A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at National Skills University Islamabad (NSU) between the university and Tongwon University, Republic of Korea, aiming to strengthen Pakistan’s technical and vocational education landscape. The event was presided over by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training and Pro-Chancellor of NSU, and marked a significant development in technology-integrated skills collaboration between both nations.
A four-member delegation from Tongwon University participated in the event to explore academic and training partnerships with NSU. They highlighted Korea’s “earn and learn” model, which combines hands-on vocational education with work opportunities. Emphasizing the need for Korean language proficiency as a requirement to access such opportunities, the delegation encouraged the establishment of language programs to equip Pakistani students for educational and employment prospects in Korea.
Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui appreciated the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to technology-driven training, particularly in sectors aligned with the fourth industrial revolution. He emphasized that partnerships like this not only enhance skill development but also provide Pakistani youth with opportunities to engage with the global job market. The minister stressed the role of development bodies such as NAVTTC and highlighted their collaboration with NSU as a way to boost vocational training frameworks across Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of NSU, called the Minister’s presence a defining moment for the institution. He emphasized the university’s expanding role in national development and noted the significance of the Muridke sub-campus in addressing regional education gaps, especially in underserved areas of Punjab. He also acknowledged the Federal Minister’s efforts in supporting the creation of a dedicated NSU campus in Karachi, further strengthening the university’s nationwide footprint.
The collaboration with Tongwon University reflects NSU’s intent to adopt transnational educational models that combine practical training with global exposure. Korea’s established expertise in advanced technologies such as smart manufacturing, automation, and electronics can offer a substantial foundation for Pakistani students entering competitive international sectors. Through this initiative, language and technical training are being positioned as a bridge to global employability, supporting a more diverse and skilled expatriate workforce from Pakistan.
The Korean delegation expressed readiness to support the establishment of six Korean language centers under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, a move that would enhance accessibility to educational and employment opportunities abroad. These centers are expected to improve the capacity of Pakistani students to integrate into Korean educational institutions and industry settings.
Since its founding, NSU has grown into Pakistan’s first public sector skills university offering degrees and certifications in applied fields such as construction technology, mechatronics, and medical laboratory sciences. The university’s approach reflects Pakistan’s Vision 2025 goals of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital development through practical education. With strengthened ties to international partners and a focus on preparing youth for global job markets, NSU continues to emerge as a model institution in the skills education sector.
