ISLAMABAD – Bahria University hosted a 2-day international workshop on thetopic ‘Maritime Education & Research’ on 18th and 19th Jul 2018 at itsKarachi Campus.
The conference was organised in collaboration with Pakistan HigherEducation Commission (HEC) to lay emphasis on the educational and skillneeds for employment in maritime related fields. The conference attracted awide range of audience from national and international community includingnaval officers, academics, government representatives and businesscommunity.
Bahria University Rector Vice Admiral (r) Muhammad Shafiq, HI (M), whileopening the ceremony, highlighted the increasing importance of maritimesector in the wake of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Heemphasized the need of maritime education to benefit from this development.
HEC Consultant (CPEC) Lt General (r) Muhammad Asghar, chief guest at theopening ceremony, stressed the need of correctly visualizing the futuretrends and adapting timely changes in education and skills to stay abreastand remain relevant. He reflected on the laggard approach of academiatowards maritime education and therefore assured Bahria University of HEC’sfull support towards endeavors of enhancing Maritime Education in Pakistan.
The workshop continued for two days with the blend of speaker sessions andgroup discussions, drawing recommendations in areas relevant to maritimeeducation including potential job market, curriculum design, facultydevelopment and requirements of labs and academic aids. Scholars fromChina, Hong Kong & Turkey also expressed their views and sharedinternational experiences in maritime education and research.
Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat HI(M), present atthe closing ceremony as chief guest, also highlighted the significance ofmaritime sector and importance of CPEC as a game changer. He stressed theneed to prepare for emerging job markets in maritime sector, while Pakistanturns into a maritime hub.
Bahria University Karachi Campus Head of Humanities & Social Science DrBashir Ahmad shared the proceedings and recommendations of the workshop.The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Bahria University KarachiDirector General Vice Admiral (r) Khawaja Ghazanfar Hussain HI (M),acknowledging the support from HEC and thanking all national andinternational participants for their valuable input.