Scottish Chambers of Commerce Designated Ambassador to Pakistan Visits LUMS
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Dr. Jeanette Forbes, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce designated Ambassador to Pakistan visited LUMS on January 15, 2024, to explore the potential academic and research opportunities in Pakistan. The visit was facilitated by alum Arsalan Ijaz Anwer (BSc 2002), CEO, Taar Group, representing the Pakistan UK Business Council (FPCCI). Other participants from the Taar Group included Atif Raza, Director; Syed Zain Ul Hassan, Project Director; Mehtab Asghar, Head of Technology; Sana Mehwish, Project Manager, and Mishaal Malik, Business Manager.
Dr. Forbes, hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland is the Founder of PCL Group. She has received an OBE from the Princess Royal for her significant contributions to business, technology, and charity. With a distinguished background in oil and gas, and technology, she actively advocates for STEM careers for women and serves on several government boards enhancing Scotland's digital capabilities.
The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost; Ms. Nuzhat Kamran, Director, Office of Advancement; faculty members from Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering including Dr. Momin Uppal, Dr. Mian Muhammad Awais, Dr. Shafay Shamail and Dr. Muhammad Hamad Alizai, and Programme Manager, LUMSx, Mr. Zain Murtaza Maken.
The meeting commenced with Dr. Forbes sharing insights from her personal and professional journey. “From my own career and journey, I understand just how vital education is. Advancement can only come from further training and education. I am honoured to be here and represent Scotland as an ambassador to Pakistan. I believe there is great potential in Pakistan, and I look forward to collaborations between the two countries in the future.”
Ms. Kamran presented an overview of LUMS and shed light on key aspects of the University, how it has grown into a comprehensive institution including its recent global accolades for excellence, and the flagship National Outreach Programme, designed to make education accessible to talented students across Pakistan.
Dr. Uppal, who is also Director of the Centre for Urban Informatics, Technology, and Policy (CITY), shared the centre’s aim to address mobility issues in cities in Pakistan, focusing on sustainable development, and constructing resilient urban areas to foster a healthier future. Mr. Maken briefed the guests on LUMSx, a University-wide initiative to enable faculty to create online and blended learning experiences which will transform teaching and learning at LUMS and beyond.
The meeting served as a platform for exploring potential avenues for knowledge exchange, talent development, and harnessing digital transformations to create lasting impacts in their respective domains.
