The Higher Education Commission (HEC), in collaboration with Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, organised a full day executive training programme titled “AI for Public Sector Leaders” at HEC, bringing senior management together to examine the role of artificial intelligence in institutional transformation and public sector operations. The programme was held at HEC’s Smart Classroom and was attended by members of HEC’s Senior Management Committee. The training formed part of efforts linked to the strategic digital transformation agenda across Federal Ministries, Divisions and Entities pursuant to a directive from the Prime Minister’s Office. The session focused on strengthening leadership understanding of emerging technologies and exploring how AI and data driven solutions can contribute to improved organisational capabilities.
The executive training was conducted by Dr Jawad Shah, Senior Solution Architect, Big Data and AI, Alibaba Cloud, Singapore. During the session, he shared insights into the evolving artificial intelligence landscape and discussed practical applications of AI within the public sector. The programme also examined opportunities for organisations to use data and AI driven solutions as part of their transformation efforts. Participants were given an opportunity to engage with the subject through an interactive programme designed to address both the potential benefits and implementation challenges associated with AI adoption. Discussions covered the strategic implications of integrating AI into public sector institutions, with a focus on understanding how emerging technologies can be applied to organisational processes and decision making. The training provided HEC senior management with an opportunity to consider how AI capabilities could support institutional objectives while also highlighting issues that organisations need to address when implementing such technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman HEC Prof. Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar emphasised the importance of adopting emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to improve institutional efficiency, encourage innovation and strengthen evidence based decision making. He highlighted the importance of developing an organisational understanding of technologies that are rapidly changing how institutions operate and deliver services. Prof. Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar also underscored HEC’s commitment to strengthening its digital capabilities and ensuring that its leadership has the knowledge and skills required to navigate the evolving technology environment. His remarks highlighted the role of executive level awareness in enabling institutions to assess emerging technologies and consider their relevance to organisational requirements. Executive Director HEC Dr Zia Ul Haq was also present during the programme, alongside members of the commission’s senior management who participated in the training.
The initiative reflects HEC’s continued focus on digital transformation, innovation and emerging technologies as part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and modernise higher education governance. By bringing together HEC, MoITT and Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group for an executive level programme, the session provided senior officials with access to contemporary knowledge and strategic perspectives on artificial intelligence and its potential applications in public sector institutions. The programme also addressed the need for leadership to understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing AI based solutions. HEC’s engagement with digital transformation and AI training is aimed at equipping its senior leadership with capabilities that can support technology adoption and organisational development. The initiative forms part of the broader effort to enhance institutional efficiency, strengthen digital capabilities and support evidence based governance within the higher education sector.
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