With the announcement of 100,000+ free technology certificates for university students across Pakistan, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Microsoft inked the Education Transformation Agreement (ETA).
The partnership between Microsoft and HEC reimagines the educational landscape, empowers the next generation of students, and closes the knowledge-to-employability gap.
Rana Tanveer Hussain, the federal minister for education and professional training, attended as the main guest. The ceremony was attended by Vice Chancellors, faculty members, students, Jibran Jamshed, Microsoft’s country lead, Shaista Sohail, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Youth Affairs, and Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of HEC.
In addition, thousands of people from around the world participated in the event through the internet.
This academic partnership aims to educate the next generation in cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security, business applications, office automation/productivity tools, etc.
Through knowledge transfer seminars and training on cutting-edge Microsoft technologies. Microsoft will offer many services to all Higher Education Institutions. That will help them use new technology to make learning inclusive, personalized, and student-centric.
The beginning of the acclaimed Imagine Cup Initiative for this year was also announced at the occasion. All HEC students have been given the opportunity to sign up on the website and submit their innovative tech ideas. For a chance to win $100,000, a global trophy, and a mentoring session with Microsoft’s CEO.
Rana Tanveer gave a speech at the event and stated, “Such partnerships with firms like Microsoft empower the students to apply their creativity. In addressing genuine societal problems utilizing current technology helps us bring them to par with the rest of the globe. A skilled and prepared workforce is more important to the future of our economy than just plans and politicians.
Moreover, according to SAPM on Youth Affairs, “68% of our population is young, and depending on how effectively we prepare them for the future. This can either be an asset or a challenge. I commend HEC for taking excellent steps. To guarantee that our young proves to be a valuable resource for the nation through partnerships like these.
“Microsoft has been tremendously helpful in cultivating creative minds through its Global Competition of Imagine Cup. Where contestants practically convert their ideas into successful startups and turn them into enterprises,” stated Chairman HEC. HEC is pleased that our talent is being showcased on such international stages. In addition to having the chance to express their ideas to an international audience, our students have effectively brought honor to Pakistan.
“Today, technology is the key to fueling economic development and boosting workforce competitiveness. Move to a knowledge-based economy, and help drive job creation,” stated Microsoft Country Lead. The single most significant application of technology is to advance education. Although there hasn’t been much of a digital transition in this sector in many developed nations. We are honored to collaborate with HEC since they have the same vision as us. And recognize how important it is to keep up with the global digital change of education.”
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