The Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science (KICS) at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore hosted the 2nd Information Technology Career Symposium, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of students and professionals eager to explore the frontiers of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The event served as a vibrant platform connecting aspiring technologists with leading industry experts, creating an invaluable exchange of ideas and guidance on emerging IT trends and career pathways.
Kicking off the proceedings, Mr. Kashif Bashir, Manager Training at KICS, delivered the welcome address. He emphasized the importance of bridging academic education with real-world industry experience, noting that thousands of students have been trained in cutting-edge courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Python, Full-Stack JavaScript Development, Web Development, and Data Mining. He also acknowledged the participation of top IT firms, including Devsinc, Forward Solutions, Opus AI, Imzlab Technologies, and EilaajVerse.
Mr. Muzammil Hassan, Principal Manager SSRL, followed with a keynote on the significance of NAVTTC (National Vocational and Technical Training Commission) programs in preparing Pakistan’s youth for a competitive global tech landscape.
The symposium featured a series of dynamic sessions, starting with Minahil Kaleem, Growth and Communication Specialist at Opus AI and Lead Ambassador for Google Women Techmakers. Her talk, “Mindset for Success – Soft Skills for the Future,” stressed the critical need for students to cultivate what she termed “focus skills”—clarity, consistency, and resilience—to thrive in the evolving digital economy.
Ahmad Manzoor, CEO of EilaajVerse, delivered an inspiring session on “Career Path in Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship.” Drawing from his international entrepreneurial experience, he urged students to embrace challenges, work with purpose, and adopt a “fail fast, learn faster” mentality to accelerate growth.
In a session titled “Modern Hiring Requirements,” Ms. Noor Ul Ain Butt, Head of Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding at Devsinc, offered a comprehensive guide to resume building, interview preparation, and understanding corporate hiring trends. Her insights provided students with practical tools to navigate the competitive tech job market.
Awais Sheikh, CEO of Forward Solutions, addressed the audience with “Business Thinking for Everyone – From Idea to Action.” Sharing lessons from his own startup journey, he introduced the concept of the 4Ws—Why, What, Who, and When—equipping participants with a framework to transform ideas into viable ventures.
Muhammad Afzal Malik, CTO at Imzlab Technologies, led a session on “Work Smart – Manage Projects, Time & Clients like a Pro.” Known for his expertise in IoT, Smart Agriculture, and Industry 4.0, Malik highlighted key principles of project management, time optimization, and client engagement. He also spoke about his Dubai-based experience, his entrepreneurial venture OR97, and his publication “Arduino IoT Cloud for Developers.”
Prof. Dr. Waqar Mahmood, Director of KICS, praised the energy and curiosity displayed by the students and lauded the speakers for offering rich, actionable insights.
The event concluded with remarks from Chief Guest Ms. Asfa Maqbool, Director General of NAVTTC Punjab, who reiterated NAVTTC’s dedication to promoting skill-based education and fostering entrepreneurship across Pakistan. She particularly emphasized empowering women through targeted skill development programs and applauded the organizers for executing a meaningful and well-attended event.
During the closing ceremony, Ms. Maqbool presented commemorative shields to the speakers and dignitaries and awarded NAVTTC certificates to top-performing students, recognizing their excellence and commitment.
