The importance of cutting-edge degrees in higher education and STEM fields is emphasized
While emphasizing the necessity of collaboration between universities and companies, acclaimed career counselor and educationist Syed Abidi emphasized the need for Pakistani universities to prepare students for the future employment market.
Syed Abidi told The News that our current education system, unlike those of more sophisticated countries, was failing to keep up with the changing needs of industry. This divide results in a lack of collaboration between academics and industry, making it difficult for students to receive degrees that are relevant to the employment market.
The current work market is rapidly changing worldwide, yet our university curricula do not always match what employers require. This indicates a lack of collaboration between academia and industries.’ He went on to say.
Syed Abidi, who has over 30 years of experience, especially in promoting foreign education in Pakistan, emphasized the necessity of education that encourages multitasking talents, adaptability, and applicable expertise that directly match the demands of many businesses. He emphasized not only the importance of Pakistani colleges aligning courses with industry demands, but also the importance of education in subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He emphasized the importance of these disciplines in the changing job economy. He emphasized that emphasis on STEM education might better prepare students for the fast-changing workforce, ensuring they meet the demands of modern industry.
According to Abidi, more than 70% of Pakistan’s young people are looking for opportunities to study or work abroad. Back home, industries require talented individuals who can accomplish multiple things at once, not simply certain abilities. Because work is changing so quickly, they need workers who can perform a variety of duties. ‘It is because of this quest for skills that many Pakistani youngsters travel overseas for studies and careers. It’s becoming a significant deal, demonstrating how many individuals are looking for work outside of Pakistan,’ he adds. Abidi emphasized the importance of higher education institutions (HEIs) in providing possibilities for lifelong learning, updated curriculum, and training for graduates in a variety of disciplines.
‘Employers throughout the world are actively recruiting candidates with creative and knowledge-based advanced degrees that include cutting-edge technologies like IT, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and business analytics. Collaboration between universities and industries is becoming increasingly important to ensure that degree material matches modern business practices and trends,’ he noted. Syed Abidi, a laureate of the prestigious national civil award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, emphasized the importance of increasing research and innovation in both public and private sector institutions. Graduates who have participated in research throughout their academic careers bring essential problem-solving abilities to the workplace, helping to introduce new products and diversify businesses, he adds. Abidi praised the availability of international knowledge-based degrees in Pakistan, with foreign universities establishing themselves.
Campuses or academic research partnerships that provide internationally recognized qualifications. He emphasized the importance of soft skills development through individual and group projects, presentations, and interpersonal skill seminars in preparing graduates for the evolving professional landscape. In response to a query on the role of HEC in this area, he stated that the current chairman of HEC has a very international perspective and that the provision through the Pakistan-UK Education Gateway has enabled a lot of TNE initiatives to be operational, with many more in the pipeline. He also advised Pakistani universities and HEIs to take advantage of programs such as the Pak-UK Education Gateway and the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor.
On internationalization and the establishment of international university campuses and courses in Pakistan, he suggested that Pakistan should catch up with regional counterparts in inviting cross-border education to cater to most students who cannot afford international education or are unable to leave their country for various reasons. Abidi, as a career counselor, emphasized the importance of better professional career advising and ongoing mentoring for students throughout their higher education journey. Navigating students’ ability, abilities, and knowledge in the appropriate direction is critical to assisting them in choosing occupations that are linked with the needs of Pakistan’s industry, commerce, and business landscape. Abidi emphasized the need for job development in addressing the brain drain issue and the increased outward mobility of competent youth.
