Latest news with #SAU


Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
SHEC's CIEC Chairman urges universities to enhance internal revenue amid budget constraints
HYDERABAD: Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Chairman of the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee (CIEC) of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and former Vice-Chancellor of NED University Karachi, has emphasized the need for public sector universities to reduce expenditures and explore internal revenue streams to navigate growing financial challenges. Speaking at a dinner hosted in his honour at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, Dr Lodi pointed out that while the federal government has not increased university budgets over the past eight years, the Sindh government has stepped up with a proposed allocation of Rs42 billion for provincial universities. However, he warned that fiscal challenges are likely to intensify, urging universities to adopt more sustainable financial strategies. 'Increasing student fees is not a viable option for public sector universities, as they are often the only accessible avenue for quality education for students from underprivileged backgrounds,' he said. 'In my new role, I am committed to supporting the enhancement of academic and research standards across institutions, along with addressing structural and operational issues.' Dr Lodi also highlighted the vital role of universities in producing leadership across all sectors and called for efforts that yield long-term, generational benefits for the country. Speaking on the occasion, Meritorious Professor and former Vice Chancellor of SAU, Dr A Q Mughal, praised Dr Lodi's financial reforms at NED University, which have contributed significantly to its current financial stability. He noted that Dr Lodi has been a consistent supporter of universities across Sindh, facilitating improvements and institutional strengthening. SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal shared that the university is currently grappling with financial constraints. 'A special grant request of Rs670 million has been submitted to the Sindh Government and SHEC to clear outstanding gratuities of retired staff since 2022,' he informed. Dr Siyal acknowledged Dr Lodi's instrumental role in resolving key issues at SAU, including the long-standing delay in promotions of meritorious professors. He expressed hope that university graduates would be able to secure viable market opportunities and emerge as successful entrepreneurs in the evolving job market. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Huawei Global ICT Competition: Pakistani students secure 3rd place
HYDERABAD: In a remarkable achievement for the country, a joint team of students from Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, and Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro, clinched third place at the Huawei Global ICT Competition 2025, held in Shenzhen, China. The annual event drew participation from more than 210,000 students and instructors representing over 2,000 universities and institutions across 100+ countries. After qualifying through rigorous national and regional stages, only 179 teams from 48 countries advanced to the global finals. The Pakistani team, comprising Muhammad Ishaque from SAU's Information Technology Centre and Tahseen Ahmed from MUET, excelled in the Network Track Category. The team was mentored by Suhrab Thaheem and had earlier secured second place in the Middle East regional finals. The final awards ceremony, held in Shenzhen, marked a moment of pride for Pakistan as Huawei officially announced the country's third-place win. The achievement highlights Pakistan's growing footprint in global ICT innovation and education. Vice Chancellor of SAU, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, congratulated the students and faculty, terming the achievement a 'national honour.' He extended special appreciation to team mentor Suhrab Thaheem and Dr. Mir Sajjad Talpur, Director of the Information Technology Centre at SAU, for their leadership and support. 'This prestigious global recognition is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and technical excellence of our youth,' Dr. Siyal stated. 'As digital transformation continues to reshape the world, the demand for skilled professionals in fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity is rising rapidly and our students are proving they are ready to meet that challenge.' Dr. Siyal further emphasized the importance of initiatives like the Huawei ICT Competition in bridging the global skills gap by offering students practical training, promoting industry-academia collaboration, and fostering curriculum innovation. He noted that this accomplishment not only underscores the emerging ICT talent in Pakistan but also exemplifies the strength of inter-university cooperation in achieving global recognition. The 9th edition of the Huawei ICT Competition also introduced new segments including the 'Women in Tech' and 'Green Development Awards,' highlighting the importance of diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity in technology-driven innovation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
a day 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


Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
South Asian University opens UG, PG & PhD admissions for students
The South Asian University, an international institution set up in New Delhi by eight SAARC nations, has opened the applications for students who want to apply for the undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD courses for the academic year 2025-26. The extended application deadlines have been announced, with the direct mode application closing on June 2 and the virtual campus programmes application deadline set for June 19. Available disciplines include Computer Science, Mathematics, Biotechnology ( MSc, MCA), Management and Legal Studies (BBA-MBA, BS-MS, LLM), Economics, Sociology, International Relations, Climate Change and Sustainability, and doctoral research in areas such as Media, Arts & Design, Physics, and more. Specialised academic courses are also available in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Business Intelligence, and Interdisciplinary Sciences. Additionally, the institution provides a range of virtual campus offerings, including BS in Data Science & AI, BCA (Hons.), BBA (Hons.), Integrated BBA-MBA, MS in Data Science & AI, MCA, MBA, Music, Fashion, and short-term design courses. SAU Admission Admission to these programmes is available through national-level exams like CUET, JEE, CAT, NET, and GMAT, or via direct admission for eligible candidates, including SAARC nationals and international students. The institution also ensures accessibility and inclusiveness by offering scholarships and financial support. Not only SAU, the University of Hong Kong has announced a Full-Ride Scholarship for the toppers of the CBSE Class 12 board exams 2025. According to an official statement from the board, the scholarship will fully cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses for top-performing students who enrol in undergraduate (UG) programmes at the university. Eligible students can submit their applications for various UG courses through the official Hong Kong University admissions portal at Course offered Hong Kong University has announced a diverse range of undergraduate courses for Class 12 students aspiring to study abroad. The university's offerings include a BA in Humanities and Digital Technologies (HDT), a BBA in Business Analytics, and BScs in Marketing Analytics and Technology (MAT). Students can also opt for a BSc in Quantitative Finance (QFin), BA in Global Creative Industries (GCIN), and the BBA BEng-Global Engineering and Business Programme (GEBP). For those interested in advanced engineering, the university offers the BEng Elite Programme BEng X + MScEng – Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence in Engineering (AIE). Social science aspirants can enrol in BSocSc with a major in Computational Social Science, while tech enthusiasts have options like BASc in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AppliedAI), BASc in Financial Technology (FinTech), and BSc in Actuarial Science (ActuarSc). Further specialisations include the Bachelor of Statistics (BStat) in Decision Analytics, Risk Management, and Statistics, alongside BEng in Computer Science (CompSc), and BEng in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI&DataSc). Additionally, courses such as BSc in Innovation and Technology and BEng in Biomedical Engineering (BME) are also part of the extensive academic portfolio available for the upcoming academic session.


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