KARACHI: Microsoft Pakistan is launching its job portal in March as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives “to bridge the gap between job-seekers and employment opportunities, and to help the human resources learn soft skills”.

“We apply our technology, talent and financial resources to foster opportunity... We inspire the common people to explore their true potential,” Leila Serhan, general manager of Microsoft’s NEPA (North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan) region, told a press conference on Wednesday.

She said there was a hunger for technology in Pakistan. “People here are very sophisticated. They know what they want. We’ll continue to invest in the country.”

Speaking on the occasion, Country Manager of Microsoft Pakistan Nadeem Malik said the company was helping young entrepreneurs across Pakistan through incubation centres. “Digital literacy is not a luxury anymore. It’s the right of everyone.”

He said the upcoming job portal (www.rozgar.work) would not be a commercial site and the company would be working with the chambers of commerce and international and local NGOs.

Microsoft has also partnered with Pakistan Baitul Maal and the Universal Service Fund to impart information and communications technology (ICT) education to 5,000 girls through 50 labs. First trainings would start in two weeks, Ms Serhan said.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2016