KARACHI: In a stride towards enhancing executive education and fostering innovation, the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi’s Centre for Executive Education (CEE) inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the Professional Development Centre (PDC) at the University of Sialkot (USKT).

This strategic partnership seeks to establish an empowering platform in the region that will drive the growth and success of family-owned businesses through collaborative efforts in capacity building, consultancies, and research.

Distinguished personalities from both IBA and USKT graced the MoU signing ceremony, underscoring the importance of the alliance.

IBA Executive Director Dr S. Akbar Zaidi, IBA CEE Director Mr Kamran Bilgrami, and IBA CEE Family Business Programmes Programme Director Ms Ayesha Anas Iftikhar led the IBA delegation, while the USKT contingent was represented by Board of Governors Chairman Mr Faisal Manzoor, Vice Chancellor and Executive Director Mr Muhammad Rehan Younas and other esteemed members of the university’s leadership.

Mr Bilgrami highlighted the event’s significance in propelling the region’s family businesses forward.

Dr S. Akbar Zaidi echoed IBA’s commitment to cultivating a globally competitive knowledge ecosystem for family-run enterprises.

He praised Sialkot’s rich history of creativity and enterprise, noting its impressive contribution to Pakistan’s exports. Dr Zaidi expressed pride in the collaboration and IBA’s commitment to mutual growth.

USKT PDC Director Dr Navid Jamil Malik emphasised the partnership’s potential to drive innovation and growth in executive education, while a panel discussion moderated by Ms Aysha Anas Iftikhar explored the sustainability of family-managed businesses and the associated challenges. The panellists highlighted the collaborative benefits for family businesses and celebrated the role of women in the business landscape.

The event culminated with the official signing of the MoU between IBA-CEE and PDC-USKT, marking a pivotal milestone in advancing executive education, governance and business innovation in the region.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2023