06 October 2022: Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director IBA visited HBL Head Office to meet the alumni working at HBL and other senior members of the management team. He was accompanied by Malahat Awan, Director Corporate Affairs and Alumni affairs, IBA.
Anam Motiwala, HR Program Manager, welcomed the guests and said that this visit was part of HBL’s initiative to increase academia linkages.
Dr. Zaidi spoke to the staff and management about Pakistan’s current economic landscape and its opportunities and challenges. Dr. Zaidi said that the country is facing huge problems including rising inflation and the recent floods that have devastated the country’s economy. Pakistan is combating multiple problems - we have lost our recent cotton and wheat crop; the textile industry is on the decline and unemployment is rising. He said that the current government needs to make structural changes in order for an economic course correction.
He also spoke about the role of academia in preparing the work force for the future. He explained how IBA has transformed over the years. He said that our most sought-after program is now computer science, due to its innovation and relevance. He said that IBA has now evolved in to three full-fledged Schools from being just a Business School. His talk was followed by a highly interactive Q&A session.
The session was attended by over 70 employees. Mariam Mahmood, Manager Talent Strategy, appreciated the efforts of IBA management in creating linkages with the industry and said that HBL has been collaborating with IBA on internships, research projects, feedback sessions, recruitment, ELP among others.
Malahat Awan in her remarks said that INVITE IBA is part of IBA’s initiative to stay connected with its alumni. “Alumni are a source of pride for IBA. They are IBA’s brand ambassadors and they support us by giving us their time, expertise and funds”.
