By: Wajiha Imtiaz
ISLAMABAD: The Commonwealth’s 65th anniversary was commemorated with a vibrant event, exuding the spirit of unity, collaboration, and forward-thinking that defines the Commonwealth. The British Council Team led by Mr. Haroon Rashid and Mr. Usman Khalid initiated the proceedings at Hotel Ramada by Wyndham Islamabad. The “Introductions and Profile Showcasing” session by Commonwealth alumni and scholarsreflected the personal journeys and achievements of the Commonwealth scholars. From groundbreaking research and innovative projects to leadership roles in various sectors, the stories shared were both inspiring and indicative of the Commonwealth’s reach and influence. The panel discussion titled “Social Entrepreneurship – Thinking beyond employment” delved into the critical role of social entrepreneurship and challenges in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The conversation was moderated by Farah Naureen Samuel(Alumnus of Durham University working as Manager Corporate Innovation & Sustainability, Telenor Pakistan). The panel members included: Dr Ayesha Siddiqa, (PhD alumnus from Durham University, serving as Assistant Professor in the AreaStudy Center, Quaid-i- Azam University); Dr. Hammad Omer(T.I, P.E.C excellence award; An Alumnus from Imperial College London currently heading the Medical ImagingProcessing Research Group MIPRG and International Office at COMSATS University); and Mr. Yaruq Nadeem ( graduate form Imperial College London; Innovation & Partnerships, National Science and Technology Park NSTP, lead US Embassy’s Rising Starts Startup competition). Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa connected with the audience, sharing the efforts of her teenage daughter in establishing a start-up, she defined social entrepreneurship as pursuing an innovative idea to solve a social issue and make a difference in the community. She highlighted the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, quoting that women constitute 75% of the unemployed labour force. Dr. Hammad Highlighted the significance of product development, establishing ‘prototypes’ and the need for skill set and education in this regard. He emphasized how AI is cutting the costs of MRI technology in Pakistan and how their research group is dedicated to making MRI accessible and cost-effective, all over the globe. Dr. Hammad insisted on the awareness to plan and utilize the innate gifts each of us is bestowed with. Mr. Yaruqhighlighted the gaps in terms of the entrepreneurial curriculum at Schools and Universities, how students need to be motivated through exposure, incentives and networking ventures. According to Yaruq, “Entrepnuership can be taught, provided that pieces of the puzzle are put correctly”. Yaruq emphasized that internationally investors look for entrepreneurs who have failed and gained experience through failing, rather than novice learners; thereby business failures must be refined as positive experiences.
After thoughtful discussion, there was a Q&A session, followed by the certificate distribution ceremony and a memorabilia group photograph. The official program concluded with a networking dinner. This final hour was an opportunity for attendees to connect on a more personal level, discuss potential collaborations.