The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi hosted its IT & Tech Alumni Reunion on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the 5th Floor of Aman Tower, IBA City Campus. This special event gathered esteemed leaders from the IT sector to share their insights and experiences regarding the growth and future of the IT industry in Pakistan.
The panel featured distinguished speakers, including Asif Peer, CEO of Systems Limited; Najeeb Agrawalla, CEO of 1LINK; and Nadir Khan Feroz, CEO of TimeTrax. The session was moderated by Malik Ahmad Jalal, CEO of Cordoba Ventures, who guided the discussion with his extensive industry knowledge.
The evening began with welcoming remarks by Malahat Awan, Director of Alumni Affairs, Corporate Relations, and Resource Mobilization at IBA Karachi. She emphasized the importance of fostering connections between academia and the business world.
The discussion covered a range of topics, starting with the evolution of the IT field in Pakistan. Najeeb Agrawalla highlighted the country’s silent digital revolution, while acknowledging that there is still significant potential for Pakistan to establish a stronger presence in the global IT arena.
Panelists discussed the shifting expectations of the workforce, particularly among Generation Z, who seek enriching experiences. Asif Peer reflected on his own journey, having ascended through the ranks at Systems Limited, attributing his success to a deep passion for his work and a positive employer-employee relationship.
Moderator Malik Ahmad Jalal posed thought-provoking questions about the skills valued in team members. All three panelists emphasized the importance of a strong attitude towards learning, a hunger for experience, and the ability to carve out one’s niche in the industry. Nadir Khan Feroz further encouraged the audience to embrace risk-taking, offering this valuable advice not only for the attendees but also as a lesson he wished he had learned earlier in life.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing attendees to interact directly with the panelists. Following the discussion, guests enjoyed a delightful dinner, fostering networking opportunities among industry professionals and IBA alumni.
The Alumni IT & Tech Reunion highlighted IBA Karachi’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry, inspiring the next generation of leaders in the IT sector.