As many as 317 degrees were conferred at 46th convocation of the FAST-National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, which was held on Saturday at the main campus of the university, located near the National Highway.
The number of recipients of bachelor’s programme degrees was 281, while 35 students were awarded master’s degrees and one PhD.
The bachelor’s degrees were awarded in three disciplines—business administration, computer science and electrical engineering. The master’s degrees were awarded in four disciplines: computer science, computer networks and security, software project management and management science. The PhD was awarded in the computer science subject.
Among the bachelor’s degree recipients were 16 BBA graduates, 63 electrical engineering graduates and 204 computer science graduates, while 16 master’s degrees were given in computer science, 13 in software project management and one in computer network and security.
Kinza Batool received the gold medal, Areeba Hayat Soomro received the silver and Sidra Mehmood received the bronze medal in the BBA programme. Ahmad Rahman received the gold medal, Arhum Savera received the silver and Muhammad Salman Edhi got the bronze medal in the BS computer science programme.
In the BS electrical engineering programme, Muhammad Masroor Alam received the gold medal, Danish Mumtaz received the silver and Haider Raza Awan received the bronze medal.
In the MS computer science programme, Malik Lalani received the gold medal, Hina Hameed received the silver and Danyal Sandeelo bagged the bronze medal.
In the MS software project management programme, the gold medal was awarded to Arsalan.
The provincial minister for information and technology, Dr Sikandar Ali Shoro, was the chief guest. He said that the current era was characterised by technological advancement and innovation like never before.
He held out the assurance that the encroached six acres opposite the campus would be handed over to the university as soon as possible.
He further said that the scientific and technological achievements remained unparalleled when compared with those of the previous eras.
“The most noteworthy fact that remains is that this technological brilliance presents effective ways that can foster a country’s economic and social development to unimaginable degrees.”
Dr Shoro mentioned that technology presented great potential for exploitation in every sphere of life. From politics to economics, from education to defence, and from industry to trade, all domains were experiencing exceptional growth and efficient functioning owing to technology.
“Keeping the vision of the nation in mind, our mission is the creation and development of a knowledge-based economy where technology will solve all problems. The technological progress of a country is directly proportional to its economic growth and development. To join the race of progress, the nation will have to work to build and introduce technologies that lead to more efficient and productive economic growth.”
He further observed that rapidly improving and advancing technology had posed a major challenge for the developing nations to compete with the rest of the world. “When it comes to business management, infrastructure development and efficient administration of institutions, the information technology industry occupies an integral position.”
“A relevant education that aims to equip the rising generation with the knowledge and skills required for technological and economic progress is the key contributor to overall development. We must find technological solutions to the depraving adversities of our nation. We must work on producing quality human capital through education, research and entrepreneurship.”
Earlier, the dean and director of the campus, Professor Dr Hasina Khatoon, mentioned that their efforts were targeted at improving and maintaining the high standards that were reputed for the faculty endeavors to achieve the objective as their goal.
She mentioned that the creation of knowledge was an integral part of all activities in a university, for which research was the tool.
“We have established a strong PhD programme in computer science and electrical engineering and hope to establish PhD programmes in mathematics and management science as well.”
She pointed out that their main focus was on the undergraduate programme. This year, there was an increase of about 50 percent in the number of applicants who were seeking admission to various degree programmes. The intake was increased to accommodate more students who deserved to be admitted on merit. This shows the confidence that the applicants had in the programme offered at FAST.
Meanwhile, the Rector of the University, Dr Amir Muhammad, emphasised the graduates have now entered into another phase of their lives. “The need for the day calls to them to innovate and devise technological solutions to both industrial and societal problems. With a keen eye, they should study their nation and resort to applying their knowledge, training, and skills to contribute their part as technologists of the nation.”
He said that academic careers were now transitioning into professional careers. “From here on, whatever steps you take will be for the opulence of your professional lives. Remember that tied with your professional career is also the future of your dear nation. Every stride you take towards the betterment of your professional skills will be your nation taking one step forward towards its development.”
