UOL convenes Malaysian and Indonesian experts to proliferate IR 4.0 in higher education

Lahore, December 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):This conference served as the starting point of a threesome forum that will work on revamping higher education, characterised by innovation, knowledge, and technology, that are all needed to thrive in an interconnected, competitive world. The fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0), with its incessant advancements in the Internet of things (IoT), robotics, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI), is changing the lifestyle and work modes of people.

In this ever-changing industrial arena, educational institutes need to equip students with the right set of skills and knowledge so that they can maintain their pace with this swift industrial revolution. To bring to light this dire need, the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Lahore (UOL), in collaboration with the Directorate of International Linkages (DIL), brought together experts and officials from Indonesia and Malaysia.

The delegations from both countries, comprising professors, rectors, and other designated officials, congregated at the 1st Pakistan-India-Malaysia Rectors’ Conference-2022, discussing the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on higher education.

Introducing this forum, Prof Dr Syed Amir Gilani (Pro-Rector, Allied Health Sciences, UOL) said that UOL took this initiative to invest in higher education that will help brotherly countries to build high-income economies with innovation, knowledge, and technology. After welcoming the foreign delegation and participants, Prof Dr Muhammad Ashraf (Rector, UOL) said that, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia are looking forward to promoting a joint venture through this forum.

He also stressed that higher education is considered one of the most essential factors in influencing societal changes due to its ability to formulate good decision-making in every sphere of modern society, including businesses, education, politics, and science.

Clarifying the reasons behind reaching out to so many regional and global institutions, Mr Awais Raoof (Chairman BoG, UOL) said that academic and research collaboration will accelerate the progress and enhance the quality of the work, adding that this collaboration will also be beneficial to the faculty in learning new teaching tools and to the students in increasing the breadth of their knowledge and learning different approaches to solving a problem.

On the occasion, Dr Doddy Irawan (Rector, University of Muhammadiyah Pontianak) talked about the “potential and challenges of natural resources, industrial waste, and industry 4.0 in providing sustainable energy.”

He presented several solutions that can be used to take advantage of new renewable energy in Indonesia. He added that education is a learning journey to gain knowledge, and the output makes students flexible, adaptive, and creative to seize an opportunity of creating something new.

Speaking at the conference, Dr Nasir Mohamad (Faculty of Medicine, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia) deliberated on the challenges and way forward of the industrial revolution 4.0 with emphasis on the strength of spirituality for sustainable sciences in diverse cultures. He highlighted why digital education 4.0 is essential in offering the opportunity for manufacturers to optimise their operations quickly and efficiently by knowing what needs attention.

Dr Mohamad maintained that the soul and spirituality are what make humans different from animals, and this is also a viable enabler and driver of IR 4.0. “Spirituality must coexist with technological advancement and evolution to ensure a long-term revolution toward a competitive and diverse culture for prosperous well-being,” he added.

Dr Pramudana Ihsan (Director of International Office, Universitas Muhammadiah Surabya) gave a talk on “collaboration management for campus branding. “Prof Dr H. Ambo Asse from the Muhammadiyah organisation presented his talk on the management and challenges of international programmes in south Sulawesi higher education, and Purnama Syaepurohman (Director of International Office, Uhamka University, Indonesia) discussed networking from Uhamka perspective.

Furthermore, the possible activities of guest lectures, joint research, joint thesis supervision, credit transfer (credited students’ mobility for one or two semesters), summer programmes for students, joint conferences and seminars, and student internships or laboratory work between these universities in three countries were also discussed during this rectors’ conference.

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk

Spelling out The University of Lahore’s on-campus environment conservation practices

Lahore, December 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):Climate change has adversely affected Pakistan, which is resulting in unstable environmental conditions. To alter the adverse effects of climate change, The University of Lahore (UOL) is adopting environmental conservation practices. Prominent among these approaches are; the use of renewable energy resources (e.g., solar, biomass), energy and water efficient appliances, collaboration with different organizations, hazardous waste management, and the conversion of kitchen and organic waste to compost.

UOL is already using different sources of renewable energy and a solar power generation system is in place. One biogas plant and many solar panels are installed on the roof tops, and the energy produced by them is used for different purposes in different departments.

The biogas plant uses biomass resources such as cattle dung, agriculture wastes, and other organic wastes to produce biogas, which is an environmentally friendly, cheap, and versatile fuel that is used for cooking purposes in the cafeteria of the university. On campus, a rainwater harvesting system is in operation, where rainwater is collected and used to irrigate lawns. The university has also implemented a water conservation program on campus.

Apart from these practical measures, UOL is also academically working on energy-efficient plans and conducting research in this domain. For this purpose, the Department of Environmental Sciences is offering courses related to environmental conservation, such as climate change, biodiversity and conservation, applied ecology, climate change mitigation, and adaptation. The department also organises different activities related to environmental conservation, such as awareness walks, plantation drives, and the protection of water resources through cleaning campaigns and field visits.

Currently, significant research studies are being conducted on environmental conservation within the scope of national and international collaboration. UOL is collaborating with researchers from different national institutions, including the University of the Punjab, Govt. College University Faisalabad, Lahore College for Women University, Pak-Green Environ-Engineering Pvt. Limited, Lahore, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, NIAB, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (Energy Wing), Islamabad, Soil and Water Testing Lab., Lahore, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, etc.

At the global level, the university has collaborated working on varied projects in partnerships with researchers from international institutions such as Korea University, the University of Queensland Australia, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the University of Western Australia, the University of Eastern Finland, Gdansk University of Technology, Poland, etc. In the long run, UOL is aiming to establish a “Centre of Excellence in Climate Change” to further bolster the research work in the domain of climate change.

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk

IoBM and BankIslami Become Knowledge Partners to Promote Islamic Finance 

Karachi, December 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):Institute of Business Management (IoBM) and BankIslami Pakistan Limited signed a MoU on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. According to the MoU, BankIslami will serve as a knowledge partner to facilitate the operations of the Center for Islamic Business and Finance at IoBM. BankIslami will develop marketing content, provide scholarships, facilitate academic research and organize guest speaker sessions at IoBM. The signatories were Mr. Talib S. Karim, President IoBM, and Syed Amir Ali, President and CEO, BankIslami Pakistan.

Mr. Talib Karim said that Islamic banking and finance are the future, and we should facilitate human resource development. He advised gauging the Centre’s performance regularly. Mr. Talib Karim appreciated BankIslami support to IoBM in the fields of research and envisioned the creation of degree programs to facilitate Islamic banking.

“There is a need for Islamic finance professionals in Pakistan,” said Syed Amir Ali. He said that Pakistan’s economy could be structured on Islamic banking principles. He suggested a way forward on how to provide relevant training to academicians and corporate executives in the fields of Islamic banking. Mr. Amir called for the continuous monitoring of the action points of the MoU to achieve mutual success.

Representing BankIslami Pakistan were Mufti Javed Ahmad, Resident Shariah Board Member; Mr. Kashif Nisar, Head of Product and Shariah Structuring; Mr. Muhammad Irfan Ahmed, Head of Shariah Compliance; Mr. Muhammad Fahim Siddiqui, Head of National Product Manager, Distribution; and Syed Fahad Bin Tariq, Head of Marketing. Dr. Imam Uddin, Head of the Accounting and Finance Department, IoBM played an active role in the development of the MoU. Present on the occasion were IoBM’s Rector, Dean, Head of Departments, and management.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Business Management (IoBM)
Korangi Creek, Karachi, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-002-004
Tel: +92-21-35090961-67
Fax: +92-21-35090968
Email: omer.iftikhar@iobm.edu.pk, mec@iobm.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iobm.edu.pk/

UMT and Lahore Qalandars Sign MoU 

Lahore, December 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):University of Management and Technology (UMT) gave a pleasant reception to the team and management of Lahore Qalandars. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, CEO Lahore Qalandars Atif Rana, Head Coach Aqib Javed, COO Lahore Qalandars Sameen Rana were present on behalf of Lahore Qalandars while UMT President UMT Ibrahim Hasan Murad, Rector UMT Dr Asif Raza, GM Marketing Ahmer Shahzad, Head Participant Affairs Ali Mukhtar represented UMT.

The ceremony started with the National Anthem. A MoU was signed between UMT and Lahore Qalandars according to which Lahore Qalandars will play friendly matches together with high achievers of UMT. Along with this, the UMT cricket team will have special training sessions at Qalandars High Performance Center (QHPC). The MoU was signed by President UMT Ibrahim Murad and CEO Lahore Qalandars Mr. Atif Rana.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and other guests including Atif Rana, Sameen Rana expressed their gratitude on the arrival at UMT and said that the enthusiasm of the students is admirable because we felt like we are present in the stadium. Lahore Qalandars also thanked President UMT for his warm welcome and said that Pakistan’s No. 1 cricket team has come to Pakistan’s No. 1 private university today.

Speaking to the students, Shaheen Afridi said that PSL Trophy 2023 will be won by Lahore Qalandars once again. President UMT Ibrahim Murad expressed his views and said that for student grooming games are very important along with quality education. In the future, UMT and Lahore Qalandars will together outshine the name of Pakistan in the world of sports.

Rector UMT Dr Asif Raza welcomed Lahore Qalandars to UMT and expressed his views that UMT will soon be among the best universities in the world and the process of providing quality education to students is continuing successfully. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Atif Rana interacted with the students and answered their questions and also distributed signed shirts and cricket balls among the students.

For more information, contact:
Media Coordinator,
University of Management and Technology (UMT)
C-II, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-300-200
Tel: +92-42-35212801-10
Fax: +92-42-35184789
Email: yaqoob@umt.edu.pk
Website: https://www.umt.edu.pk

IIUI President chairs High Profile Meeting on Security at University 

Islamabad, December 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):A high profile meeting to review the overall security measure at International Islamic University (IIU) keeping in view the prevailing security situation in Islamabad was held here at the new campus on Wednesday that was chaired by the university President H.E. Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi.

The IIU President, who was briefed about the security measures, directed in the meeting that security within the campuses be further beefed up and no loopholes be left. He advised that no stone should be left unturned to make the university safe. He desired that there must be strict vigilance observed across the boundary line and strict checks must be maintained at the entry gates to avoid intrusion of any irrelevant person. He also advised the university officials and the students to cooperate with security personnel and contribute in maintaining peace at the campuses.

The meeting was also attended by Vice President female campus Prof. Dr. Samina Malik, Vice President Research and Enterprise Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, Vice President Academics Prof. Dr. Ayaz Afsar, Security Advisor, Provosts, Student Advisors, Directors, officials of P and PR, medical office and other relevant officials.

In the light of the directions of the worthy President, the house decided that it will be mandatory for all across the university to wear the university cards and no official or the students shall be allowed to use transport or enter into university without proving his/ her identity through valid cards.

The house was also briefed that security has been beefed up at the hostels as well and turnstile gates have been activated. It was informed that the students who are not in the data of turnstile are only allowed to enter into hostel premises by showing valid and original university cards. The security office was directed to increase surveillance and petrol across the campuses.

The meeting also discussed immediate infrastructural requirements pertaining to the security measures and vowed that all such initiatives shall be taken within a limited time. It was agreed that zero tolerance policy shall be observed to the illegal hostel students and actions shall be taken if any negligence is spotted in the matters pertaining to security.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,
H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9019249
Fax: +92-51-9257909
Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk
Website: www.iiu.edu.pk

Media organisations urged CM Punjab to implement media payment formula of advertising dues 

Karachi, December 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):In a joint statement issued by APNS, PBA and CPNE, the media organisations have urged CM Punjab Ch. Pervaiz Elahi to implement the media payment formula of advertising dues as implemented by the federal government as well as provincial Governments.

Under this mechanism the federal as well as provincial governments make payment of their verified advertising bills directly to the relevant media and the agency commission / trade discount is paid directly to the advertising agencies on the basis of 85:15 formula. This entails 85% being paid to media and 15% to advertising agencies for services rendered.

The media bodies are of the considered view that this system ensures timely and transparent disbursement of media and Agency dues. The representative bodies of media have stated that if the above agreed formula was withdrawn by the Punjab Government the media would be deprived of the timely payments of the advertisements published/aired by the media. The APNS, PBA and CPNE has requested the Punjab Government to take the media stake holders on board before finalising its advertising policy.

For more information, contact:
All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS)
32, Farid Chamber Abdullah Haroon Road,
Karachi Post Code 74400
Tel: +92-21-5671256, +92-21-5671314
Fax: +92-21-5671310
E-mail: apns@apns.com.pk
URL: www.apns.com.pk