Latest news with #AltafAliSiyal
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Science
- Business Recorder
Climate training programme launched
HYDERABAD: In a major step toward climate-resilient agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, has launched a comprehensive training program for agricultural experts from SAU and other provincial and federal agricultural research institutions. The initiative aims to equip professionals with the skills to utilize climate data and modern technology in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. As part of the program, Dr. Michiaki Sugita, Meritorious Professor at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, and an Evapotranspiration (ET) expert with FAO, visited SAU. During his visit, Dr. Sugita inspected the advanced Flux Tower installed at the university's Latif Experimental Farm. The tower captures detailed atmospheric and environmental data, playing a critical role in supporting climate-Resilient agricultural research. Dr. Michiaki Sugita was briefed on the tower's data acquisition capabilities, storage systems, and ongoing applications in research. He also met with SAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal to discuss the importance of utilizing real-time environmental data for academic research, student training, and knowledge transfer to farmers. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal noted that Sindh is among the regions' most vulnerable to climate change globally, stressing the urgency of adopting science-based agricultural strategies. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Over 6,000 students benefit from PM's Laptop Scheme at SAU: VC
HYDERABAD: As part of the Prime Minister's Youth Laptop Scheme, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam distributed laptops among 11 high-performing students during a ceremony held on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal said that over 6,000 students have benefitted from the scheme at the university so far. He emphasized that merit-based opportunities for laptops and scholarships will continue to be extended to deserving students in the future. 'In today's technology-driven world, progress without computers and information technology is unimaginable. IT is playing a crucial role not only in economic development but also in national defense,' said Dr. Siyal. He encouraged students to harness the power of technology to create career opportunities from home and called upon the government to extend the laptop scheme to the college level while promoting IT education at all tiers. Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. Aijaz Ali Khooharo noted that laptops previously delayed due to administrative hurdles have now been distributed strictly on academic merit. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh Startups Exhibition 2025: SAU's Moringa products stall draws attention
HYDERABAD: Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam showcased its innovative food products made from Suhanjhro (Moringa) at the First Sindh Startups Exhibition 2025, held in Karachi under the joint collaboration of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). The exhibition brought together leading academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across Sindh. SAU set up a unique stall under the supervision of its Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) and the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). The display featured a range of organic products developed from moringa, including Moringa Leaf Powder, Moringa Tea, Moringa Biscuits, Moringa Oil, Moringa Bread, and Moringa Root Powder highlighting the university's commitment to sustainable agriculture and food innovation. The Vice Chancellor of SAU, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, visited the stall and commended the high quality and creative effort behind the showcased products. 'This initiative reflects the expertise and innovation of our students and faculty, and promotes the sustainable use of natural and nutritional resources like Moringa. It is a proud step toward agricultural and nutritional self-reliance in Sindh,' he said. Dr. Tanzeer Fatima Miano, Director ORIC, and Dr. Tahseen Fatima Miano, a specialist from IFST, briefed the Vice Chancellor about the concept and development process of the products. They shared that SHEC had officially approved the university's proposal for participating in the exhibition and recognized the value of Moringa-based food innovations. During the exhibition, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the SAU stall, expressing keen interest in the Moringa-derived products. He appreciated the efforts of the Vice Chancellor and the university team for promoting research-based, health-oriented solutions from local resources. Dr. Munir Ahmed Jamali and other senior university officials were also present at the event, reflecting the growing academic-industry linkage in Sindh's higher education landscape. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SAU VC urges youth to transform academic projects into startups
HYDERABAD: The Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, has urged university students to view their final-year research projects as potential startups that can play a vital role in Pakistan's economic development. Speaking at a seminar titled 'Unlock the Startup in Your FYP (Final Year Project),' held at the Dr. A. M. Shaikh Auditorium on Thursday, The event was organized in collaboration with SAU's Business Incubation Centre (BIC), the IEEE SAU Student Branch, and the National Incubation Centre (NIC) Hyderabad. Dr. Siyal highlighted that students should not see their final-year projects as the conclusion of their academic journey but as a starting point for innovative and impact-driven enterprises. He encouraged students, especially those in agriculture, veterinary sciences, information technology, and social sciences, to convert their academic ideas into business solutions addressing critical challenges such as climate change, food security, and exploitation of farmers by middlemen. The keynote address was delivered by Waqar bin Azhar, Assistant Manager for Startup Engagement at NIC Hyderabad, who underscored that while financial resources are limited, creativity and execution can overcome these barriers. He stressed that Pakistan requires innovators more than job seekers, and startups based on scalable ideas can fill significant gaps in the economy. Program Director at NIC Hyderabad, Sana Shah, cited global examples of successful idea-driven companies such as Uber, Foodpanda, Daraz, Amazon, and BYJU'S, which began their journey without substantial capital but grew into multinational enterprises. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Sarki, Director of SAU's Business Incubation Centre, stated that the university is mentoring students to develop entrepreneurial solutions tailored to national agricultural needs through locally developed technologies and business models. He added that the BIC plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and the marketplace by providing training, guidance, and industry linkages. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Transparent budgeting linked to citizen participation: SAU VC
HYDERABAD: Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, Dr Altaf Ali Siyal, has emphasized that transparency in budget-making can only be achieved by incorporating public feedback and fostering effective collaboration between citizens and government institutions. He expressed these views while addressing an awareness seminar on the 'Citizen Budget for the Fiscal Year 2025–26,' organized on Monday by the Finance Department, Government of Sindh, in collaboration with Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. Dr Siyal lauded the Sindh government for taking what he described as a commendable and people-centric step by actively involving citizens in the budget formulation process. He noted that research institutions must play a practical role in shaping public policy and budget development through surveys and evidence-based recommendations. 'This approach ensures that the budget is not only transparent but also reflective of the real needs of the people,' he added. Highlighting the value of public participation, Dr Siyal said that the Citizen Budget concept promotes participatory governance and helps build mutual trust between the government and the people. Additional Secretary of the Finance Department and Director of the Economic Reform Unit (ERU), Muhammad Afzal Channa, delivered a detailed briefing on the objectives and significance of the Citizen Budget. He explained that the initiative aims to present the annual budget in a simplified, easy-to-understand format, especially for citizens without a technical or financial background. 'This initiative is a practical reflection of the Government of Sindh's commitment to Open Government and Public Financial Management Reforms,' said Channa. He further noted that feedback for the Citizen Budget is collected from a diverse cross-section of society, including students, members of civil society, and representatives from both public and private institutions. Structured questionnaires and surveys are used to gather public input, which is then considered during the budget formulation process. Professor Dr Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar also addressed the seminar. The event was attended by former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro, agricultural extension experts, representatives of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, and a large number of students. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
