4th PEC International Deans Conference inaugurated in Karachi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The 4th International Deans Conference, being organized by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), got underway at Marriot Hotel, Karachi, on May 6 with ‘Engineering as an Engine of Growth’ being its theme. National and international delegates from academia, government and industry participated in the opening ceremony.

Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, inaugurated the conference with his address in which emphasis given on the engineer’s role especially in this dire need of time for Pakistan economy. Industries to play their role so that instead of brain drain, localization of industries be done of such huge import dependency. 

Engr Muhammad Najeeb Haroon, Chairman PEC and Conference Patron, in his welcome address, emphasized on the Fostering Global Engineering Leadership: A Vision from the Conference Patron. He highlighted the transformative power of the 4th PEC International Deans Conference with emphasis on the crucial role of engineers in shaping a sustainable future and commended for global cooperation and innovative leadership. 

The conference stands as a beacon for advancing engineering solutions that promise to redefine our world. Engineers’ pivotal role in building up society has to be in real mean now as per need of time especially when Pakistan is striving to get out of foreign import dependency. Engineering is only the Engine to growth and we all industries, academia and government to take it up with transformational steps. 

The conference overview and briefing was given by Engr Mukhtiar Ali Sheikh, Vice Chairman, PEC Sindh and Conference Chair. He shared his thoughts on the topic of “Engineering Excellence: A catalyst for Global Growth and Collaboration” in which he shed light on growing importance of engineers in decision-making. 

Showcasing an enriched agenda, the conference ignited transformative discussions across a spectrum of engineering disciplines, highlighting technology's pivotal role in societal progress. Participants left enriched and inspired, with the Pakistan Engineering Council committed to elevating future standards in engineering education and practice. 

International Keynote speech was delivered by Engr Dr Janusz Kozinski of Lakehead University Canada on Reshaping Curriculum and practice- targeting 5th Generation Requirements. He focused on the importance of Advancing Engineering Education for Tomorrow. He emphasized on the integration of Indigenous methodologies and striving for gender balance and demonstrated how Lakehead University's approach could serve as a model for global engineering education. The day end conference was followed by cultural and social night to provide the international delegates feel for experience of Pakistan cultural insight. 

The conference will continue on May 7 with focus on “Realigning of internship/practicum practices during education, Global Engineers and Cross Border Mobility, Boosting Pakistan’s Economic Growth, “Emerging trends in teaching- Learning & Assessment, targeting 5th generation requirements, “Digital transformation & Business Process Re-engineering”, “how is AI transforming digital business”, “Engineering practice & ethics” and “Cutting edge and inter disciplinary synergies”. Followed by multiple Roundtable & Panel discussions by industry/academia/professional leaders & experts.