Informative and productive: ‘Research-based work key to progress in a borderless world’

ISLAMABAD:

The first Express Education and Career Expo offered a unique opportunity for students, fresh graduates and universities to interact with each other under one roof at Pak-China Friendship Centre on Wednesday.

Students from across the twin cities thronged the spot on the first day of the two-day event, which was formally inaugurated by the chief guest Higher Education Commission Chairperson Javaid Laghari and guest of honour United Arab Emirates Ambassador Essa Abdulla Albasha Al-Noaimi.

“Now, education is becoming borderless, as there is no need to go to Harvard to get a degree or certificate. You can get it online in your own country using the internet,” Laghari said, using the famous Khan Academy as an example.

He also highlighted the role of research-based education in helping developed nations achieve progress, while lamenting that most Pakistani universities are only churning out degrees. The HEC chief said the expo offers the opportunity to get necessary information under one roof.

Earlier, The Express Tribune Executive Editor Muhammad Ziauddin gave a welcome address, while Express Group Marketing Director Azfar Nizami conducted the inaugural session. Express Media Group Chief Operating Officer Ejazul Haq presented mementos to the ambassador and the HEC chief.

Many students had come along with their curricula vitae to drop off at stalls, but some fresh graduates did not receive the desired response. Amaila who enquired about a job at a school stall said, “They say they need experienced people and I am a fresh graduate. Where should I gain experience as every organisation asks for it?”

An exhibition of robotics skills was underway, with young graduates from different universities showing off their projects. Zafeer, one of the team members who is to appear in the Robocon 2013 competition in Vietnam, was demonstrating an air pressure-based eight-metre projectile which would jump to its destination when pushed.

More than 10 stalls were reserved for bookshops. The National Database Registration Authority and Pakistan Highways and Motorway Police also had stalls at the event and informed people about smart cards and licence-related queries respectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2013.