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Research activities serve as backbone of nation’s economy: Bahria University rector

By our correspondents
May 27, 2016

Islamabad

Bahria University Rector Vice Admiral (r) Tanveer Faiz has said that research and development activities serve as the backbone of a nation’s economy. 

Talking to ‘The News’ here Thursday, Vice Admiral (r) Tanveer Faiz said that it is an established fact that innovation and commercialization, which are the direct outcome of research and development, can catalyze the economic engine of a nation. “The innovation in research is germinated in institutions of higher learning, which can ultimately guide the industry. Bahria University, after consolidating and strengthening of its undergraduate programs has startedpost graduate programs leading to MS/MPhil & PhD in various discipline academic council and line with the vision, mission and academic goals approved by the Board of Governors of Bahria University. I am satisfied with the research activities of academia at Bahria University. In order to promote knowledge creation through research at Bahria University, Office of Research & Development was established in February, 2010 which was later notified by HEC as Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) in October, 2011,” he added.

Bahria University rector said that the benefits which can be attained by the industry from the research endeavours of academia are far beyond imagination. In the developed countries, the academia has an important role for the development, transfer, diffusion and application of new knowledge and technology in the industry. For such reason a holistic interaction pattern is required between academia and industry for the development of any nation’s innovative system through the exchange of knowledge and technology.

The interaction between academia and industry, he said is of vital importance not merely because of the reason that industry can finance the research projects etc. but for the purpose of requirements posed by the industry which often reveals gaps in knowledge that can only be addressed by long term research by the academia. Realizing the importance of all mentioned aspects, ORIC at BU has signed MOUs with number of different organizations and Industry including Electrical Engineering Solutions International (EESINT), Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) Limited, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS), Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Maritime Technology Complex (MTC), Islamabad, Microsoft Corporation Inc., Pakistan Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR), Plan9 of Punjab Information Technology Board, Government of the Punjab, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). “As a result, Industry is approaching Bahria University for projects and establishing its labs/centres for the benefits of both the Industry and academia. Some of the already established Centres/Labs within Bahria University premises are; Microsoft Innovation Centre (MIC) at Karachi Campus, Microsoft Accelerator at Islamabad Campus, Programmable Logic Controllers(PLC) Industrial Automation Lab at Islamabad Campus in collaboration with Electrical Engineering Solutions International (EESINT), Digital Geophysical Data Labs (DGDL) at Karachi Campus through funding from Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL). 

He said that Bahria University is using Triple Helix Hybrid Model where Government, Industry & Universities are hybridized.  This trilateral formation enables the spin-off of sustainable new inventions and entrepreneurial organisations. Such organisational alignment will incorporate strategic alliances among the stakeholders while developing the cutting-edge technology with endless possibilities for further improvements. The fusion of the three domains within the research endeavours will enhance University’s role towards the economic development process,” he added.

When asked about his experience as the rector of Bahria University, he said that he has been serving as Rector Bahria University since 8th February, 2015. “I am a recipient of National award of Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military). I joined Pakistan Navy in 1972 and was commissioned in 1975.At Naval Headquarters, I served on prime appointments of DCNS (Operations), DCNS (Projects) and Commander NSFC.I have also served on number of important appointments which provided tremendous exposure in operations, staff, education and training,” he added. 

He said he has been a submariner and headed the prestigious submarine squadron. “I also commanded a destroyer and eventually became the Commander of Pakistan Fleet. I also worked with government/ministries functioning and remained Additional Secretary Ministry of Defence for the number of years. I have done my Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies from NDU / Quaid-e-Azam University.  During my career, I had undergone number of courses both inland and abroad relating to maritime studies. I had been an active member of Bahria University Board of Governors and contributed positively towards the growth of university,” he added.

When asked about speciality of Bahria, Vice Admiral (r) Tanveer Faiz said Bahria University is a progressive centre of education, where the guiding principles are Quality and Innovation. “It is encompassing all facets of quality education supported by most modern educational aids, highly qualified and experienced teaching faculty offering education in market place academic disciplines. Bahria makes its student proud because it has the following attributes: Federally chartered and HEC recognized, Comprehensive  and Multi -campus University, Highly Qualified Faculty, International linkages, Financial Assistance & Scholarship Programmes, Modern infrastructure, Conducive Academic Environment, Successful Alumni, On Campus Medical Facility, Prime location, Access to digital library and Enhanced Security  Environment,” he added. 

About facilities provided by Bahria University, Vice Admiral (r) Tanveer Faiz said that it includes Academic Advisory, Student Support Services, Career Services, Talent Enhancing Activities, Alumni Network, Academic Support Services, Compuer/Hardware/Comm/Elect Labs( 6 each, high tech Engineering and computer labs), Main library with 31,000 books and Law library with up to 6000 books. Both have access to online electronic journals, Incubation Centres, Microsoft Innovation Centres, Gymnasium, Female Hostel, Cafeteria, Internship, Transport, Sick Bay, Day Care Centre, English language lab to improve the verbal communication skills and Wireless internet facilities throughout the campus.

Responding to a query about number of students studying at Bahria University, Vice Admiral (r) Tanveer Faiz said that more than13,000 students are enrolled in Bahria University and health care facilities have been set up at both campuses of Bahria University. They are manned by medical officers and their staff and provide medical assistance, OPD treatment and temporary hospitalization to students in case of need.

When asked about job security, Bahria University rector said that they have well established career services office in both campuses at Karachi and Islamabad with designated staff. “They are maintaining liaison with more than 200 organizations for placements of our graduates in terms of jobs and internships.  We also provide training and workshops to our students on career development, personal and professional grooming.

“The highest level of academic excellence incorporated in our graduates with refined skills makes them a valuable asset to the organization and provide them room for growth in the corporate world. Unilever, Zong, Mobilink, Geo TV, UBL, Bank Al-Habib, Telenor, Allied Bank Limited, etc. conducted their Management Trainee programs at our campuses. Our graduates are performing well in their respective industries. Some have reached at top executive level with in the short span of 10 -- 12 years at International organsations. We are now embarking on providing employability skills on a very systematic basis throughout the stay of students at Bahria. Further we are actively seeking involve our Alumni in grooming of our students and creating job opportunities for them,” he added.