Microsoft Pakistan and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan organized an Academic Day to reinforced an ongoing education alliance agreement to offer Microsoft software, technical skills, certified training and infrastructure development to institutions of higher learning. More than 156 universities in Pakistan will benefit from the program which will help students and educators in Pakistan realize their full potential.
The contract between the two organizations initially targeted 73 public sector universities,but soon afterrealizing the potential of the country, Microsoft and HEC decided to expand this program, taking it up to the private sector universities. The program has now resulted in 156 public and private universities in Pakistan, who aregetting benefits from this partnership.
Microsoft and the HEC believe that communities of committed, collaborative participants are essential to advancing education, which is a basic right and a socioeconomic and workforce imperative. More than 50% of today’s jobs require some technology skills, and experts say that will increase to 77% in the next decade (Source: IDC). Therefore, Pakistani students must believe that success starts with them and their educators, and then comes technology.
Amir Rao, Country Manager, Microsoft Pakistan opined, “We want to deliver solutions that help transform education holistically, and create truly connected, immersive experience. The objective of this initiative is to promote education and encourage universities in the public and private sectors to develop their technical skills, have access to latest software and take advantage of curriculums from global top-notch universities so that students and academia could benefit from international standards of technical education and development.”
“Microsoft programs help to put technology into the hands of educators and students, giving them the skills they need for the future. Our goal is to engage every student by providing the tools students need in the new economy for success in the future, we are confident that effective, immersive learning experiences for the Pakistani students and faculty, will inspire improved outcomes,” he added.
Anwar Amjad, Director General (IT) of the HEC said, “Providing enabling environment to the academic and research community of the country has been at the forefront of HEC’s vision since inception. HEC aims to provide conducive environment for quality education and productive research contributing towards the socio-economic development of the country. We are very pleased to see Microsoft joining hands with HEC in empowering young people with providing access to technology and helping in skills development and training, improving education and also giving young people tools to support their learning.
“We appreciate Microsoft for giving immense support, ensuring that young Pakistani students receive the education they need to equip them for success in the global workforce.Pakistantobecome progressive nationrequirespromising investment in youth”,DG (IT) added.
The salient features of the partnership included access to latest Microsoft software products, conducting trainings & workshops by trained and certified Microsoft trainers, creating opportunity to participate in global technology competitions and content for curriculum design. The program also included staff technical training, faculty connections as well as material for developing learning contents.
