In a significant stride towards fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange, Dr. Jeanette Forbes, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) designated Ambassador to Pakistan, embarked on a visit to Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to explore potential partnerships in various domains, including knowledge exchange, talent development, and leveraging digital transformations.
Dr. Forbes, the Founder of PCL Group and a distinguished figure in business, technology, and charitable initiatives, has been recognized for her substantial impact on these sectors, earning her an Order of the British Empire (OBE) from the Princess Royal. Her visit to LUMS reflects a broader commitment to enhancing global partnerships and leveraging the strengths of both nations.
A fervent advocate for promoting women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers, Dr. Forbes actively participates in various government boards, contributing to the advancement of Scotland’s digital capabilities. Her presence at LUMS signifies a shared interest in nurturing talent and fostering innovation, especially in areas where technology and education intersect.
The visit, facilitated by LUMS alum Arsalan Ijaz Anwer, CEO of Taar Group, included crucial meetings with the university’s senior leadership. Dr. Forbes engaged in discussions with Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS, and Nuzhat Kamran, Director of the Office of Advancement. These interactions aimed to explore avenues for collaboration, aligning academic pursuits with industry demands and creating a symbiotic relationship between academia and business.
Additionally, Dr. Forbes met with faculty members from the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, delving into potential research collaborations and initiatives to promote technological advancements. The discussions also focused on the role of digital transformations in shaping the future of education and business, with an emphasis on preparing students for the evolving demands of the global workforce.
Arsalan Ijaz Anwer, the LUMS alum and CEO of Taar Group, expressed his enthusiasm for facilitating this exchange, stating, “It is an honor to connect my alma mater with such a distinguished figure in global business. Dr. Forbes’ visit opens up new possibilities for collaboration and reinforces the importance of creating synergies between academia and industry.”
As the visit concludes, both parties expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of this collaboration, which could have far-reaching impacts on education, technology, and business in Pakistan and Scotland. The shared commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity in these domains sets the stage for a fruitful partnership between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Lahore University of Management Sciences.