Given that engineers have a significant influence on how the world is shaped, ethical issues in the field are quite important. In addition to leading innovation, engineers also have a social responsibility, safety, and sustainability component to their profession. Infrastructure design and construction are areas where the moral repercussions of engineering projects are most clear. When designing their projects, engineers have to take the environment’s long-term effects into account and use sustainable materials and methods. To encourage environmental responsibility, this entails evaluating the ecological impact of building projects, avoiding ecosystem disruption, and implementing green design principles. Technological innovations bring up ethical issues that engineers have to deal with, particularly in areas like biotechnology and artificial intelligence. To avoid discriminating results and unforeseen repercussions, it is imperative to guarantee that AI systems are impartial, open, and devoid of prejudice. Similar to this, bioengineers have to deal with moral issues pertaining to bioethics, genetic engineering, and the proper application of cutting-edge biotechnologies. Engineering’s top ethical priority is safety, especially in sectors like aircraft, automobiles, and civil engineering. The public, employees, and end users’ safety must always come first for engineers. To satisfy this ethical responsibility, one must conduct thorough testing, comply with safety regulations, and make a commitment to ongoing development.
Engineering endeavors frequently have societal repercussions that impact both people and communities. Engineers must address any socioeconomic disparities that may occur as a result of their projects, take into account the requirements of varied stakeholders, and be involved in significant outreach to the community as a matter of ethics. Ensuring that technical initiatives favorably impact society requires transparent and participatory decision-making procedures.
An essential ethical factor in engineering is environmental sustainability. The responsibility of creating solutions to lessen pollution, slow down climate change, and encourage sustainable practices is falling more and more on engineers. To reduce the influence on the environment, this involves designing systems that are energy-efficient, using waste reduction techniques, and utilizing renewable energy sources. One urgent ethical issue is the proper use of developing technology. Engineers working in domains like robots, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence have to deal with concerns about security, privacy, and the possible social effects of their innovations. To help engineers responsibly navigate the difficult terrain of technological innovation, ethical frameworks and norms are crucial. Global ethical issues are taken into account, particularly in undertakings with international ramifications. When working on major energy projects, telecommunications networks, or infrastructure projects, engineers have to manage geopolitical difficulties and make sure their work complies with international laws and ethical standards. Respecting the environmental, social, and cultural norms of other societies is a necessary part of this.
One of the most important ethical factors in engineering is professional honesty. Since the public’s welfare is entrusted to engineers, they have an obligation to uphold honesty, accountability, and transparency in their work. This entails discussing hazards, appropriately disclosing findings, and maintaining moral principles even in the face of any conflicts of interest.
In engineering projects where large volumes of data must be collected, analyzed, and stored, ethical data use is essential. When it comes to safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of data, engineers need to be on the lookout for inappropriate use and noncompliance with legal and ethical guidelines. This is especially important for industries like IoT, smart infrastructure, and data analytics. It is the ethical duty of engineers to consider the societal effects of their designs, especially when it comes to inclusion and accessibility. This entails creating systems and products that cater to a wide range of user needs, making sure that technology is usable by people with impairments, and actively working to reduce the social inequalities that are made worse by technical breakthroughs. The duty to pursue lifelong learning is included in the moral considerations in engineering. In an ever-changing technical environment, engineers need to keep up with the latest developments in ethics and continuously improve their knowledge and abilities to handle these difficulties in a responsible manner. In light of changing engineering methods, maintaining ethical standards requires a commitment to professional development.
The impact of engineering on society is greatly influenced by ethical considerations, which are complex and multidimensional. The need for innovation must be balanced with engineers’ dedication to sustainability, accountability, and the welfare of people and communities. It takes constant introspection, adherence to moral standards, and proactive dedication to using engineering to improve the world to successfully navigate these ethically challenging situations.
NED exhibition features diverse collection of 43 IoT-based projects
The Department of Mechanical Engineering introduced the AI and IoT course as an elective in the Mechanical Engineering Curriculum last year.
In support of this initiative, the Intelligent Mechanical Engineering Systems Lab (IMEC) was established within the department. Recently, IMEC Lab hosted the 2nd AI and IoT Exhibition on January 11th, 2024, presenting an impressive showcase of projects and posters developed by students. The event was further enriched with the inclusion of the AI & IoT Quiz competition, adding an exciting dimension to the overall showcase.
This year’s exhibition featured a diverse collection of 43 IoT-based projects across four different themes: Smart Energy Management System, Smart Parking System, Water Suction System, and Air Monitoring System. These projects integrated AI algorithms with three distinct datasets. The projects, characterized by their innovation and diversity, garnered widespread attention and appreciation, showcasing the students’ dedication and hard work. Notably, students also presented Dashboards on Tableau as part of their contributions.
A significant milestone was reached with the successful securing of sponsorship from the ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter, highlighting the growing recognition of the program’s importance and impact.
In expressing gratitude for the collective effort, organizers, including Associate Professor Dr. Haider Ali (In charge of IMEC and course teacher) and Lecturer Syed Umair Hassan Kazmi (course teacher), acknowledged key figures who played pivotal roles in the success of the event. Special recognition was extended to Vice Chancellor Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tufail, CEO of Engineering Services Mr. Mohammad Abbas Sajid, Dean of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Prof. Dr. Syed Amir Iqbal, and Chairman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Prof. Dr. Mubashir Ali Siddiqui for their unwavering support and presence at the exhibition.
The organizers expressed immense pride in the students’ accomplishments and extended their best wishes for their future endeavors. The event stands as a testament to the continuous growth and excellence in the field of AI and IoT at NED University.
NESPAK Breaks Ground in 40th Country: Papua New Guinea; wins five United Nations’ projects
NESPAK, a leading global consultancy firm, takes a significant step towards achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by securing five projects and signing two Long Term Agreements (LTAs) with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), it was stated by Mr. Zargham Eshaq Khan, Managing Director NESPAK.
The LTAs, awarded to NESPAK, span across the Asia Region and Pacific/Oceania Region, leading to the firm’s presence in its 40th country, Papua New Guinea. In a groundbreaking move, NESPAK has actively pursued projects contributing to the UN’s SDGs both within Pakistan and globally. The comprehensive LTAs with UNOPS cover a wide spectrum of initiatives aimed at sustainable development, with a particular focus on infrastructure, environmental impact assessments, climate adaptation, and community engagement.
NESPAK has successfully secured five UNOPS projects under these LTAs, including two in Papua New Guinea and three in Pakistan. In Papua New Guinea, NESPAK is committed to providing services such as infrastructure mapping, electronic-waste management, construction of electronic waste plant facilities, training centers, port storage structures, environmental and social impact assessments, climate adaptation, and community engagement in key urban centers, including Port Moresby, Lae City, Mount Hagen, and Daru Island.
NESPAK’s global initiatives, especially in developing nations like Papua New Guinea, highlight the firm’s continuous leadership in addressing contemporary challenges related to sustainability, climate change, environmental issues, and the empowerment of underprivileged stakeholders.
In addition to its international endeavors, NESPAK is actively involved in critical projects within Pakistan. These include the structural assessment of Basic Health Units (BHUs) in flood-affected areas of Sindh and Balochistan, as well as the design of Parking Structures for ten Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Labs in KPK and Punjab. NESPAK’s technical assessment of BHUs plays a crucial role in the reconstruction and restoration of health infrastructure in the affected provinces, garnering attention and support from international donor agencies.
Under the LTA of the Asia Region, NESPAK has been awarded the ‘Improved Access to Water and Sanitation Project in Tank and Umerkot.’ This project aims to upgrade water and sanitation infrastructure to benefit underprivileged communities in these areas. NESPAK’s commitment to social responsibilities is evident in its efforts, where technical expertise combines with compassion to make a lasting impact on the well-being of deserving communities.
NESPAK’s expansion into Papua New Guinea and the successful procurement of UNOPS projects underscore the firm’s dedication to driving positive change on a global scale. The consultancy’s role in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future remains unwavering as it continues to lead in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
Mustafa Habib Sadiqi joins ER
Mustafa Habib Sadiqi is a seasoned journalist with a rich career spanning various esteemed media outlets. Starting at Jang London Desk, he held pivotal roles, including Editor positions at ARY News, Aaj News, and Dunya, making significant contributions to the field. His international experience includes serving as News Editor for the official Saudi Arabian government TV channel KSA2 in Riyadh. During this time, he produced a notable report on the life of Saudi King Abdullah, showcasing his prowess in storytelling and journalism. His influence extended to establishing the first Urdu channel in Saudi Arabia and producing the inaugural Urdu bulletin. Upon returning to Pakistan, Sadiqi took on the role of Editor Forum at Dunya News, organizing over 500 forums on national, economic, political, and social issues. These forums, addressing topics like Blue Economy, Occupied Kashmir, and opportunities for Pakistani students abroad, garnered recognition from the government and involved Pakistani ambassadors, fostering direct interactions with students. His dedication to social issues brought a fresh perspective to print journalism, and in 2021, he hosted the official partner event of the Dunya Forum on Pakistan Navy’s AMAN Exercise, earning appreciation from Navy commanders. Mustafa Habib Siddiqui’s career reflects a commitment to insightful reporting and facilitating meaningful discussions on diverse subjects n
Sir Syed University organizes ‘39th All Pakistan IEEEP Students’ Seminar
Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) in collaboration with the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in Pakistan (IEEEP) organized the 39th All Pakistan IEEEP Students’ Seminar at the campus.
The event provided a platform to enhance industry-academia linkage and it was attended by the Chairman of IEEEP Karachi Centre, Engr. Khalid Pervez, Convener IEEEP Student Seminar, Dr. Shaheena Noor, Engr. Navaid Ansari, Engr. Ishtiaq ul Haq, Engr. Moonis Siddiqui, Deans, Chairpersons, faculty members, and the students. The Chief Guest of the seminar was the Chief People Officer, Karachi Electric, Mr. Rizwan Dalia.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Mr. Rizwan Dalia, Chief People Officer, K-Electric, said that we have not correctly evaluated the importance of engineers yet. Instead of an internship, students should properly join an industry for training during education for a 6-month or 1-year period. Young teachers also need to enhance their skills and knowledge through training in the industries. We are following the predictive model in our organization. Now we repair or replace transformers before they burst using the help of current technologies.
Speaking on the auspicious occasion, Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin, Vice Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology said that the event has been an incredible journey of knowledge sharing, collaboration and collective commitment as we have witnessed students’ presentations on key areas of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, IoT, Cyber Security, TechControl Solution and Embedded System.
Elaborating further, he said that the students are the ambassadors of knowledge and progress and the projects designed by them went beyond institutional boundaries, contributing to the collective efforts of research and innovations in our institutions of higher education. Together we can transform the landscape of higher engineering education in Pakistan.
Registrar SSUET, Cdr. (R) Engr. Syed Sarfraz Ali said that the event has been a testament to the spirit of innovation, research, and collaboration, and provided a platform for the brilliant minds of our final-year students and Postgraduate scholars to showcase their research endeavors and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of Electrical, Computer & Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, Biomedical, and other ICT-related fields.
Presenting a vote of thanks, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aamir, Dean, Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering, said that the two burning issues demand our collective awareness in the contemporary world. In Pakistan, the current prevalence of B thalassemia is staggering, ranging from 5% to 8%, constituting almost 5% of the total global cases. These alarming statistics emphasize the urgent need for increased awareness and educational campaigns to address this health challenge. The next challenge is climate change which is affecting our communities, ecosystems, and the overall sustainability of our planet. As a responsible academic community, we need to incorporate sustainable practices in our research and daily lives.
In the end, the results of the competition were announced in 2 categories, Gold and Silver. The winners of the Gold category included Rohail Rasheed (SSUET), Muhammad Basit (Mehran University), and Mahnoor Mahmood (NUST), while the winners of the Silver category were Kashan Khan (SSUET), Jawad Malik (SSUET) and Manahil Kamal (Riphah University). Sir Syed University won the running Trophy because its students achieved the highest overall marks in the paper presentations among the top 6 positions.