Lahore: The Al Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science (KICS) at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore recently hosted an international IEEE Distinguished Lecture focusing on the theme "Artificial Intelligence Technology: Friend or Foe." The event featured Prof. Dr. M. Majid Butt, an IEEE Communications Society Distinguished Lecturer, Principal Research Scientist at Nokia, USA, and Adjunct Research Professor at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
According to University of Engineering and Technology, the lecture was organized by the IEEE ComSoc Lahore Chapter in collaboration with KICS, UET Lahore, and the IEEE Lahore Section. It gathered leading academics, researchers, industry professionals, and students, including Prof. Dr. Shahzad Asif, Director of KICS; Dr. Yasir Saleem, Chair of IEEE Lahore Section; and Kashif Bashir, Chair of IEEE ComSoc Lahore Chapter. In his keynote address, Prof. Dr. Butt examined the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, its implications for engineering professions, and its role in industrial innovation and wireless communications. He stressed the need for integrating AI with human expertise and continuously enhancing technical skills to tackle future challenges.
During the event, Prof. Dr. Butt's extensive contributions to the field were highlighted, including nearly 100 research publications and over 200 filed or granted patents. His accolades include the Outstanding Nokia Inventor Awards (2021 & 2022), IEEE Region 4 Outstanding Research Professional Award (2024), and the Marie Curie Innovator Award (2025).
Leadership contributions from Prof. Dr. Shahzad Asif, Dr. Yasir Saleem, and Kashif Bashir were recognized, emphasizing IEEE's ongoing efforts to bolster academia-industry collaboration and professional development. The IEEE ComSoc Lahore Chapter also showcased its technical contributions to international conferences and initiatives.
Held at the KICS Seminar Hall, UET Lahore, the event featured remarks from IEEE leadership, a certificate distribution ceremony, and interactive discussions. The dedication of KICS management, IEEE volunteers, and the organizing teams was acknowledged, reaffirming the institute's commitment to research excellence and technological innovation in an AI-driven world.