Industry and Academia Rendezvous

Venue: MAJU, Karachi
Date:June 2024
Discussion Points
- Align curricula with industry needs.
- Use active learning and project-based tasks.
- Prioritize algorithmic thinking with coding challenges.
- Start with beginner-friendly languages like Java scripting, Python.
- Integrate AI tools like GitHub Copilot.
- Teach essential tools like GitHub, Jira, and Docker.
- Foster collaboration through pair programming and group projects
- Encourage continuous learning through coding competitions and hackathons.
- Offer mentorship programs to bridge the gap between students and industry professionals.

Venue: Qarshi University, Lahore
Date: July 2024
Discussion Points
- Introduce Python or JavaScript as the first programming language to emphasize problem-solving over syntax.
- Encourage the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT for code generation and debugging, with human oversight for refinement.
- Integrate GitHub, Slack, and Scrum into classroom projects to expose students to industry tools and collaboration practices.
- Align curriculum with real-world applications, including case studies and industry-relevant frameworks.
- Incorporate coding challenges from HackerRank, CodeChef, LeetCode, and CodeForces into the curriculum to focus on problem-solving skills.
- Utilize platforms like Moss for plagiarism checking to ensure originality and maintain academic integrity.
- Use Raptor or similar tools to help students visualize and understand code logic early in the course.
- Introduce debuggers as early as possible in the curriculum to teach students effective troubleshooting techniques.
- Pair inexperienced teachers with industry professionals for mentorship and curriculum design support.
- Organize coding competitions and workshops to reinforce the focus on problem-solving as emphasized by Dr. Aksam.
- Ensure teachers are actively involved in lab work to improve practical teaching quality.

Venue: HEC, LI Hall, Islamabad
Date: Jan 2024
Discussion Points
- Best pedagogical approaches for teaching programming should be adopted in Institutions
- Developed algorithmic thinking to students
- Role of AI in programming education is important
- Labs should be upgraded for students for effective learning
- Effective use of programming environments in Universities
- The Higher Education Commission (HEC) should establish a policy regarding salary packages for industry professionals who teach at universities.
- Training programs should be developed for faculty members to equip them with the skills to train teachers in programming and AI.
- Provide real-world problem-solving experiences through internships and industry partnerships.

Venue: HEC regional center, Peshawar
Date: April 2025
Discussion Points
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Curriculum Framework and Reform
- Align curriculum with industrial demands and international standards.
- Engage institutions (FAST, ITU, GIK, etc.) to review core/elective content.
- Industry input to guide curriculum updates (e.g., Quantum Computing).
- Consider integration of certifications (e.g., Coursera) into electives.
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Technology & Infrastructure Gaps
- Address digital divide and poor Internet/connectivity in remote areas.
- Propose at least one high-tech computing lab per university by 2025.
- Use government-backed projects (e.g., HEDP) for lab setup.
- Free or subsidized access to essential software (MATLAB, ERP, etc.).
- Promote shared access models and cloud-based resources.
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Innovation and Product-Oriented Research
- Push for incubator culture in computing institutions.
- At least one incubator per institution within 2–3 years.
- Encourage universities to develop local IT products to reduce dependency on expensive foreign subscriptions (e.g., ICI example).
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Quality & Accreditation Standards
- Strengthen accreditation through self-assessment, cluster models, and simplified processes.
- Promote OBE (Outcome-Based Education) and autonomous accreditation bodies like INSEC.
- Address challenges with unqualified colleges offering CS programs—emphasize faculty qualifications (e.g., PhD requirement).
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Industry-Academia Linkages
- Emphasize local industry collaboration for real-world relevance.
- Establish a local HR database and involve 2 visiting industry teachers per program.
- Encourage mentorship and curriculum alignment with industry demands.
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Policy & Implementation Challenges
- Funding remains a core issue; PC-1 process is slow.
- Policy gaps: No current support for local product preference in public sector.
- Centralized semester-end assessments: Need clarity on structure and relevance.
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Tax Rebate Concern
- Urgent matter: Federal government may be ending the 25% tax rebate for university professors and researchers.
- Recommendation: Immediate engagement with relevant authorities to preserve this incentive.