University of Gwadar and FAST-NUCES Karachi sign MoU on academic cooperation

GWADAR: The University of Gwadar and the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST National University), Karachi campus, have signed a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote academic and research cooperation in computer science, information technology, artificial intelligence, data science and modern technologies.

Professor Dr Zulfiqar Memon, Director of FAST National University’s Karachi campus, signed for his university. Hafeezullah, Chairperson of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Gwadar, signed for his university.

Under the MoU, the two universities will cooperate on improving curricula, the quality and accreditation of academic programmes, joint research projects and faculty development. They will also cooperate on teacher and student exchanges, internships, training programmes, workshops and the use of modern research facilities.

Key points of the agreement

The two sides also agreed on joint research and academic activities in artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, software engineering and maritime and port technologies. They also agreed to promote students’ professional and practical skills.

The agreement gives special importance to the practical use of modern computing technologies and to research activities, particularly in the context of Gwadar Port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It also proposes setting up a joint coordination committee to make cooperation between the two universities effective.

The development follows directions from the Colleges, Higher and Technical Education Department to public universities to draw up proposals for academic cooperation with FAST National University.

Saghir Naseem, Lecturer in the Department of Management Sciences at the University of Gwadar, and Zainab Sheikh, Assistant Manager for Career Services and Industrial Liaison at FAST National University, were also present.