On May 7, 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Confiz Limited and LUMS. Representing Confiz were Ahsan Saleem, Vice President Professional Services accompanied by Atta Ur Rehman, Director Professional Services and Qamar Abbas Sipra, Senior Director Finance and Administration. LUMS management in attendance included Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shahid Masud, Dean Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE), Dr. Adnan Khan, Dean Office of Student Affairs, Dr. Zartash Afzal Uzmi, Associate Professor, SBASSE, Dr. Ihsan Qazi, Associate Professor, SBASSE, Nuzhat Kamran, Director Office of Advancement, and the Donor Relations team.
According to the MOU, Confiz Limited will support one student from the next batch of Computer Sciences at SBASSE, LUMS admitted through the National Outreach Programme (NOP) stream and hopes to give back to society by further extending this support in the upcoming years. Mr. Saleem shared the history of Confiz Limited and mentioned that back in 2005, the company started with just a handful of individuals. Their contributions have enabled Confiz to grow into the fastest growing technology company in Pakistan and one of the leading software service providers. Since the members of the Confiz team were LUMS alumni, they reminisced about their time at LUMS, back in 1997 and spoke about the immense potential amongst the students at the University and the increasing opportunities for them in Pakistan in the growing field of technology.
Ms. Kamran spoke about the history of the National Outreach Programme that started off with barely 5 students, but has now grown to a total of 110 students per year. The NOP is currently in its 19th year, and has helped students from all over Pakistan attain quality education at LUMS. This inspired the Confiz team, who also pledged to contribute a certain percentage of their profits annually towards the University’s cause of providing world-class education to students on merit, regardless of their financial means.
Towards the end of the ceremony, Mr. Saleem and Dr. Ahmad mutually decided to explore other areas of collaboration, including possible internship opportunities for LUMS students at the company during their summer vacations.
