ISLAMABAD, Aug 10 (APP):Pakistan has won a Silver Award at the Asian Science Camp (ASC) 2026, held from August 2 to 8 at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong, with Pakistani student Pariwash Hakim securing the award for her research project. The achievement marks a significant recognition of the scientific talent of Pakistani youth at the international level, as the Asian Science Camp brings together young science students …
Pakistan wins Silver Award at Asian Science Camp 2026 in Hong Kong
ISLAMABAD, Aug 10 (APP):Pakistan has won a Silver Award at the Asian Science Camp (ASC) 2026, held from August 2 to 8 at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong, with Pakistani student Pariwash Hakim securing the award for her research project.
The achievement marks a significant recognition of the scientific talent of Pakistani youth at the international level, as the Asian Science Camp brings together young science students from across the world and provides them an opportunity to interact directly with eminent scientists and Nobel laureates, while also participating in research-based competitions and academic activities.
The ASC is an annual international science event involving 48 participating nations, with each country sending its official team. The 2026 edition attracted more than 350 young science students, offering both collegiate and non-collegiate students opportunities for learning, networking, collaboration and exchange of ideas with leading scientists and researchers.
As part of the camp, participants competed in a research proposal-based poster competition.
Out of 54 projects presented at the event, Pariwash Hakim’s project was among the 12 shortlisted for the final round, where participants pitched their proposals before a distinguished 13-member judging panel comprising Nobel laureates, university faculty members and industry experts.
The finalists were evaluated on the basis of the quality of their ideas, presentation, adherence to the allotted time, visualisation and potential impact of their proposed research.
The 2026 Asian Science Camp was hosted by the University of Hong Kong, one of the world’s leading universities, providing the participating students with an opportunity to engage with an international community of scientists, academics and young researchers.
The Pakistani delegation comprised five students selected from across the country through a transparent and merit-based process conducted by the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), an autonomous organisation working under the Ministry of Science and Technology for the promotion and popularisation of science in Pakistan.
The selected team represented all provinces and included Danish Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Abdullah Imtiaz from Islamabad, Baseer Khan from Balochistan, Mahnoor Amjad from Punjab and Pariwash Hakim from Sindh.
The PSF provides equal opportunities to male and female students and annually selects five students from across Pakistan to represent the country at the Asian Science Camp. It also provides financial support for the selection process and participation of the national delegation.
The selection process for the Pakistani team involves multiple stages of evaluation. Around six months before the camp, the PSF invites applications from eligible students through an open advertisement. Following initial shortlisting, candidates are invited to appear in a written test conducted in six major cities across Pakistan.
The shortlisted candidates then appear for an in-person interview at the PSF headquarters in Islamabad before a selection committee. The final team is selected on the basis of aggregate scores obtained in the written test and interview, ensuring a competitive and merit-based selection process.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Syeda Rehana Batool, Director Science Popularisation, Pakistan Science Foundation.
The Pakistani team and team leader appreciated the support extended by the Pakistan Science Foundation, Ministry of Science and Technology, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for facilitating the participation of the national team and promoting opportunities for Pakistani students on international scientific platforms.
