Zubair Qureshi
Former Chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC) and incumbent Chairman of Prime Minister’s Task Force on Science & Technology Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rahman has urged an enabling environment for young researchers, scientists and scholars so that they could make headway in realm of discovery and innovation.
Dr Atta was delivering keynote address as Chief Guest the inaugural session of a three-day 17th FIT-2019), organized by COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) here Monday.
International speakers from Australia, Austria France, Japan, Netherlands, Russia, UK and USA are participating in the FIT-2019. This year, the theme of conference is “Artificial Intelligence for Economic Development”.
Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rehman spoke on “Exciting World of Discovery” and highlighted importance of discoveries/innovations, with the help of technology/skills and presented novel solutions to IT specialists to learn and fly in present era.
Dr Atta said only knowledge-based society could push the country towards true development. While acknowledging that students and children were the real assets of the country, he said they must be facilitated in capitalizing their potential and energies.
He said a huge investment was made in education when he headed the Higher Education Commission (HEC), adding it paved the way for producing thousands of PhDs every year.
It was a turning period in our educational sector, particularly in the field of science and technology, he said. During his thought-provoking talk, Dr Rahman said the youth must focus on their ability to innovate, discover and research. There should be an enabling environment for socio-economic development in the country, he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Usama Ijaz Bajwa, Programme Chairperson presented the introduction of this mega IT event.
He highlighted that the acceptance ratio of technical papers in FIT is comparable to that of other renowned international conferences. He thanked all participants for attending the event.
Prof Dr Raheel Qamar, Rector, COMSATS University Islamabad, in his vote of thanks appreciated the efforts of government and the Prime Minister’s Task force on Science and Technology in promoting the research and development culture in the country.
During the three days conference, a series of debates are organized as part of technical sessions and world renowned scholars and researchers will deliver these talks.
PhD symposia will be providing a forum to the PhD students to present their ongoing research; these symposia will be conducted by elite academicians from the arena of Information Technology.
Tutorial sessions will also be a part of FIT-2019 in which various topics of interest for IT community will be organized and delivered. On last day of conference, panel discussion on “National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy” will be focusing on the role of AI in economic development of the country.
