—Minister says focus should be given to skills development, setting up skills universities
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood has vowed to change the present system of education in the country through introduction of a single national curriculum and certification.
The minister regretted that almost 25 million children in Pakistan were out of school, which was a great challenge for the government to deal with.
Speaking at a ceremony titled ‘HEC-Huawei ICT Competition 2018’ here on Thursday, he said that focus should be on skills development and setting up skills universities.
Huawei organised the event in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to promote the ICT industry technology certification and developing the local ICT industry talent and ecosystem.
Besides the minister, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, HEC Chairman Tariq Banuri, Huawei Middle East Public Affairs and Communications Vice President Space Lee, Huawei Pakistan CEO Saif Chi and a large number of vice-chancellors, students and ICT professionals attended the ceremony.
Shafqat lauded the Pakistani students who earned the distinction in the Huawei ICT Competition 2017 by clinching second and third positions in various categories. “This is a source of satisfaction to see our students excelling globally,” he remarked.
The minister stated that the efforts of Huawei with the collaboration of HEC are unmatchable. “It’s great that both the organisations realised the need of holding such competitions to make the youth aware of ICT,” he added.
Shafqat said that this will train students professionally to become the IT support of the country. He assured the support of the education ministry for all such events in order to transform the education system of Pakistan.
The minister reiterated that the government and the education ministry will fully support HEC, students and education institutions, adding that quality of education would be ensured. He added that Pakistan’s relation with China would further strengthen with China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
Yao Jing recognised that Pakistan is a talented nation consisting of 60 per cent youth, adding that the future of Pakistan depends on the performance of young Pakistani students.
He said, “ICT competition is a great initiative to train students in this ever growing IT world.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Banuri appreciated Huawei’s support for extending the latest technologies to the education sector and extending cooperation to HEC in making different projects including Pakistan Education and Research Network (PERN) and cloud data centre a success.
He hoped that other institutions and organisations will replicate the efforts of Huawei for technological development in Pakistan. He opined that acquiring education is no longer a simple practice, as the technological advancement has made it complex.
He said that China is a trusted friend, adding that the friendship will see new heights in the years to come.
On the occasion, Saif Chi said that Huawei team will hold seminars and roadshows in universities to create awareness about the competition among the students. He added that Pakistan is home to unlimited potentials with its core being the youth.