CxO Interview – Atif Iqbal is dedicated to providing organizations with the knowledge for fostering an amicable relationship with their employees. His expertise provides insights into creating systems that instigate the maximum value of corporate efficiency and productivity. The management of human resources in creating a culture that provides them with the proper competitive environment & incentive, using their skills for collective growth and the advancement of the enterprise. His years of experience provide him with the foresight in preventing corporate collapse and assessing company risks.
Atif believes in the young populace as harbingers of capital success and wants to enable their growth by empowering them through various programs and teaching methods. He understands the youth’s narrative and is able to assess and provide strategies for corporate compliance as well as balance their needs as per the drastic shift of the world economy and the climate crisis.
How do you see the Industry Academia gap?
There is a huge difference between industry demands and academic teachings at universities. While students learn a plethora of different theories and methodologies, their implementations are difficult for industrial use. Numerous students cannot transfer their learned skills into the jobs they acquire and hence have to learn from the start. To prevent this, universities should collaborate with industries and have them incorporated into their programs. This can be implemented through courses, final project evaluations, and even problem-solving seminars on issues directly tackled by the current market.
The era of a two-year or four-year program must end, and instead, we should adopt certifications and skill training that are directly needed by the industry. This will ensure that students’ time is used more effectively and enable them to land themselves directly in jobs that correlate with subsequent skills. They will become harbingers of capital success and manifest their agency by learning skills directly linked to their desired job streams. Thus bridging the current gap between academia and work dynamics.
How can Government help SMEs to strengthen?
SMEs play a major role in economies, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. SMEs comprise most enterprises globally and play a significant role in employment creation and economic development. According to the world bank, SMEs comprise 90% of global businesses with 50% of employment worldwide. One of the major detriments for SME growth lies in their access to funds. As such, to cater to SMEs’ growth, the government would need to introduce policies that grant SMEs funds and reduce their tax requirements, providing the required boost to grow exponentially.
Furthermore, the govt can incentivize SMEs through bank policies and even by providing them concessions on power, water, and other essential resources. Even if the govt were to invest in stabilizing its already existing infrastructure, it could still benefit SMEs as it would reduce their production costs. This includes reducing or nullifying power outages, better public transportation for employee retention, especially in remote areas, and public safety. For IT-specific growth, the government would need to introduce policies that enable IT industries to prosper more simply because they bring in foreign capital, which is extremely beneficial for an economy like Pakistan’s.
What is the future of Cloud Computing in Pakistan?
The future of cloud computing in Pakistan is dependent on various factors, including technological advancements, government policies, infrastructure development, and market demand. Here are a few potential aspects to consider:
Increased Adoption: Cloud computing is likely to experience increased adoption in Pakistan as businesses and organizations recognize its benefits, such as scalability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may increasingly leverage cloud services to access advanced technologies without the need for large upfront investments.
Digital Transformation: Cloud computing plays a significant role in enabling digital transformation initiatives. As Pakistan progresses in its digital transformation journey, businesses and government entities may rely on cloud infrastructure and services to enhance their operational efficiency, agility, and customer experience.
Cloud Service Providers: Major global cloud services providers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, are expanding their services worldwide. It is likely that these providers will continue to invest in their presence in Pakistan, offering a range of cloud solutions tailored to local needs and requirements.
Hybrid Cloud and Multi-Cloud Strategies: Organizations in Pakistan may adopt hybrid cloud and multi-cloud strategies to leverage the benefits of both public and private cloud environments. This approach allows businesses to maintain control over sensitive data while benefiting from the scalability and flexibility offered by public cloud services.
Data Security and Privacy: As cloud adoption increases, concerns about data security and privacy may also rise. It will be essential for organizations and cloud service providers in Pakistan to prioritize robust security measures, compliance with data protection regulations, and transparent data governance practices to address these concerns.
Skills Development: To fully leverage the potential of cloud computing, Pakistan will need a skilled workforce capable of managing and utilizing cloud technologies effectively. Investments in cloud-related training and education programs may be necessary to develop a pool of professionals with expertise in cloud architecture, migration, and security.
Government Initiatives: Government policies and initiatives can play a crucial role in shaping the future of cloud computing in Pakistan. Supportive regulations, incentives, and investments in infrastructure development can encourage cloud adoption and attract foreign cloud service providers to establish data centers in the country.
Moreover, Visit CxO Global FORUM or CxO News Live for all the latest updates.
