The IBA Alumni Affairs department, continuing the INVITE IBA series of talks, was honored to be hosted at Haleon Pakistan's Head Office. This initiative aims to build connections and foster meaningful discussions between IBA and various institutions on key pressing topics that are on everyone's mind.
IBA Karachi was represented by Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director for a meaningful discussion with Haleon's CEO, Mr. Farhan Haroon (MBA 2013), hosted by Sadaf Malik, Haleon’s Head of Corporate Affairs, on the topic “Doing Business in an uncertain environment”.
Dr. Zaidi opened the dialogue by how IBA has undergone significant transformation over the years, to adapt to the changing business environment and corporate demands. He discussed how IBA has evolved from being solely a business school into three comprehensive schools, reflecting the institution's commitment to diversifying its academic offerings.
Building on Dr. Zaidi's points, Mr. Farhan Haroon shared his insights on the current business landscape and the skills required from the upcoming generation. He stressed the importance of bridging the gap between academia and the corporate world, and how Haleon is actively fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment to attract the best talent and build winning brands.
Farhan highlighted Haleon's efforts in creating opportunities for women and promoting an inclusive culture, which aligns with the evolving expectations of modern businesses.
Both leaders agreed on the crucial role of collaboration between educational institutions and the corporate sector in preparing students for real-world challenges.
The event was attended by over 70 participants and concluded with an engaging and highly interactive Q&A segment, allowing attendees to directly exchange ideas and wisdom. Towards the end of the session, Malahat Awan, Director of Alumni Affairs, Resource Mobilization & Corporate Affairs, expressed her appreciation to the participants and discussed the vital role alumni play in supporting their alma mater. She emphasized the importance of alumni engagement, encouraging them to contribute through their time, expertise, feedback, and financial support.
