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ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP):Experts and educationists at the “Educational Convention – Connecting Pakistan and Asia Pacific,” held on Tuesday, underscored the growing importance of academic collaboration between Pakistan and the Asia-Pacific region to promote transnational education, innovation, and youth development.
Organised by the Consortium for Asia Pacific and Eurasian Studies (CAPES) in collaboration with iae global, the event aimed to strengthen educational linkages and expand opportunities for Pakistani students in emerging academic hubs across Asia, said a press release.
Former Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, who was the chief guest, said that the HEC has already implemented a Transnational Education Policy to encourage the establishment of offshore campuses and joint degree programs with foreign institutions. “HEC has worked to create a gender balance in Pakistani society giving females and males’ equal opportunity to learn and gain knowledge.”
He also brought this point into consideration that the youth should avail the opportunities of studying abroad. They should work towards diversification of the human resources and gain more creativity. This is a source of brain gain and through interacting with others it is a way of learning new technology and changing yourself with the changed environment.
He suggested that future research should be based on the areas which can serve the humanity such as climate change, food security and eradication of terrorism.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khurram Iqbal, President of CAPES, said that education serves as a bridge for global connectivity. In past, Pakistani students preferred western universities mainly of USA, UK and Canada due to pre-existing diaspora, open door policies and inclusive environment. But with changing geo-political dynamics, educational landscape is also changing. Now, youth is considering the options other than western universities mainly in Australia, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea. The demographic changes in Asia Pacific countries can be utilized as an opportunity for Pakistani students. This diversification from west to east can help Pakistan in building its soft power.
Michael Barnes, CEO iae global, praised Pakistan for having high level of education and making advancements in science and technology. But he focused that more agreements, customized programs, training initiatives can further refine the capabilities of youth present in Pakistan.
He suggested that from learning from advanced and established institutions internationally, the Pakistani students should travel back in order to serve their nation.
The event was moderated by Umair Pervez Khan, General Secretary of CAPES, and attended by a large number of students and faculty members from various universities.
It concluded with a focus group discussion and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CAPES and iae global to promote educational collaboration and student exchange between Pakistan and Asia-Pacific countries.