Industry Connect Series: Final-Year CS Students Engage with Tech Experts at ASHREI TECH, NASTP

October 28, 2025: As part of its continued efforts to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, the School of Mathematics and Computer Science, IBA Karachi, organized an industry visit to Ashrei Tech at the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP), Karachi. The visit was designed for final-year Computer Science students working on their projects, providing them with firsthand exposure to the evolving technology ecosystem and the competencies required to excel in both local and global markets.

The session kicked off with an engaging quick-fire discussion moderated by Ms. Mufarrah Malik, Head of Partnerships at Ashrei Tech, featuring Mr. Syed Yousuf Aziz, Chief Information Security Officer at PayFast; Mr. Kashif Rashid Sheikh, Head of Information Technology at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange Limited (PMEX); and Syed Wasiq Muhammad, CEO of Wenawa.

The panelists shared valuable insights on industry expectations, skill gaps identified during recruitment, and the importance of experiential learning through workshops, research collaborations, and project-based education. They emphasized the need for students to cultivate a problem-solving mindset and stay adaptable in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

Following the discussion, students were divided into mentorship groups, each guided by one of the guest speakers. These interactive sessions provided an excellent opportunity for students to present their Final Year Projects (FYPs), explore potential career pathways, and gain a clearer understanding of the evolving skill sets required in the tech industry. This one-on-one mentorship experience allowed students to to align their technical knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving approach with industry expectations and future trends.

The visit proved to be a valuable and inspiring experience, offering students a holistic view of emerging industry trends and the transformative role of technology in modern business environments. Such interactions not only enhance their technical understanding but also foster critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, skills essential for thriving in an innovation-driven world.

This initiative also reaffirms SMCS IBA Karachi’s commitment to preparing its graduates for real-world challenges by creating meaningful opportunities for industry engagement, mentorship, and experiential learning. Through these connections, students are empowered to align their academic journey with future career pathways, ensuring they emerge as confident, industry-ready professionals.