On Tuesday, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Microsoft Pakistan launched the Imagine Cup 2019 during a ceremony held at the Commission Secretariat.
Imagine Cup one of the initiative by Microsoft to transform skill development, nurture budding technologists and foster collaborative and innovative spirit. Over the years, the competition has seen several success stories emerging from it. The platform is an excellent platform to innovate, get recognized and eventually get enabled to bring about a positive change. The winning team is to represent Pakistan at the upcoming worldwide finals and will compete among global teams for a USD $100,000 prize.
Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC was the Chief Guest and the ceremony was graced by the presence of Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Asghar, Executive Director HEC; Mr. Abid Zaidi, Country Manager Microsof; Mr. Mike Yeh, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft, Middle East; along with various Vice Chancellors, faculty members and students.
Dr. Banuri speaking on the occasion emphasized that imagination is the real essence of education. He said, “Imagination enables the mankind to design other possible worlds. Imagination is not about technology, but it is all about human beings.”
He further added that HEC plans to move towards a paperless office. According to him a job portal has also been created where the academia, especially universities, can post their jobs and find suitable candidates. He also highlighted the importance of the Higher Education Information Management System (HEIMS) and stated that a Campus Management System is being evolved to bring all the HEC technology-linked initiatives onto a single platform.
Furthermore, the Chairman also appreciated the NUST SEECS (School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) that won the Imagine Cup 2018 national finals. He emphasized on the need of brainpower to solve problems and transform the challenges that are faced by the country into opportunities.
Mr. Abid Zaidi speaking on the occasion said that Microsoft strives to bring the right set of tools and technology towards the students so that they can change their work for the better. He pointed out that Pakistani students are the agents of change and they need the right set of tools to succeed.
Moreover, according to a Press Release, the ceremony marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HEC and five universities for collaboration in the functioning of HEC EduTV.
The agreement is aimed at supporting all communities, enabling them to enjoy the social benefit of a well-educated population. The overall aim of the partnership is to include the transformation of learning and innovation and develop 21st Century Skills and Employability.
The MOU was signed by Lahore Garrison College, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Sindh Madrasatul Islam, Karachi, and, University of Gujrat.
