| Professional Development Programme for New Faculty Members Concludes at HEC | Professional Development Programme for New Faculty Members Concludes at HEC | <p>Islamabad, August 9, 2019: A six-week skills based faculty professional development programme for newly appointed faculty members concluded under the auspices of the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), Islamabad. Twenty-six newly inducted faculty members from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from across Pakistan attended the programme. </p><p>The programme was developed with emphasis on principles and practices of effective teaching and research as core capacities of a faculty member, and to equip new faculty members with strategies and tools to overcome challenges of learners and develop in students critical thinking and practical skills.</p><p>Keeping in view the need to have an all-round performance by faculty members, the programme provided an immersive experience to transfer essential knowledge, skills and attitudes in three different themes, including Teaching and Learning; Research and University Governance; and Leadership.<strong> </strong></p><p>The participants were provided an opportunity to get hands-on training and informative sessions on topics of Basic Teaching and Learning, Lesson Planning, Microteaching, Course Designing, Student-centered Learning, Technology-inbuilt Learning, Research Design, Analyzing Research Results, Writing Winning Research Proposals, Managing a Research Team, Disseminating Research, Research and Aligning Impact, Convergent Research Class, Community-based Research, Entrepreneurship and Commercialization, HEIs Governance, HEI Advancement, Communication, Building a Network, Self-Governance, Mentoring and Incorporating Leadership Qualities.</p><p>Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Mari, Member (Operations and Planning) HEC was chief guest in the certificate distribution ceremony. He appreciated efforts of NAHE for organizing the workshop. He said that the programme has provided a foundation and development plan for new faculty members to be involved and grow towards leadership in academic governance. </p><p>Dr. Marri emphasized on the important role of teachers as mentors, adding that this training would serve as a catalyst and help them further build their competencies.</p><p>Speaking on the occasion Mr. Fida Hussain, Director General NAHE appreciated efforts of Dr. Steven Burain, Lead Trainer of the Programme, and all other trainers. He also appreciated the participants for showing interest in this learning opportunity and encouraged them to remain engaged in life-long learning and disseminate their experiences and knowledge. </p><p>Dr. Steven Burain congratulated the participants on completion of the course and motivated them to remain focused towards their journey to become excellent teachers and researchers. </p><p>Apart from training sessions, the participants visited various HEIs of Islamabad. <br></p><p>===============<br></p> | 19-08-2019 07:31:18 | <img alt="" src="/english/PublishingImages/ThematicImages/HEC%20ICON-15.png" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/news/news/Pages/PDP-HEC.aspx |
| Huawei 5G Talent Ecological Development Workshop | Huawei 5G Talent Ecological Development Workshop | <p style="text-align:justify;">Islamabad, 18 July 2019- Huawei Technologies Pakistan Pvt. Ltd. and HEC jointly organized its first workshop on 5G Talent Ecological Development 2019 at HEC headquarters in Islamabad. It was part of Huawei and HEC long-term promising friendship.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The session was opened by key addresses from Huawei. Huawei highlighted the ever-growing need of keeping up with technological advancement pace to compete with the global market. The expert Niaz Ali Shahrukh said "Pakistan has a lot of potential and we need to develop a sustainable Ecosystem to support the industrial needs in the field of ICT". </p><p style="text-align:justify;">An expert in wireless technology, Mr. Binghui Zhu was invited from Huawei headquarters in Shenzhen to conduct the workshop. During his presentation he highlighted the importance of 5g wireless network technology, 5G evolution, industry progress, network transformation and industry application. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The second half of the day addressed aspects related to the 5G architecture and enabling technologies. Results from a number of interesting areas were presented, further development of trends and application, protocol standardization and progress global commercial deployment plan, global 5g insight and strategy were also shared with the participants. Lastly 5g model discussion, business model development, applications and cases, network technology and evolution was discussed to educate the researchers and influencers group.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">A large number of 5G trials are currently being organized and implemented around the globe. In the current phase of 5G evolution, where the design phase has been successfully completed and the first set of standards has been released, the focus is now on trials. The objective of the workshop was to educate the concerned people about the high rising need of 5G to compete with the world. This was to identify and collect feedback from some of the ongoing 5G trials activities, and to discuss potential of market opportunities for 5G.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Around 350 participants from all walks of life attended and benefitted from the workshop. The workshop was accessible to far-flung areas through video conference link, so that most of the people could take advantage.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Among the participants were present IT experts, government officials, 5g researchers and innovators, telecom sector representatives, technology opinion leaders etc. The workshop was also accessible to far-flung areas through video conference link, so that most of the people could take advantage.<br></p> | 23-07-2019 09:46:06 | <img alt="" src="/english/PublishingImages/ThematicImages/HEC%20ICON-15.png" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/news/news/Pages/Huawei-5G-Workshop.aspx |
| 1st Batch of Transportation Engineers Complete MS Studies under CRBC Scholarship Programme | 1st Batch of Transportation Engineers Complete MS Studies under CRBC Scholarship Programme | <p style="text-align:justify;"><img src="/english/scholarshipsgrants/lao/PublishingImages/CRBC-Final.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2" style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;">The graduation ceremony for the first batch of Pakistani students of Transportation Engineering was held at the College of Transportation, Southeast University, China under the auspices of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) Scholarship Programme. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">The Higher Education Commission and CRBC had inked a Document of Understanding for this Masters Studies programme for Pakistani students in 2017. It is said to be the first postgraduate level plan in transportation sector for countries along the Belt and Road Initiative and is strongly supported by the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission and HEC Pakistan. <br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Mr. Ye Chengyin, Deputy General Manager CRBC, Mr. Ren Lijian, Vice Principal, Southeast University (SEU) and other distinguished guests attended the ceremony wherein 10 Pakistani students were issued the graduate certificate and were awarded special souvenirs.<br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Currently, the second batch of 29 Pakistani students is also studying in SEU while the third batch of another 29 students is planning to study for Masters degree from September 2019. <br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Chengyin said that under the guidelines of Belt and Road Initiative, CRBC will try its utmost to be a pacesetter in infrastructure connectivity as well as pioneer and contributor to closer people-to-people ties. <br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">CRBC started cooperation with HEC and Southeast University in 2017, initiating the programme "Inherit Pak-China Friendship, Hundred Talents Study Financing Programme" which will fully fund 100 people including in-service staff members for higher education in China. It aims to develop professionals in transportation field in Pakistan and cultivate senior technical and management personnel for CPEC construction.<br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Mr. Lijian said that SEU is a first-class university in China, which pays great attention to cooperation and exchanges with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.<br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Representative of Pakistani students, Mr. Qamar Zaman Bhatti said that SEU is his second hometown where he was kindly treated by teachers and students, learnt many new skills, made new friends. He said that he would make all-out effort to contribute for development of CPEC as well as China-Pakistan friendship.<br></span></p><p><br></p> | 22-07-2019 06:10:22 | <img alt="" src="/english/PublishingImages/ThematicImages/HEC%20ICON-15.png" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/news/news/Pages/CRBC-Scholarship-Programme.aspx |
| HEC, Vice Chancellors Discuss Implementation of Associate Degree | HEC, Vice Chancellors Discuss Implementation of Associate Degree | <p style="text-align:justify;">Islamabad, July 19, 2019: The objective of phasing out two-year BA/ BSc degree programme, replacing it with Associate Degree and subsequent alignment with the four-year BS programme, is to ensure that students pass out after acquiring a broad-based education and have practical skills to compete in the field, and contribute for socio-economic development in the country.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">This was stated by Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC) while addressing a special consultative session on the launch of Associate Degree with the Vice Chancellors and Rectors, held at HEC Secretariat on Friday. A number of university heads joined the session through video conferencing. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Dr. Banuri said that a well thought-out and carefully examined notification has been issued on July 11, 2019, in the wake of 17 years of consultation, to phase out two year BA/BSc and MA/MSc programmes. The new nomenclature, Associate Degree, shall be adopted in all documents and announcements related to two-year post-higher secondary or equivalent programmes and the previous nomenclature of BA/BSc programmes shall be discontinued. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Chairman said that quality has long been a burning issue and HEC has expedited its efforts to ensure quality at all levels of higher education. "We need to ask ourselves as to what are the competencies required in our degree holders and how these competencies can be developed."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">In light of this decision, he said, the students admitted in 2018 will get degrees in 2020 and their degrees will be considered valid, while the admissions after 2018 will be awarded the Associate Degree.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Chairman made it clear that the Universities are allowed to gradually move from the current programme offerings to fulfillment of new requirements. He explained that the Universities and affiliated colleges may make step-by-step progress towards the goal. "By the end of 2020, we must be in a position to make the transition smoothly. HEC will be in close coordination with universities to identify and overcome all possible challenges for this transition."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Vice Chancellors expressed a number of concerns with regard to implementation of the decision, especially with regard to private students, distance education, capacity building of college teachers, curriculum, bridging courses and infrastructure. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Dr. Banuri assured the Vice Chancellors that all the details will be worked out over the next 12 months in consultation with Vice Chancellors as well as other higher education departments, technical boards, and faculty members. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Chairman said that currently distance education programmes have been endorsed for only two universities. However, other universities have submitted proposals to restart distance education. He said HEC will work with the universities in order to build capacity of faculty and equipping them to meet requirements of the new system. "Funds are being mobilised to provide faculty with practical training opportunities." <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On the occasion, Dr. Zulfiqar Gillani, Curriculum Expert in HEC said that consultative sessions were held across the country before issuance of the last notification regarding transition to the four-year and Associate Degree programmes. He said HEC is in process of developing guidelines and policies with respect to implementation of the decision. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">"The two-year curriculum will be very closely aligned to four-year curriculum structure," he assured. He said no change is being made in enrolment process, as students will be enrolled for Associate Degree programme. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Vice Chancellors appreciated the efforts of HEC for looking into the education and skill requirements of youth. "Such interventions are very important in terms of upgradation of structure and response to the prevailing market needs."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">===============<br></p> | 20-07-2019 10:24:59 | <img alt="" src="/english/PublishingImages/ThematicImages/HEC%20ICON-15.png" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/news/news/Pages/Implementation-Associate-Degree.aspx |
| Factual Situation regarding HEC’s Smart University Programme | Factual Situation regarding HEC’s Smart University Programme | <p>Islamabad, July 12, 2019: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has rejected the allegations contained in a news item entitled "HEC project to equip varsities with WiFi yet to be completed", as being based on false and misleading information. <br></p><p>The HEC Smart University project is proceeding well ahead of its schedule and within its approved budget. It is one of the fastest executed programmes in the Asia Pacific region. Any allegation to the contrary is completely false and without foundation. The project was approved in 2015, at a total cost of Rs. 2.4 billion. There is no change in the contract cost since then. Work on the project started in 2016, and is scheduled to be completed in eight years, i.e. 2024. The allocation is to be spent in eight years, and not in the first two or three years of the project. However, the main deployment of the equipment (Phase-I of the project) will be completed in 2019. It is fully on schedule and all targets will be met. <br></p><p>The aim of the project is to equip university campuses with blanket WiFi coverage, in order to enable the deployment of other smart instruments as needed. The project has provided a suite of important services to thousands of students and faculty members across the country. This includes blanket wifi coverage, student authentication, guest WiFi portals for visitors, and eduroam (a secure, world-wide roaming access service available in thousands of locations across over 100 countries worldwide).<br></p><p>Due to the overwhelming positive response from universities, the scope of coverage was expanded to include hostels as well. This was done before the launch of Phase-I, and with the consent of all stakeholders including a high level steering committee comprised of Vice Chancellors, senior government officials, and higher management of HEC. <br></p><p>So far, a total of 63 universities have been facilitated with blanket Wi-Fi connectivity. This has been done with the fulfillment of all legal, codal, and procedural formalities for contracts and payments. HEC has strict rules regarding compliance with legal provisions. No payments can be made without proper pre-audit. Any delays in the execution result in the imposition of financial penalties on the providers as per contract. The contractors are required to obtain acceptance certificates from universities on completion of installation. <br></p><p>The allegations contained in the news are baseless and display no understanding of the quality or operation of the project.<br></p><p>===============<br></p> | 15-07-2019 11:13:00 | <img alt="" src="/english/PublishingImages/ThematicImages/HEC%20ICON-15.png" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/news/news/Pages/HEC-Smart-University.aspx |
| HEC, PIEAS Award Participants of Int'l Science Olympiads 2018 | HEC, PIEAS Award Participants of Int'l Science Olympiads 2018 | <p>Islamabad, June 27, 2019: The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Careers Programme, a joint venture of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), held an award distribution ceremony to honour 12 talented Pakistani students who represented Pakistan in International Science Olympiads in July 2018.<br></p><p>Pakistani students won one Bronze Medal, three Honourable Mentions, and one Merit Certificate in International Chemistry Olympiads, International Mathematics Olympiads, and International Biology Olympiads held in Romania, Iran and Czech and Slovak Republic respectively. Cash prizes and certificates were distributed among the students. <br></p><p>So far, Pakistani teams have won 109 medals including four Silver Medals, 57 Bronze Medals, 45 Honourable Mentions and one Merit Certificate along with two special prizes in the annual International Science Olympiads held in different countries across the world, i.e., Switzerland, Brazil, Singapore, USA, Germany, UK, Spain, Canada, Argentina, and South Korea etc. <br></p><p>The award distribution ceremony was graced by Dr. Qasim Jan, President Pakistan Academy of Sciences as chief guest. Dr. Nasir Majeed Mirza, Rector PIEAS and a large number of students were present on the occasion.<br></p><p>Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Jan appreciated the students for their aptitude and hard work. "As President of Pakistan Academy of Sciences, I congratulate you all who represented Pakistan, especially those who have won medals in the international competition, on behalf of all the scientists of Pakistan." <br></p><p>Highlighting the significance of STEM subjects, he said STEM education is intended to enhance competencies of students and enable them to get opportunities of acquiring up-to-date knowledge. He said that resource-based economies have turned into knowledge-based economies owing to development and progress in science and technology. He stressed the need for meeting the true objectives of promoting STEM in the country.<br></p><p>Earlier, Dr. Mirza shed light on the background and importance of STEM Careers Programme. He said the participation of Pakistani students in competitions like International Science Olympiads not only enhances their capabilities and confidence, but also adds value to the efforts for promotion of STEM education in the country. <br></p><p>Every year a nationwide screening test is conducted through National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) in the major cities of Pakistan for the selection of students of Matric (9th, 10th and 1st year) and O-Level/ A-Level-I. Out of more than 6000 students, top 50 students in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics are shortlisted for the first training camp, which continues up to four camps of a one-week duration in different phases. <br></p><p>In the concluding camp, top four-to-six students from each subject are given extensive training for their possible participation in International Science Olympiads held every year in different countries across world. The STEM home institutions for training camps are: COMSATS University, Lahore for Mathematics, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS) Islamabad, for Physics, HEJ Research Institute, University of Karachi for Chemistry and National Institute of Bio-Technology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) Faisalabad for Biology. <br></p><p>The annual International Olympiads provide pre-university science students of the world with an opportunity to compete in solving challenging theoretical and experimental science problems that only the most talented youth of their age can answer. <br></p><p>The students who participated in the International Science Olympiads included Muhammad Suleman, Karachi Grammer School; Gohar Saqib Fazal, Beacon House School System, PECHS, Karachi; Omar Muhammad Kidwani, Karachi Grammar School; Muhammad Arshad Alam, BVS Parsi High School, Karachi; Haroon Khan, Pakistan International School, Jeddah; Sualeh Asif, Headstart School System, Karachi; Hesham Mohammad Nawaz, Aitchison College, Lahore; Abdul Rehman Zahid, Siddeeq Public Schoo, Islamabad; Muhammad Abdullah, Nishat College of Science, Multan, Ahmed Salik, Karachi Grammar School; Saad Khan, Islamia College Peshawar; and Laiba Naseer, Hamza Army Public School and College, Rawalpindi.<br></p><p>===============<br></p> | 28-06-2019 10:28:25 | <img alt="" src="/english/PublishingImages/ThematicImages/HEC%20ICON-15.png" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/news/news/Pages/PIEAS-Award.aspx |
| HEC Launches National Academy of Higher Education | HEC Launches National Academy of Higher Education | <p>Islamabad, June 12, 2019: In continuation of its efforts to enable the country's higher education sector to become more effective in academic excellence, management and problem-oriented research, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan Wednesday held launch conference of the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE). <br></p><p>Dr. Arif Alvi, President, Islamic Republic of Pakistan graced the occasion as chief guest, while Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training was the guest of honour. The event was attended by Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC, Mr. Raja Yasir Humayun Sarfaraz, Punjab Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Patchamuthu Illangovan, Country Director, South Asian Region, World Bank, and a large number of Vice Chancellors and notable figures from academia.<br></p><p>Addressing the launch ceremony, Dr. Alvi emphasised the need for evolving an education system that caters to the requirements of current and future challenges. He remarked that the dream of a golden tomorrow will not come true without development in the education sector. He observed that the future challenges are tremendous, so NAHE will have to be very smart in playing its part and providing dynamic means to meet academic challenges. "HEC will have to look at the needs of tomorrow and plan accordingly." <br></p><p>The President stated that human factor plays a key role in development of a country, as nations are built by people. He maintained that quality of teaching and learning must be given due importance, as teaching embodies all the skills required to dissemination of knowledge and effective communication. <br></p><p>Federal Minister Shafqat Mahmood pointed out that lack of proper training for academic leadership is one of the major shortcomings of the country's education system. NAHE will prove to be of great weight and substance in coping up with this shortcoming, as it will build capacity in the field of university management, he hoped. He emphasised that the education system must be in consonance with job market needs. He affirmed that Pakistan's future hinges upon quality human resource. <br></p><p>Reiterating the Government's commitment to education, he said the Government will extend all-out support to HEC in its efforts promote access, quality and relevance. <br></p><p>Dr. Tariq Banuri said HEC is committed to mainstreaming quality and relevance into the higher education system, adding that NAHE is one of the instruments to ensure greater efficiency and transparency in the education system. He added that the initial approach towards quality was quantitative, asserting that establishment of NAHE is a testimony to HEC's focus on quality. He elaborated that NAHE will set norms for building of communities of excellence to determine quality standards. It will, he continued, build capacity of faculty, university leadership, and university staff, analyse areas and identify gaps required to be addressed, and set up a monitoring and evaluation system for higher education institutions.<br></p><p>The Chairman said HEC facilitates the higher education sector to analyse data and identify solutions to future academic challenges. He said the range of actions to be undertaken by NAHE are not new, as HEC has long supported capacity building for university faculty and leadership. The new development, he explained, is a renewed commitment to quality, mobilisation of a community of excellence, embarking upon a continuous process of reflection, analaysis and reform, and integrating capacity building centrally into university operations.<br></p><p>He thanked the President and the Minister for their support to the higher education sector, while quoting Maulana Rumi as saying, "The best of leaders are those who are always at the doors of scholars." At the end, he extended gratitude to HEC's development partners in establishment of NAHE, including the World Bank, British Council, and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). <br></p><p>Addressing the preliminary session of the launch ceremony, Mr. Illangovan underlined that the World Bank is looking forward to achievement of goals through NAHE. He observed that the Government of Pakistan accords great importance to human capital. The youth bulge will turn into demographic dividend, he hoped. <br></p><p>Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor LUMS noted that establishment of NAHE reaffirms the commitment to enhanced quality learning in Pakistan.<br></p><p>Ms. Alison Johns, Chief Executive Advance Higher Education, UK shed light on Advance Higher Education's work in Pakistan. She said the presence of President of Pakistan and notable academicians in the ceremony manifests significance of the launch of NAHE. She assured of support from Advance Higher Education in smooth operations of the Academy. <br></p><p>The session was also addressed by Mr. Sarfaraz and Dr. Barbara Oakley, Professor of Engineering, Oakland University, Michigan. <br></p><p>The main objective of NAHE is to meet HEC's mission of improving the quality of teaching, learning and research in HEIs of Pakistan in addition to capacity building and promotion of academic and leadership competencies. It will offer generic as well as need-based capacity building services to enhance quality of teaching, research, and management in higher education institutions. <br></p><p>Moreover, the Academy will cater to the prevailing need for quality across different spheres and realms of academics and HEIs through different interventions and series of programmes. To this end, the quality standards for the respective interventions including capacity building, training modules and delivery mechanism will be neatly woven and piloted to ensure better impact. <br></p><p>Being an apex learning body, NAHE will institute and lead a broader national discourse around the purpose, perspective and policy in higher education and will help develop high quality human capital to achieve excellence in academic milieu. In order to develop desirable high quality human capital, it will work as a centre of excellence for capacity building, skill development, and promotion of academic and leadership competencies through setting standards, cultivating academic quality, and advancing relevant research in collaboration with HEIs, industry and social sector. <br></p><p>The Academy will design programmes, i.e., certifications, workshops, seminars, conferences, and webinars for academic professionals, institutional leaders, university management and other academic leaders. <br></p><p>NAHE will inculcate leadership competencies and skills required in implementation of higher education policies. It will work on capacity building in the areas of R&D and entrepreneurship. It will design framework for embedding employability through quality teaching and will create partnerships among community, universities and industry at national as well as International level.<br></p><p>Furthermore, it will develop international collaboration with foreign higher education entities. It will also offer training packages for institutes other than higher education as per their demand. <br></p><p>The launch ceremony was followed by press conference of Dr. Banuri wherein he briefed the media persons about the objectives and functions of NAHE.<br></p><p>===============<br></p><p><br></p> | 12-06-2019 18:46:11 | <img alt="" src="/english/PublishingImages/ThematicImages/HEC%20ICON-15.png" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/news/news/Pages/NAHE.aspx |