In a major step toward bridging the gap between academic education and professional readiness, Skills360 Pakistan and the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to empower students with practical, industry-aligned skills.
The signing ceremony took place in Karachi, with key figures from both institutions in attendance, including Kashif Hussain Shah, Executive Director of Skills360, and Dr Hina Akram Mudassir, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at FUUAST. The agreement marks a strategic collaboration that promises to enhance employability among university students through access to real-world training and career development opportunities.
Under the MoU, Skills360 — an educational initiative launched by The Coach360 and co-founded by entrepreneur Burhan Mirza — will allocate 25 reserved seats in its various professional courses specifically for FUUAST students. In a further push for inclusivity and merit-based support, Skills360 will also offer a 50% scholarship on all courses for students recommended by the university.
One of the most innovative aspects of the partnership is the potential academic integration of Skills360 courses into FUUAST’s curriculum. Subject to internal academic review, these courses may be recognized as electives, thereby aligning academic requirements with market-relevant skills.
The collaboration also includes career support through internship placements for top-performing students, leveraging Skills360’s broad network of industry partners to provide valuable hands-on experience.
Speaking at the event, Skills360 co-founder Burhan Mirza emphasized the importance of aligning education with employability: “This collaboration is curated to create employment opportunities for students by aligning university education with practical, in-demand skills. Our goal is to help prepare the next generation of professionals who are not just academically sound but also market ready.”
Echoing this sentiment, FUUAST Vice Chancellor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari said, “We’re delighted to partner with Skills360 in our mission to enhance the employability of our students. This initiative will help our students gain access to real-world training and meaningful industry exposure.”
Also present at the ceremony were Dr Shaukat Wasi, Academic Director at Skills360; Mr Kashif Hussain Shah, who also serves as CEO of ProByte, Skills360’s technical partner; and senior faculty and administrative members from both organizations.
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This MoU signifies a forward-thinking collaboration that not only enhances academic value but also delivers real-world impact — a win-win for students, educators, and industry alike.