Digital Shift in Higher Education
Karachi : The Institute of Business Management (IoBM), New Horizon and Huawei Technologies hosted a landmark event at the Movenpick Hotel, Karachi on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The objective was to showcase how its newly deployed IT infrastructure is transforming its work environment. This initiative aims to streamline day-to-day and strategic objectives, make IoBM a paperless institution, enhance its LMS software, improve data security, facilitate remote learning, enable efficient resource management, and support innovative teaching methodologies.Minister Emphasizes Skills Education for Economic Growth at AIOU Golden Jubilee
The event highlighted IoBM’s leadership in digital transformation, with Huawei Technologies as the technology provider and New Horizon deploying the IT infrastructure. IoBM’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology underscores its dedication to providing a modern and efficient educational environment, positioning itself at the forefront of digital innovation in higher education.
The Chief Guest of the event was Prof. Dr. Tariq Rafi, Chairman of Sindh HEC. He noted that only a select few universities have undertaken such significant IT initiatives. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among universities, stating that working in isolation will not yield meaningful results. “Even with technological advancements, human interaction remains essential,” he added.
Mr. Talib Karim, President of IoBM emphasized the necessity of a robust IT infrastructure for researchers, students, and faculty to remain competitive on a global scale. He stated that, with Dr. Imran Batada’s proposal and the support of IoBM’s Board, the digital infrastructure has been successfully implemented. He added that technology will increasingly dominate processes, and it is crucial to be prepared for this transformation.
Mr. M. Bashir Janmohammad, Chairman of the Board at IoBM, underscored that IT development is essential to Pakistan’s future. He emphasized IoBM’s commitment to driving the nation’s technological advancement and innovation through strategic initiatives.
Dr. Imran Batada, Chief Digital Officer and Director of CIT at IoBM, emphasized that digital disruption and transformation will profoundly reshape the academic industry in the twenty-first century. He highlighted the critical importance of integrating advanced technologies to enhance educational methodologies. Mr. Qaiser Sarwar, COO of New Horizon, elaborated on the development of a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure for IoBM. He praised IoBM’s leadership and the support provided by Huawei Technologies.
Mr. Shahzad Rasheed CEO Huawei Cloud stated that, “Embracing the digital shift in higher education is pivotal for Pakistan’s future. By leveraging technology, we can democratize access to quality education, foster innovation, and equip our youth with the skills needed to thrive in a global economy.”
Mr. Atif Khan, Commercial Sales Director for South EBG at Huawei, underscored the vital role of integrating digital technology in advancing organizations globally. He highlighted how digital innovation is essential for driving efficiency, growth, and competitive advantage in today’s dynamic business environment.
A key feature of the event was an insightful panel discussion on “Redefining Higher Education in a Digitally Disrupted World.” Moderated by Dr. Imran Batada, the panelists included Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman of PASHA; Jibran Jamshad, CPO and Education Lead at Microsoft; Mr. Asif Jafri, CEO Kistpay and Director E-Ocean Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Azhar Nawaz, Chief Information Officer, Engro Corp. and The speakers shared a common consensus that technology and digital transformation will provide the acumen and direction needed to revolutionize educational methodologies, enhance learning experiences, and prepare students for future challenges. They also emphasized that embracing digital innovation is crucial for modernizing offices and organizations, enabling them to operate more efficiently and effectively in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
