Seminar urges youth action on creativity, innovation

Islamabad: Riphah Institute of Media Sciences (RIMS) a constituent Institute of Riphah International University with DICE (Distinguished Innovation Collaboration & Entrepreneurship) Foundation US, organised DICE CAM -2017 (Creative Arts & Media) International Conference at HEC Auditorium.

The conference discussed various topics of the intellectual capacity building of stakeholders in Creative Arts and Media, success stories and critical praise and Critical Acclaim; what it means to Artists and academics.

Dr. Khurshid Ahmad Qureshi, Chairman and Founder of (Distinguished Innovation Collaboration & Entrepreneurship) DICE Foundation in his speech on the inaugural session said, Pakistan is one of the beautiful countries in the world with immense talent and all natural resources. He spoke about the Power of innovation that all developed countries have adopted in recent times and achieved milestones in the economies. He said Pakistani youth can use creativity and innovation as a tool to produce wealth for the country and nation. They have great potential to create new ideas and unique products because this youth is better than any youth in the world and can compete on all forums, the only thing they need is the opportunity and provision of a conducive environment with appropriate resources.

Dr. Khurshid said as we look around we find Pakistanis inside and abroad have done wonders in almost every field – but why as a nation we are still lagging behind. One of the big reasons among many, we saw is lack of structured and strategic approach to promote innovation process in the country at all levels, which has been a key ingredient behind the success of major developed nations. With that in mind, in order to provide structured and strategic platforms to promote innovations, entrepreneurship and indigenous products and use innovation as a tool to generate wealth for the nation, we started DICE program in Pakistan in 2007 and later formally registered DICE Foundation as a non-profit organization in the USA in 2012.

Earlier, Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmed, Vice Chancellor Riphah International University, welcomed the guests and participants from the media industry and thanked DICE Foundation for their collaboration with Riphah Institute of media sciences in organizing the event. He said that Riphah as part of its mission and values always continue to encourage young students to actively participate in activities, that can help in positive media productions which will develop the positive image of Pakistan across the world.

Advisor HRD Wasim Hashmi Higher Education Commission (HEC) highlighted the importance of Media role in the modern era and the role of HEC in providing research facilities and scholarships for students and faculty over the last 15 years. He said that universities should not only focus on basic research but more on applied research so that our research projects can create positive impact of Pakistan

Rehan Hassan, Director RIMS in his speech said that Riphah Institute of Media Sciences is always thriving to provide a conducive learning environment for students to participate in national and international events. Collaboration with DICE Foundation is one of its examples. He thanked DICE Foundation which has been promoting innovation process at university level and more recently at high school level, with the support of HEC, Pakistan Council for Science & Technology, British Council, universities leadership all over Pakistan, much other government and private institutions and individuals within and outside the country

Students from International Islamic University, National University of Modern Languages, SZABIST also participated in the conference and showcased their creative artworks. Media Personals from leading news channels and production houses visited the conference and shared their experiences with the students and also provided guidance on how to achieve the best in the media industry. More than 1000 students from different media schools attended the conference.