ISLAMABAD-UNS: Iqra University H-9 Campus Islamabad successfully hosted AICoP 2.0 (Academia–Industry Collaboration Platform) under the theme “AI & Future Skills: Reimagining Academia–Industry Collaboration for Workforce 2030.” The conference brought together senior representatives from academia, industry, HR, government, media, and professional organizations to discuss emerging skills, employability, and the changing requirements of the future workplace.
The event was graced by H.E. Ms. Natalie A. Baker, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the United States of America, Islamabad, as the Chief Guest. In her address, she highlighted the importance of preparing young people for a rapidly evolving global economy, emphasizing the growing significance of digital capabilities, adaptability, innovation, and industry-relevant skills. She underscored the value of stronger connections between universities and employers in equipping graduates to meet emerging workforce demands.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is laser-focused on unleashing entrepreneurship and technological innovation, slashing the red tape that stands in the way of builders, and creating an economy that is safer, stronger, and more prosperous for generations to come,” Chargé d’Affaires Baker said. “The future does not happen to you. You build it. America stands squarely with you as you dream big, disrupt old models, and forge new paths.”
The conference also featured keynote and special addresses by Mr. Usman Shoukat, President, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI), and Mr. Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), who shared perspectives on industry expectations and the importance of academia–industry engagement.
Two expert panel discussions provided an interactive platform for examining the future of work. The discussions focused on bridging the skills gap, future workforce requirements, talent development, employability and the impact of AI on professional roles. Senior professionals from organizations including Octus, Khyber Digital, PPIB, HBL Zarai Services, UnitedSol and ASK Development participated in the sessions.
*Industry and Academia Discuss Future Skills*
A central feature of AICoP 2.0 was a series of panel discussions involving senior professionals from industry, human resources, media, technology and academia.
The first panel, titled “Reimagining Academia–Industry Collaboration — Bridging the Skills Gap for the Future,” examined the changing expectations of employers and the need for universities and industry to work together in developing relevant skills, employability and talent.
The panel featured Ms. Samia Qamar, SHRM-SCP, Pakistan Site Lead & Regional HR Director, Octus; Mr. Kaiwan Hamid Raja, Executive Director/CEO, Khyber Digital; and Mr. Mirza Masood Baig, former CEO, SUNO News & SUNO Digital, and was moderated by Mr. Kashif M. Khan, Associate Professor, Iqra University.
The discussion highlighted the growing importance of practical skills, adaptability, professional competencies, digital capabilities and stronger exposure to industry during university education.
The second panel focused on “Future Workforce 2030 — Skills, Talent & Employability in the Age of AI.” The discussion brought together senior human resource and industry professionals to examine how Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are changing organizational requirements and workforce expectations.
The panel comprised Mr. Khalid Umar, Director General (DG) HR & Admin, Private Power & Infrastructure Board (PPIB); Mr. Amjad Iqbal, Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), HBL Zarai Services; and Mr. Saeed Yaqoob (Ali Gohar) – HRPN, Head of Human Resource, UnitedSol, and was moderated by Mr. Rana Khurram Ali Khan, COO, ASK Development.
The panelists discussed the changing nature of employment, talent acquisition, workforce readiness, human skills, AI-enabled workplaces and the role of universities in preparing graduates for emerging career pathways. An interactive question-and-answer session also enabled students and faculty members to engage directly with industry experts.
*Iqra University Strengthens Industry Partnerships*
A significant component of AICoP 2.0 was the Iqra University MoU and Partnership Signing Ceremony, through which the University further strengthened its engagement with participating organizations.
“AI and future skills are reshaping the workplace, making meaningful collaboration between universities and industry increasingly important for preparing the workforce of tomorrow.”
Representatives from several participating organizations attended the conference, including senior professionals from PPIB, HBL Zarai Services, UnitedSol, ASK Development, Virelix Holding, TheHeadHunters360, Tech Inn Global, Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD), ShahCo Medical, NOBILITY, BJ Micro Lab, Bio-Labs, PTE Pakistan, Growstep Technologies, Aspire Institute Pakistan Foundry, PEMRA, WPG Pharmagroup and Founders Klub, among others.
The presence of representatives from diverse sectors provided students and faculty with an opportunity to interact directly with employers and understand emerging workforce requirements.
*Focus on Workforce 2030*
The discussions throughout AICoP 2.0 emphasized that preparing for Workforce 2030 requires sustained collaboration rather than isolated university–industry engagements. Participants discussed the importance of aligning academic curricula and career preparation with evolving industry requirements while maintaining strong foundations in critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, adaptability and professional ethics.
The conference also highlighted the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence in transforming workplaces and the need for graduates to combine technical capabilities with human-centred professional skills.
The event concluded with a group photograph of the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, speakers, panelists, MoU partners, Deans, faculty members and participants, followed by a networking and hi-tea session.
The networking segment provided further opportunities for industry–academia interaction, professional connections and discussion of potential future collaborations.
*A Platform for Continued Collaboration*
AICoP 2.0 reinforced Iqra University’s commitment to building sustainable relationships between academia and industry and creating opportunities that contribute to student employability, professional development and workforce readiness.
Through the Career Services Office, Iqra University continues to facilitate engagement among students, faculty, alumni, employers and industry leaders, with a focus on translating academic learning into meaningful professional opportunities.
The successful conclusion of AICoP 2.0 marks another step toward developing a stronger and more continuous ecosystem of academia–industry collaboration for the future workforce.
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