The Higher Education Commission
(HEC) of Pakistan and Microsoft Pakistan have collaborated to pursue a joint
initiative for promoting the use of advanced Information Technology and Cloud
computing solutions, in the education sector of Pakistan. It is a pioneering
and insightful initiative that includes a mega event organized every academic
year, in major universities across the country.
‘Microsoft Academic Day’ was
recently organized at the University of Haripur – a
remote town in the north-western region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The
series of events comprises of discussions on the Education Transformation
Agreement (ETA) between the two organizations - its impact and role in the
education landscape of Pakistan. The ETA helps the faculty & students remain
up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, through technical
trainings, workshops & seminars. Furthermore, Academic Day show cases the
features of Microsoft Azure and its potential role in the Education industry.
Microsoft’s Cloud solution -
Office 365, is a powerful platform used by more than 250,000 consumers in
Pakistan, due to its effective performance. Similarly, experts at the event
highlighted its versatility and rapid adoption for educational usage.
Additionally, the participants also discussed the Imagine Cup - Microsoft’s
leading technology competition, its winners over the past 4 years and the next
year’s engagement plan.
The event celebrates the
commitment of HEC and Microsoft to deliver advanced training and boot camps,
along with the free distribution of cutting-edge software packages to
universities across the country. HEC - a governing body for higher education
has taken numerous ICT initiatives to provide advanced services to the
education and research communities in Pakistan.
Microsoft is investing $75 million
globally, over three years, to increase access to computer-science education
and bring the latest technologies and tools for all youth, especially the
students and the deprived communities. Microsoft’s Cloud suite Office 365 plays
a significant role in enhancing collaboration, creativity and critical-thinking
in the classroom. HEC also announced Microsoft’s Student Advantage Program
which aims to provide free access to Windows 10 for more than 750,000
university students to help them benefit from the Windows 10 S. Windows 10 S is
a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro that offers a familiar, productive
Windows experience that’s streamlined for security and performance. Windows 10 S was
inspired by students and teachers and it’s the best Windows ever for schools.
Prof. Dr. Fareed Abid – Vice
Chancellor University of Haripur started the proceedings with a warm welcome
extended to all the guests, and highlighted the role of HEC & Microsoft in
Education, saying “The opportunities, this alliance opens up for students of
our University are unparalleled, and I would encourage our faculty & students
to make the most out of these engagements”.
Harb Bou-Harb – Senior Director, Education and
Public-Sector Microsoft North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan
said, “Microsoft believes that social
development in today’s digital era largely depends on the scale of technology
awareness among the youth. The Microsoft Academic Day is a part of our pursuit
to nurture a tech-savvy mindset among the Pakistani youth. Technological knowledge is the key to
economic development in today’s world, that is why we are grooming and
encouraging the youth to learn smart-computing skills.”
Professor Dr Mukhtar Ahmed –
Chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, while dilating on the
prospect of a continuing endeavor in partnership with Microsoft said, “We are
striving to revolutionize Pakistan’s education system, and it is really
heartening to see the enthusiastic response from all the stakeholders.” He was
delighted by the Student participation in Microsoft’s Certification program,
announcing 300 free certification vouchers for the Students at Haripur.
As devices and technologies become
more accessible and the capabilities grow - especially when laptops (2-in-1)
are being distributed by HEC under the Prime Minister’s Laptops Scheme.
Microsoft’s initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of students through
effective training and briefings about the latest technologies. It is closing the skills gap, to empower
students in Pakistan to achieve more. Both HEC and Microsoft are partnering
with more and more educators, on their journey to redefine learning. Core to their mission is the creation of
immersive and inclusive learning experiences that inspire life-long learning.
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