Lahore: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Wednesday organized the third session of its flagship ‘One Day One University’ programme, featuring an exhibition of innovative products, projects, research initiatives, and prototypes developed by the students of University of South Asia, Lahore.
The exhibition was inaugurated by LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol. The event was attended by LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Vice Chancellor University of South Asia Mian Imran Masood, Convener Standing Committee Umer Saleem, members of the business community, faculty members, students, and representatives from various industrial sectors.
On the occasion, the LCCI and the University of South Asia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting meaningful collaboration between academia and industry. The agreement was signed by LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol and the University’s Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood.
Under the MoU, both institutions will work jointly to organize seminars, workshops, conferences, awareness sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities. The agreement also envisages cooperation in industry-oriented research, entrepreneurship promotion, technology transfer, commercialization of innovative ideas, curriculum development, student internships, guest lectures, and mentorship programmes. The collaboration will further facilitate stronger engagement between students and the corporate sector, helping prepare graduates for emerging market needs.
Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President said that empowering youth through stronger industry-academia collaboration is essential for Pakistan’s economic progress. He stated that the Chamber is committed to creating opportunities that connect talented students with the business community, enabling them to understand market dynamics, innovation requirements, and entrepreneurial practices. He said that the ‘One Day One University’ initiative has emerged as an effective platform for fostering interaction between academia and industry, encouraging practical learning, and identifying future business leaders and innovators.
He further said that universities play a pivotal role in producing skilled human resources, and closer engagement with industry can significantly enhance the relevance and impact of academic research. He was confident that the partnership with University of South Asia would contribute to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
The varsity Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood appreciated the efforts of Lahore Chamber in providing students with exposure to the business sector. He said, the varsity is committed to producing graduates equipped with knowledge, skills, and innovative mindset required by modern industries. He added that the MoU would open new avenues for collaborative research, internships, commercialization of innovative projects, and professional development opportunities for students and faculty members alike.
The participants appreciated the students’ projects and innovative prototypes displayed at the exhibition and termed the initiative a valuable step towards strengthening academia-industry partnerships and promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from both institutions to work together for the advancement of education, research, innovation, and economic growth through sustained collaboration between academia and industry.