Lahore, October 26, 2021 (PPI-OT):On October 16, 2021, the calendars of 48 LUMS alumni were marked for a special event – the UAE Alumni Chapter Meet-up. The eagerly awaited evening was an exciting event arranged inside the Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The Pakistan Pavilion has had over 55,000 visitors in the first seven days since the beginning of the event on October 1, 2021 and has become popular for its innovative display of art and culture.
Envisioned and designed by Pakistan’s leading visual artist, Rashid Rana, the mesmerising façade of the Pavilion draws inspiration from the diversity that Pakistan has to offer. The interior has been expertly curated by Noorjehan Bilgrami, a renowned multi-disciplinary artist, curator and educationist, while the Chief Architect who has bought the entire project to life is Shahid Abdulla.
The alumni took a tour of the Pavilion, which consists of eight unique spaces designed around the theme ‘Pakistan’s Hidden Treasures’. It also displays fresco art and a projection of the famous Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) along with other awe-inspiring exhibits of culture, landscape and art.
The alumni also had the chance to interact with Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, LUMS. He talked about how the University has been at the forefront of national initiatives that have led to personal growth and transformation for students from across Pakistan in addition to producing high impact research in areas of smart agriculture, energy, water management and many others.
“LUMS continues to step up its philosophy of ‘Learning without Borders’ with initiatives like LUMSx that is now home to the indigenized version of world’s most popular massive open online course (MOOC), Learning How to Learn. This online platform will provide access to quality learning across the country and beyond,” said Dr. Ahmad.
He spoke about the National Outreach Programme (NOP), a signature initiative at LUMS which has supported students from diverse backgrounds from across the country since its inception in 2001. Recently, the NOP received the prestigious Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Platinum Award 2021 in the Best Practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category. Selected from among nearly 300 entries submitted from across the world, the NOP was awarded particularly for identifying talent from all parts of Pakistan.
While talking about international recognition and accolades, Dr. Ahmad highlighted how LUMS was a great option for international students, providing world-class education at a fraction of the cost of other universities. Encouraging alumni to give back to their alma mater, he said that the University looks up to them for support and mentorship.
This meet-up was organised by the President of the LUMS UAE Alumni Chapter, Shahzad Bashir, MBA 1998. Mr. Bashir has had an accomplished 20-year career in banking and finance and is currently working for a bank in Dubai at a senior position in their Credit and Risk Group. The evening spent at the Pakistan Pavilion was an enjoyable affair for the alumni as they reconnected with their alma mater while witnessing a positive, progressive image of their country.
For more information, contact:
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
D.H.A. Lahore Cantt. 54792
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35608000
Fax: +92-42-35725048
Website: www.lums.edu.pk