Dr. Di Yuna and Dr. Zhu Zhenrong from the School of Economics at Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU) in China visited the GIK Institute this week to explore the possibility of collaborative research and exchange programs between the two universities. The delegation was given a tour of research labs and other facilities at GIK by Dr. Zahid Halim, Dean of Faculty of Computer Sciences & Engineering, and briefed on areas of research that could be of mutual interest to faculty and students at BTBU and GIK. Research areas of interest included Data Science & Economics and Artificial Intelligence.
In a meeting with Pro-Rector (Academics), Deans and Head of Departments, the two scholars were given a presentation by Dr. Habibullah Jamal, Acting Pro-Rector (Academics), on the progress made by GIK since its establishment in 1993. GIK’s annual Industrial Open House & Career Fair, recent launching of the Management Science program and other disciplines in engineering, information on ongoing projects with international and national institutions, and financial aid and scholarship opportunities were especially mentioned.
GIK’s faculty was also given an introduction on BTBU. Dr. Zhu Zhenrong reminded GIK’s Academic Council about scholarship opportunities such as those offered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to Chinese as well as foreign students. The scholarship covers tuition fee, accommodation costs and offers a monthly stipend as well. Students may apply for this scholarship independently.
Later in a meeting with the Rector of GIK, Mr. Jehangir Bashar, potential starting points to establish collaboration between BTBU and GIK were discussed as following:
1) Mutual exchange of one or two students for a semester
2) Development of a joint research project
3) Exchange of faculty during summer school or for about three weeks
The delegates also offered to launch a books section on China at the GIK library. The BTBU itself already has a Pakistan Study Centre that conducts research on advancements in science and technology in light of developments related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The two universities are yet to sign a potential agreement of mutual cooperation.