Digital technologies are going to be the fuel of future growth, said former minister for planning and development Asad Umer.

An awareness seminar was arranged in Rawalpindi Women University (RWU) with the theme of “Taleem Aur Hunar Sath Sath,” to emphasize the importance of vocational and technical knowledge. The seminar was arranged on the initiative of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) under the directions of the Government of Punjab. The seminar was attended by former Federal Minster for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and Punjab Information Technology Minister Dr Arslan Khalid as the chief guests. Dr Anila Kamal, Vice Chancellor of RWU and Director General of PITB e-Governance Sajid Latif were present as the guests of honour.

“Without embracing technology, we will not be able to increase our exports or develop our industry. Importance of technology cannot be stressed more. Pakistan is one of the top four countries in the world with the highest exports of IT. We must make it to the top spot. Digital technologies hold the key to the development of our country. Youth need to take full advantage of this fourth industrial revolution. Our government will train 3 million tech enthusiasts in the next 3 years,” Asad Umer said while addressing the event.

Dr Arslan Khalid said that the aim of “Taleem Aur Hunar Sath Sath” initiative was to empower the youth and build awareness about making efforts to foster both skills and education. “Along with the degree, students will also be equipped with various digital skills. This program has given equal opportunity to female students as companies with female leaders are making huge profits,” he said.

Dr Anila Kamal congratulated PITB on successful launch of the initiative to provide digital training to the students. Sajid Latif told the gathering that the orientation drive will be carried out throughout the province so that students from all the cities of the province can be trained. “This will help in the process of even-development,” he said.

Freelancing Guru Hisham Sarwar, Secretary General of Pakistan Software Houses Association’s (P@SHA) Hira Zainab and Director of Impact Dynamics’ Founding Maryam Arshad were also present at the seminar. They all agreed on the importance of digital skills and emphasized that the University students should focus on both education and digital skills. They also shared their experiences about online earning through social media and e-commerce.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk