Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) hosted the Regional Research Products Showcasing Event for Central Punjab in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Regional Centre, Lahore, on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. Syed Raza Ali Gilani, Minister of Higher Education, Government of Punjab, inaugurated the ceremony. A total of 18 universities displayed innovative products and prototypes having a strong impact on society and economy.
“HEC has played a significant role in developing a prosperous Pakistan through strengthening the basis for a knowledge-based economy and I endorse the efforts made by the organisation,” commented Mr. Gilani at the event. He particularly lauded the efforts of LUMS in organising such a grand event.
A panel of independent judges nominated and shortlisted the top three products for participation in the mega showcasing event to be held later at Pak China Centre Islamabad on October 5, 2017, where the Prime Minister of Pakistan will inaugurate the ceremony. This showcasing event is part of a series of events being held to honour HEC for successfully completing 15 years of its services and to highlight its achievements in the higher education sector on different platforms.
“Today’s event is about celebrating 15 years of existence of HEC in Pakistan and give people a glimpse of the innovative activities that are going on in our universities, how they are focusing on local and international problems and how the work that they are doing can actually make Pakistan a developed country,” said Prof. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi, Vice Chancellor, LUMS.
Some of the notable institutes, who showcased their products, processes, community development tasks and research publications among other projects that have an impact on society and economy, included Forman Christian College, Lahore; Government College for Women University, Faisalabad; Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore; University of Agriculture, Faisalabad; University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila; University of Central Punjab, Lahore and University of Gujrat, Gujrat among others.
Dr. Nadia Tahir, Director R&D LCCI, Dr. Naveed Arshad, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Sciences, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, LUMS, Mr. Sajjad Shaikh, Director MultiplyeD, and Mr. Nazeer Hussain, Director General, Regional Centre, HEC, were among the judges who critically viewed the products and shared their views respectively. The top three winners received certificates at the closing ceremony.
“Showcasing of indigenous innovative ideas at regional centres on the 15 years HEC celebrations is just the start of a new era towards a knowledge economy,” commented Mr. Nazeer Hussain at the event.
The event was well attended by provincial government representatives, vice chancellors, heads of departments, academicians, students and guests from the corporate and business sectors, international partners and other stakeholders of higher education institutes within central Punjab.
