Forum and the Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms all set to kick off the first of its kind two-day ‘Leaders in Islamabad’ Business Summit at the Serena Hotel.

The Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit will be providing a platform for leading business ?gures from around the world to present their ideas and effective business strategies in a discussion to address leadership and business concerns crucial to today’s decision makers. Jawed Akhai, Chairman, Martin Dow Group stated, “It is a great honour for us at Martin Dow to be collaborating with Nutshell Forum and the Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform. With the world on the cusp of change and with Pakistan rapidly attaining its status as a key economic hub, it is vital that we focus on developing the leadership in our country.

The purpose of bringing everyone together on this platform is to walk away from this forum knowing we have the talent pool of the most sought after thought leaders in the business community.”

Lahore (Muahmmad Yasir) – The University of Lahore establishes country’s first certified Tier-III Data Center to adopt technological advancements ensuring innovation and technology to its well-established educational infrastructure. This EPI certified data center will provide practical exposure to the university students and higher education sector in Pakistan to understand future trends of technologies.

The inaugural ceremony at Lahore was attended by M.A. Raoof, Patron, University of Lahore, Awais Raoof, Chairman, University of Lahore, Javid Wadood, Country Head EPI, Mahmood Jabbar, Chief Executive Officer, TechAccess Pakistan, Munib Khawaja, Country Head, Schneider Pakistan and other senior officials of IT industry and academia.

Moving ahead with the global world, the University of Lahore is at the forefront of innovation and this data centre is another milestone towards the journey.

More than 11 labs of the University, 32 departments, 30,000 students, 4,000 faculty members will get an access to hostvirtual desktop infrastructure including student life cycle and campus management facilities.

In addition, University of Lahore has decided to offer these data services to other academic and commercial organizations to ensure real-time technological advancements in the country.

The University of Lahore selected Schneider Electric as its technology partner and TechAccess Pakistan as a reliable integrator to successfully execute this future-centric project.

While speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Awais Raoof, Chairman University of Lahore, said, there is a great need that, universities provide practical exposure to students about the emerging technologies being deployed around the globe. Furhermore, new graduates should have practical understanding of the applications with theory knowledge, he added.

University of Lahore signed an agreement with TechAccess Pakistan in which all the parties agreed to ensure fully operationalization of the data center.

TechAccess is a secure cloud enabler and a regional system integrator that enjoys diverse market experience in multiple large scale IT projects, both globally and locally.

Schnieder Electric specializes in energy management and automation solutions, spanning hardware, software, and services. It develops connected technologies and solutions to manage energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable.

Islamabad – ACCA Pakistan has partnered with WWF Pakistan to reward and recognize good sustainability reporting via the ACCA-WWF Pakistan Environmental Reporting Awards. At the heart of our judging criteria is GRI the “go to” standard for enterprises to start reporting and drive good business behavior.
Ever since 2000 ACCA Pakistan has been actively encouraging businesses large and small, quoted and unquoted to adopt The GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (GRI Standards)and start reporting on their economic, environmental and social performance.
Speaking at the launch of the report “Sustainability Reporting: the Evolving Landscape in Pakistan” Arif Masud Mirza, Regional Head of Policy said ““Pakistani businesses are faced with classic headwinds like climate change, political turmoil, law and order, security and so business leaders and policy makers must ensure they counter with tailwinds such as adopting modern corporate reporting, integrated thinking across the management levels, having a regulatory framework that communicates the physical risks to business from not understanding Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) forces.”
Also speaking about the report was the author Malik Mirza who said the report “Sustainability Reporting-the Evolving Landscape in Pakistan attempts to document where we are with non-financial reporting. The report comments on the reputational benefits of sustainability reporting and the adoption of such reporting in Pakistan. The report also mentions the PSX is set to join the MSCI emerging markets index this year and the large body of research by MSCI on the coming of age of ESG performance indicators for investorsis becoming increasingly compelling.”

 LAHORE  – With the hope to lighten up lives of others, Dawood Public School (DPS) organised “DPS Festival of Lights”, a fundraising event full of shimmering lights and unique illuminated artifacts.

The fun-filled festival aims to generate funds that will help the deserving patients visiting Lady Dufferin Hospital. DPS Festival of Lights is sponsored by Engro Foundation whereas Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL) assisted as social outreach partner of the event. The festival was similar to its international counterparts with shows, fireworks, food stalls and much more.

On the closing day, the school transformed itself for the festival and mesmerised visitors with displays made of various lights. Each of the school marked its presence with an extraordinary display including stick-men made of lights and giant flowers made out of LEDs!

One of the main attraction at the festival was children’s ‘Olper’s Light Parade’. Groups of little girls appeared with glittering costumes, followed by lit-up hula-hoops, aeroplanes, and other decorated ornaments that added more colours to the cavalcade. The well decorated truck carrying a fairy princess reigned the parade.

The festival had numerous fascinating performances including Tron Dance by Shehzad Danger Crew and a thrilling fire performance. DPS students had several stalls that engaged visitors in constant bargain hunting for various delicious snacks and fun games. The activity aimed to teach children how to interact with people and make transactions in real life.

LAHORE – STEP, a new programme launched by the Punjab Group of Colleges, is starting its Entry Test Preparation Classes from January 29, 2017. It will be a Sunday Session Only Programme. Registration has already started and students are coming in large numbers for getting themselves registered. Students quote the core reason behind their interest in STEP Programme launched by Punjab Group of Colleges is exceptional results attained by Punjab College students in ECAT and MCAT results in 2016. It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab College student Umar Maqbool notched 1st position in MCAT Results 2016 setting a record of securing maximum marks in MCAT results so far. Similarly, Ahsan Abdullah got 1st position in ECAT results 2016.
Step Programme has been launched in 13 cities of Punjab that include Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Phalia, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Okara, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

Lahore – With an objective to connect entrepreneurs on the path to commercialization with industry experts and to promote the exchange of ideas among each other, Karandaaz Pakistan, in partnership with Planet N Group of Companies and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), hosted a workshop on the “Challenges in the Startup Eco-system in Pakistan”.

The workshop aimed to engage with key stakeholders meaningfully to discuss the operating environment, deliberate on the challenges in the startup eco-system, and propose strategies to address those challenges.

Through the workshop, participants identified common challenges faced by startups and suggested solutions. Broad discussion areas included Curriculum & Awareness, Company Law, Role of incubators/Accelerators and Exits & IPOs for which working groups were formed. The workshop showcased the value, economic impact and contribution to entrepreneurial advancements for the development of start-up ecosystem in Pakistan.

Mr. Nadeem Hussain, Founder & Coach Planet N Group, enlightened the audience about the importance of building an ecosystem by discussing the short comings and areas of improvement. He also underscored potential areas that need to be addressed for empowering entrepreneurial culture in order to avoid the menace of economic failure. Moreover, Planet N will publish a white paper providing solutions to the challenges discussed in order to rationalize entrepreneurial spirit in Pakistan.

“Active collaboration and engagement between startups and eco-system enablers, such as incubators, accelerators and policymakers, is critical in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and developing creative solutions. We believe that this workshop organized by Karandaaz Pakistan in collaboration with Planet N and LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship will inspire scalable programs to empower youth in the region,” said Mr. Ali Sarfraz, CEO of Karandaaz Pakistan.

The workshop concluded with a presentation on the key findings of a report commissioned by Karandaaz Pakistan titled “Seeding Innovation Landscape: A Framework for Rooting FinTechs in Pakistan”. Qasif Shahid, represented FinSurgents, the research partner for this report, and discussed the opportunities and gaps that exist in the FinTech eco-system in Pakistan and the future of digital financial services in the country.

The event was very well attended by distinguished guests representing public and private organizations along with government representatives. Mr. Nadeem Hussain in his address shed light on how to create an enabling environment for Pakistan’s economic revolution with the help of startup eco system in Pakistan.