KARACHI: The Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to launch the Sindh Startups Exhibition 2024, according to a press release on Wednesday. The ceremony, held at the FPCCI Auditorium in Karachi, brought together prominent stakeholders from education and industry to foster collaboration and innovation.

The event opened with a welcoming address by FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, who expressed gratitude to the academic community, business leaders, and other distinguished guests for their support. He emphasised the critical role of partnerships between education and industry in driving economic progress.

Convener of the FPCCI Central CSR Standing Committee on Higher Education, Science & Technology Maheen Salman highlighted the importance of higher education in spurring innovation. Meanwhile, Convener of the FPCCI Sindh Regional Standing Committee on Liaison with the Provincial Government for Industries Khurram Ashfaq stressed the need for industry engagement to bridge gaps in skill development.

The event’s chief guest, Prof Dr Tariq Rafi, chairman of the SHEC, delivered the closing address. He underscored the urgency for transformative collaboration between education institutions and industrial sectors. Dr Rafi added that traditional degrees are losing value in favour of practical skills and called on industries to offer internships and engage closely with academic institutions. He reiterated that collective effort and national commitment are essential for sustainable progress.

The MoU signing symbolises a significant step towards fostering cooperation between public and private sectors to enhance higher education’s role in economic development. The event was attended by prominent university leaders, including Prof Dr Waseem Qazi (Karachi Metropolitan University), Prof Dr Sarosh Lodi (NED University of Engineering & Technology), Prof Dr M Saeed Quraishi (Dow University of Health Sciences), Prof Dr Samreen Hussain (Dawood University of Engineering & Technology), and Prof Dr Shaista Tabassum (Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi). Representatives from the private sector included Prof Dr Kashif Mehmood (Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari Institute of Technology) and Prof Dr Mansoor Uz Zafar (Ilma University), among others.

This collaboration is expected to promote innovation, support entrepreneurial ventures, and develop a skilled workforce essential for Pakistan’s economic growth, the press release said.