High achievers: 560 students graduate from FAST University

LAHORE: As many as 560 students graduated from the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES) on Friday. Degrees and medals were awarded to the graduates at the university’s 44th graduation ceremony.

Rector Amir Muhammed and Board of Governors (BoG) member Rafique Ahmad chaired the day-long ceremony.

Muhammed addressed the participants in Urdu saying that the government has asked universities to favour communication in the national language. Giving reasons behind the establishment of the FAST, he said the idea of an institution that produced usable knowledge was envisioned during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

“There was a fear that we could be attacked by the USSR. It was proposed that an institution should be established to give Pakistan the technological and scientific knowledge necessary to help fight external threats.”

He said the FAST was eventually established as an institution for teaching computer science.

“I am proud of our graduates. They are known worldwide for excellence. I would also like to congratulate their parents who have a great role in their success.”

As many as 27 gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded. For the MBA programme all medals went to girls.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Amir Saleem, who won the silver medal for computer specialisation BS-EE, said studying at the FAST had been a great experience. He said during his time at the FAST, he had participated in many national and international competitions.

Maryam Pasha, who secured a gold medal in accounting and finance BS, said she now wanted to do MBA from the FAST. “I want to be a lecturer.”

Hafiza Marryam Javaid, who won the silver medal in accounting and finance BS, said there was a misconception that the FAST was good at computer sciences only. She said, “It has provided me with the best education experience… the culture of entrepreneurship is an integral part of the professional grooming here.” Marryam said she ran her own business – a boutique that exports clothing to the US.

She said that designing a business was part of her one-year project. She had later taken it up as a career.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2016.