STAFF REPORTER
“STEM education is important in sustainable growth of the country and also a critical component to win the future, STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy and enables the next generation of innovators”, stated US-based certified Scrum trainer and Agile coach, Ms. Cathy Simpson, during a Startup Founder Workshop organized recently by the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) at its Secretariat in Islamabad. American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS) and the Inter University Consortium for the Promotion of Social Sciences Arts and Humanities (IUCPSS) collaborated with COMSATS for the Workshop which trained over 50 young female entrepreneurs on “How to Build Successful Team and Businesses”. The Workshop covered various aspects of Scrum training and Agile manifesto along with techniques for improving team efficiency and management. Ms. Simpson, as a part of training, discussed contemporary market trends and shared with the trainees some key attributes of a successful start-up. She highlighted the need of technical knowledge and soft skills development for the success of entrepreneurial ventures. According to her, team work, sound leadership, trust, effective planning and timely testing are essentials for better product development. Elucidating on various aspects of agile methodology in this connection, Ms. Simpson emphasized on targeted customers, outcome efficiency and sustainable value deliverance important for its adaptation. She also impressed upon the need to promote entrepreneurial culture and stated that STEM education is important for enabling the culture of innovation, inculcating analytical thinking and increasing science literacy. In his remarks addressing the participants of workshop of STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education, the Executive Director, COMSATS, Dr. S.M. Junaid Zaidi, SI,HI said that the Organization – COMSATS, is an inter-governmental organization based in Islamabad, is striving to promote South-South cooperation in the fields of science and technology. In the present times of corona virus pandemic, COMSATS reiterates its resolve to strengthen R&D capacities of its 27 member states to help combat emerging global challenges through peaceful use of science.
