Mehran is my whole life, find myself fit to lead in new industrial revolution: Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali

on 16/05/2024

I have been closely monitoring all vice-chancellors before me for being a member of their teams. I find myself relaxed while maintaining the continuity of policy and the advancement with changing times, says Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, Vice Chancellor, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology (MUET), Jamshoro in a special interview with Engineering Review.
We are entering into Industry Revolution 4.0 and we are required to lead undergraduates to the times of this revolution I find myself fortunate to be settled in this position and lead it.
Leadership roles
Running the university with my style is better than following my predecessors’ who put the system in place. I and my team fully understand the system and the prime objective is to improve the system.
Vision 2030 – ‘RISE’ is making a difference
We had a vision already. Maybe it was restricted to concepts only. What I, with my team, have done is to enshrine it keeping in view the most modern demands of the day, and have incorporated it into the system. It is making a difference—a feat of appreciation.
Salient features of ‘RISE’ (Research, Innovation, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship)
Vision 2030 is student-centric. We believe if the students are not content with the standard of education and the level of facilities and in return not agree to carry the brand name of the university then all our efforts will be in vain.
Liaison with industry
Collaboration with industry is a basic prerequisite for the identity of any university. No research, be it community-based, commercial, or impact-related, can bear any fruit unless it is in liaison with the industry. I have made endeavors to bring the university closer to the industry. We have opened ourselves to the industry so that we can solve their problems. USAID Water Center is just one to float as an example. Numerous national and international donors are now approaching the university to use the capacity and ability of the institution.
Role of Alumni and Vision 2030
We need the experience, capability, and competence of our alumni rather than their money. They must move forward to take care of their alma mater and be part of students’ training and enhancement efforts. This role is embedded in our vision.
Infrastructure for industry-academia liaison
The concept of entrepreneurship is failing in practice in our universities and one of the major causes is the absence of an echo system for entrepreneurship. The system of education especially the syllabus and attendance etc. needs to be transformed so that the students are able to become entrepreneurs. Also, engineers have ideas and they must be equipped with the ability to sell them. They must either collaborate with the industry or with business universities. therefore, many things should be changed.
Engagement with industry turning fruitful
We are reviewing our curriculum keeping in mind the feedback of the industry we are in liaison with. We have sought their input as to what kind of changes should be made so that the students are ready to perform in the industry from the very onset. I think the present system of internships also needs to change and the students should go into the industry for a longer term {let’s say 4 to 6 months} before completing their final years in the university; a few weeks period does not work.
Money matters
Universities have no way but to vie for sustainability. Things are moving in this direction at all levels—government, regulatory bodies, and universities. Regulatory bodies should allow the institutions to move towards commercialization linked with engineering education and the financial benefits of the university. For instance, MUET, Jamshoro has enough land to offer for setting up solar or wind parks. The industry may invest and give dividends to the university whose students can benefit through working with solar or wind power companies. Also, the universities can establish technology parks and the authorities can declare them tax-free zones. We have moved ahead keeping in view some good ideas of Sindh’s investment board. We are in the advanced stage of talks with some companies. The Sindh government is extending a helping hand to the universities as regards the solarization of the universities.
Expanding academic side
We are running 26 programs through 18 departments. We have introduced 5 new programs during the last two years. These include AI and Cybersecurity and also technology programs. This is because our students pay attention to technology rather than engineering which seems to be shrinking over the years.

Dr. Tahir MasoodEx-MD NESPAKconferred Civil Award

on 16/05/2024

Dr. Tahir Masood, former Managing Director NESPAK, has been conferred Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in the field of engineering by the President of Pakistan. The investiture ceremony for the award was held on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2024, wherein Dr. Tahir Masood received the award from Punjab Governor Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman.
Dr. Tahir Masood remained the President and Managing Director of NESPAK from 2018 to 2023. He is an outstanding professional by any standard. During his career spanning over thirty-nine years, he has made significant contributions to diverse projects of vital importance in Pakistan and abroad. A diehard Civil Engineer by profession, Dr. Masood is well-versed in the various disciplines of engineering and carries a diverse work record of over three decades in Corporate Management, Project Management, Geotechnical, Hydro & Thermal Power Engineering, and Dams. During his illustrious career, he has worked on many mega projects of national and international importance such as:
1223 MW CCPP Balloki Project
1180 MW CCPP Bhikki Power Project
660 MW Engro Thar Coal Fired Power Project
Sindh-Engro Coal Mining Project
Orange Line Metro Train Project
Tarbela 4th Extension Project
1450 MW Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project
Chashma Hydropower Project
Khanki Barrage Project
Bay Area Hazard Assessment after 1989 Earthquake California, U.S.A.
Under his leadership, NESPAK achieved significant progress and goals including securing a lead role in Joint Venture for consulting services for Mohmand Dam and Basha Dam projects. Given his professional excellence, outstanding commitment, and his role in the development of Pakistan for over thirty-nine years, Dr. Tahir Masood has been conferred the civil award.

Dr. Tahir MasoodEx-MD NESPAKconferred Civil Award

on 15/05/2024

Dr. Tahir Masood, former Managing Director NESPAK, has been conferred Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in the field of engineering by the President of Pakistan. The investiture ceremony for the award was held on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2024, wherein Dr. Tahir Masood received the award from Punjab Governor Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman.
Dr. Tahir Masood remained the President and Managing Director of NESPAK from 2018 to 2023. He is an outstanding professional by any standard. During his career spanning over thirty-nine years, he has made significant contributions to diverse projects of vital importance in Pakistan and abroad. A diehard Civil Engineer by profession, Dr. Masood is well-versed in the various disciplines of engineering and carries a diverse work record of over three decades in Corporate Management, Project Management, Geotechnical, Hydro & Thermal Power Engineering, and Dams. During his illustrious career, he has worked on many mega projects of national and international importance such as:
1223 MW CCPP Balloki Project
1180 MW CCPP Bhikki Power Project
660 MW Engro Thar Coal Fired Power Project
Sindh-Engro Coal Mining Project
Orange Line Metro Train Project
Tarbela 4th Extension Project
1450 MW Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project
Chashma Hydropower Project
Khanki Barrage Project
Bay Area Hazard Assessment after 1989 Earthquake California, U.S.A.
Under his leadership, NESPAK achieved significant progress and goals including securing a lead role in Joint Venture for consulting services for Mohmand Dam and Basha Dam projects. Given his professional excellence, outstanding commitment, and his role in the development of Pakistan for over thirty-nine years, Dr. Tahir Masood has been conferred the civil award.

IEEEP calls for technical papers, to be presented in multitopic moot

on 04/04/2024

The Institution of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Pakistan – IEEEP Karachi Center is pleased to invite engineers, researchers, consultants, and experts from the academia and professional organizations to present their research, technological developments, and innovative engineering solutions at the 38th IEEEP Multi-Topic International Symposium to be held on 8th & 9th May 2024, at hotel Pearl Continental Karachi, Pakistan.
The Symposium anticipates the participation of over 300 professional engineers, including CEOs, senior engineers, and esteemed foreign delegates representing various sectors such as consultants, contractors, manufacturers, public sector organizations, utilities, and academia. Over the course of two days, the Symposium will feature multiple technical sessions, providing a platform for the presentation of papers covering diverse topics relevant to the business, industry, and engineering sectors in Pakistan.
The IEEEP is the foremost institution in Pakistan that represents professional Electrical & Electronics Engineers from the Industry and Academia and most of the engineers from public sector utilities are also its members. The IEEEP has been instrumental in resolving a number of technical issues of national importance during the past four decades.
The areas of interest for the papers and technical presentations include Energy Market Analysis, Planning, & Transition, Electrical & Energy Management Systems, Renewable Energy & Sustainable Development Goals, Trends in Electricity Generation, Transmission & Distribution, Trends in the Utility Sector & Smart Grid Infrastructure, Advancements in Electrical Machines & Equipment, Electronics Platforms in Industry 4.0 & 5.0 Technologies, Industrial Automation & Control Systems, Emerging Technologies in Telecommunication, Emergence of Health-care Systems for New Vistas, Convergence of Technologies for Enhanced Systems and Strategic Management of Assets & Projects, etc. Interested engineers and authors can contact the Convener Technical, Engr. Rizwan Ahmed Ansari rizansari@hotmail.com and Co-convener Technical Engr. Zeeshan Ali, zeeshanali.engr@gmail.com of IEEEP Symposium 2024.”]

Consortium Partners of ACTIVE Climate Action Project meet at SSUET Karachi Addressing climate change resilience, employing ICT to combat issues.

on 29/03/2024

Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) organized a meeting of the Consortium Partners of ACTIVE Climate Action Project, co-funded by the European Union and the first 3-day workshop for Curriculum Development, which was attended by Professor Enrique Nava of Malaga University Spain, Prof BS Chowdhry (MUET), Professor Mihai Ciuc (POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest), Dr. Kapal Dev( Munster university Ireland), Dr Marium Jalal (NUTECH), Engr Muhammad Zakir Shaikh (MUET), Dr Valiuddin Vice chancellor SSUET, Acting Registrar Zubair Hameedi, Dr Anayat Ullah (BUITEMS), Deans, Chairperson, and faculty members. Addressing the session, Vice Chancellor SSUET, Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin said that Sir Syed University is playing a significant and effective role in shaping the future of the new generation, extending partnerships beyond national borders, and strengthening the university’s dedication to international excellence.
Expressing strong admiration for the initiatives taken in addressing climate change resilience and employing ICT to combat regional environmental issues, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin underscored that climate change is a global challenge and people are experiencing the significant impacts of climate change, which include changing weather patterns, rising sea level, and more extreme weather events. It affects economic activities and lives. This situation demands us to prepare for the current effects of climate change and the predicted impacts in the future. Efforts should be made to adopt green perspectives, clean technologies, and healthy lifestyles.
Appreciating the initiatives taken by Sir Syed University with unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, Professor Enrique Nava of Malaga University of Spain said that the universities need to explore collaborative opportunities in educational initiatives and delve into focused discussions on the EU Project for Sustainable Environmental Protection. It is a great achievement of Sir Syed University with good progress in the Active Project.
Prof. Dr. BS Chowdhry from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology presented valuable insight into participating in Active Projects, funded by ERASMUS+ Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education (CBHE). He said that the ICT Applications for Sustainable Environmental Protection (ACTIVE) project is a unique initiative aimed at
bridging the gap between ICT engineering and environmental sciences in Pakistan.
The project is centered around capacity building and interdisciplinary training to leverage ICT to address pressing environmental and climatic challenges that urban and rural areas face in Pakistan. By collaborating with partner universities across the country, we are uniquely positioned to address the diverse environmental concerns specific to each region. The ACTIVE project addresses a critical need in today’s education and industry – the convergence of ICT and environmental sciences. While many programs focus on ICT engineering or environmental sciences, they often operate in silos, limiting the scope and effectiveness of their solutions. ACTIVE seeks to integrate these areas, training ICT engineers with a strong understanding of environmental science to create more impactful and sustainable solutions for environmental and climatic issues.
Highlighting the importance of international collaborations in addressing global challenges, the Dean Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aamir, presented the Agenda Items in detail. He pointed out that climatic change always affects human lives and there is a need to combat climate change impact on a priority basis because global warming influences climate change.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aamir said that curriculum development plays a key role in enhancing teaching and learning, and the courses that focus on fostering skills in students would prove to be beneficial for the students in the future. It should also lean towards specific skill development and creating entrepreneurship capability.
Dr Marium Jalal from NUTECH presented details about Curriculum development of a new MS degree program in multidisciplinary environmental engineering using modern ICT technologies. She also presented Good practices on innovative teaching methodologies in Pakistan HEI to utilize the User Requirement Analysis. Prof Mihai Ciuc and Dr Kapal Dev also discussed about Project Quality Assurance. Dr Anayatullah Baloch briefed on equipment selection. A presentation on Financial Management was given by Ms Laura Rodriguez (UMA), Spain.
On this auspicious occasion, Professor Enrique Nava of the Malaga University of Spain along with Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aamir, Prof. Dr. BS Chowdhry, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asif, and others inaugurated the Content Development Lab of Sir Syed University.
The meeting delegations also visited Usmani Associates and the Climate Action centre.