New digital paradigms setting new haves and have-nots: Ahsan

Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) held the inauguration ceremony of five-day International Trans-Eurasia Information Network Annual NOC Workshop 2017 in collaboration with Trans-Eurasia Information Newtork (TEIN) at the Commission Secretariat on Monday.

The inaugural ceremony marked the launch of HEC Event Registration Portal and signing of a Document of Understanding (DoU) to technologically promote telemedicine. Federal Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was chief guest of the ceremony, while HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Secretariat Director Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) Dr. Nimal Ratnayake and vice chancellors of different universities were also present. The workshop is being attended by delegates from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

The HEC Event Registration Portal was formally inaugurated jointly by Ahsan Iqbal, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed and Dr. Nimal Ratnayake. The portal will serve as an academic calendar to register events apart from providing information on events, trainings and online courses. This will also provide opportunity to national and international academic community to collaborate as well.

The DoU was signed between Dr. Masroor Iqbal from Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) and Dr. Iqbal Chaudhary from Hussain Ebrahim Jamal (HEJ) Research Institute of Chemistry, Karachi for executing this programme under Virtual Education Project Pakistan. The DoU is aimed at promoting telemedicine through the latest technologies. HEC has provided its video conferencing facility to connect PIEAS teaching under TESP.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Iqbal observed that the world is standing on the threshold of fourth industrial revolution being driven by digital technology. “The way we are living today will be transformed through this revolution, as the new digital paradigms are setting new haves and have-nots,” he added. He stressed the need for embracing the new revolution to keep pace with the world. Pointing out the major challenge being faced by the world in form of rising inequality, he urged the need for preparations to adopt new technologies to cope with this menace. He maintained that the new developments will create a plethora of opportunities for researchers.

The minister hoped that universities will play a leading role in adopting the new industrial revolution by equipping the country’s youth. He said the government is committed to providing resources for promotion of higher education.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed shed light on the journey of HEC since its inception in 2002. He said the higher education sector of Pakistan has witnessed remarkable development in the last 15 years, adding that now Pakistan has one of the best ICT set-ups of the region. He said HEC has realised the dream of connecting university through fast and effective technologies by launching PERN III. He informed the audience about the plans to set up Centres of Excellence in artificial intelligence, big data and cyber security with the cooperation of HEC. He said that HEC is committed to facilitating the universities for the welfare of society and the socio-economic uplift of the country. He underscored that HEC is fully cognisant of responsibility to develop human resource in the country so as to make the future prosperous. He appreciated the Government’s support towards promotion of higher education in the country.