There is a dire need for creating opportunities by modern technologies that can ensure a positive use of advanced gadgets said Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed in an international conference on emerging technologies.
He also said that HEC is facilitating and encouraging research activities in universities. He stressed that such researches should be conducted that can lessen the problems of humanity and have a positive response on society.
Dr. Mukhtar was the chief guest of the 13th International Conference on Emerging Technologies (ICET) jointly organized by the Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST), in collaboration with the HEC and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Islamabad.
The occasion was attended by CUST Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mansoor Ahmed, Professor Aamer Iqbal Bhatti, ICET General Chair and faculty members and students.
The HEC Chairman pointed out that in the near future the two most important and critical issues will be water and food security. He stressed that the promotion of education is the only solution to all social problems including terrorism, poverty, and unemployment.
He further added that without prompting education no nation can progress. He added that it is the part that universities are playing that is creating knowledge and integrating it into society. He urged to pay special attention to train the students.
The chairman said that HEC in last 15 years has added the number of universities increased from 59 to 188 universities. He also informed that HEC is trying its best to promote ICT in Pakistan because Pakistan has one of the best ICT setups in South Asia.
He also announced that establishment centers of excellence in data and artificial intelligence is in the HEC plans.
Professor Aamer Iqbal Bhatti said that the first international conference on emerging technologies was held in 2005. He said CUST lays great emphasis on applied research and the 13th ICET is a testimony to that fact. He appreciated the role of the HEC and IEEE Islamabad in collaborating to organize the conference.