LAHORE: Punjab University and Hunarmand Punjab Consortium have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding to focus on youth skill development in emerging technologies. The signing ceremony, held at Punjab University Vice Chancellor's office, was attended by key figures from both organizations, including PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali and CEO of Hunarmand Punjab Consortium Muhammad Imran.
According to University of the Punjab, the collaboration will be executed via the PU Centre for High Energy Physics. It aims to equip young individuals with industry-relevant digital and technical skills, thereby enhancing employability and addressing unemployment in the province. The agreement includes professional training programs in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Cyber Security, with a goal to train over 500 students in three to four months.
Hunarmand Punjab Consortium, which includes Cyber security Pakistan and other national initiatives, will manage marketing, instructor provision, curriculum development, and quality assurance. Meanwhile, PU CHEP will offer space and facilities for the programs. Prof Dr Muhammad Ali underscored the importance of skill-based learning as a supplement to traditional academic degrees in the evolving job market, while representatives from both institutions highlighted the partnership's alignment with national priorities for digital transformation. They expressed optimism about the collaboration's potential impact on preparing youth for both local and international job markets.