LUMS Delegation Engages with Pak-UK Business Council to Strengthen Academia-Industry Collaboration

A delegation from LUMS recently visited Karachi and met with members of the Pak-UK Business Council of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). The group discussed the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in driving innovation and economic growth.

Among the attendees were notable figures from the Karachi business community. Representatives from FPCCI included Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President; Mr. Asif Inam, Vice President; and Mr. Shabbir Mansha, Former Vice President, FPCCI. The meeting was also attended by Ms. Sahibzadi Mahin Khan, Founder President, Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry Korangi; Mr. Muhammad Aminuddin, CEO, TPL Insurance; Mr. Asfandyar Farrukh, Managing Director, HUB Urban Brands; Mr. Altaf Hashwani, Director, Sana Safinaz; Dr. Shehzad Amin, CEO, The Marketing Factory; Mr. Mehmood Arshad, Executive Director, Pak Qatar Takaful; Mr. Anas Rahman, Director, Feroze1888 Mills Ltd.; Mr. Imran Khalil Naseer, Chairman, Pak-UK Business Council; Mr. Arsalan Ijaz Anwer, Group CEO, Taar Consulting, and Mr. Ahsan Jabbar, Founder and CEO, A J Ventures.

Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor, LUMS, emphasised the importance of addressing Pakistan's grand challenges through collaborative efforts. He highlighted LUMS' pivotal role as a facilitator and convener, inviting industry leaders to unite in tackling vital issues such as energy, climate change, innovation, and gender equality - all crucial for Pakistan’s transformation. The exchange of insights on institutional challenges and discussion on actionable solutions set a strong foundation for prospective collaborative ventures, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and prosperity.

Mr. Magoon highlighted the urgent need for strong coordination between academia and the business community to transfer research and development from academia to industry. He emphasised the importance of immediate engagement and coordination to enhance Pakistan's foreign exchange earnings and develop the local population's skill-set in alignment with global demands.

Ms. Nuzhat Kamran, Director, Office of Advancement, LUMS, reiterated the University's commitment to building strong linkages with the business community to bridge the industry-academia gap. 

The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhancing further collaboration between the Pak-UK Business Council and LUMS, with a focus on fostering sustainable growth, addressing societal challenges, and driving innovation through industry-academia partnerships.