Academic Research to Reach Markets: SALU–SEZMC Collaboration Promises Real-World Impact

Academic Research to Reach Markets: SALU–SEZMC Collaboration Promises Real-World Impact
Press Release
08-12-2025
In a ceremony held at the Khairpur Special Economic Zone (KSEZ), Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, and the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC) signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership is designed to dismantle traditional barriers between academia and industry, aiming to fuel innovation, skill development, and regional economic growth.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration, focusing on curriculum development, joint research, internship programs, and the commercialization of academic research to solve industrial challenges.
The agreement was formally executed by Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr Yousuf Khushk, and Fareed Ahmed Shaikh, Chief Technical Officer of SEZMC. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Dr. Wahid Bux Jatoi, Pro-Vice Chancellor of SALU, Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Shaikh, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at SALU, and Muhammad Ali Mahesar on behalf of SEZMC. Both organizations confirmed their legal authority to enter into the MoU and guaranteed compliance with all relevant regulations.
Speaking at the signing, SALU’s Vice Chancellor, Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk, outlined the university’s proactive approach. "This era demands robust linkages," stated Dr. Khushk. "We have approved the inclusion of industry practitioners in our Boards of Studies because you know the field's real issues. You can help us design courses that truly benefit industry and society."
He emphasized moving beyond paperwork, pledging sustained engagement. "We will organize industry expert lectures and ensure this collaboration is memorable for society. With over 9,000 talented students across our campuses, we invite you to visit the university and witness students potential especially during project exhibitions."
Echoing the commitment to youth empowerment, SEZMC Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Fareed Ahmed Shaikh, addressed the critical need for opportunity. "We must ask why talented faculty and graduates leave the country. It is our responsibility to provide a platform," he said. "This MoU is a step towards making our youth productive, enhancing their skills, especially in wake of AI, and connecting them with investors seeking new ideas."
Deans and senior faculty from across SALU’s disciplines highlighted specific collaborative avenues.
Professor Dr. Noor Ahmed Shaikh (Physical Sciences) noted that industry collaboration would "polish" graduate skills, while Professor Dr. Minhoon Khan Laghari (Management Sciences) foresaw expanded opportunities.
Professor Dr. Akhtiar Ali Ghumro and Professor Dr. Irum Rani (QEC) proposed connecting M.Phil and PhD research directly to industry-identified problems, such as improving date quality affected by rains and floods, a challenge highlighted by a SEZ representative.
Professor Dr. Barkat Bhayo advocated for integrating "Industrial Mathematics" into undergraduate programs with industry input. Dr. Raffaqat Arain pointed to university expos displaying AI projects as a ready platform for industry evaluation and collaboration.
The ceremony saw broad participation from SALU faculty members and officials, including Professor Dr Mushtaque Ali Jakhrani, Professor Dr Masiuallah Jatoi, Professor Dr Samina Rajpar, Dr Munir Ahmed Qazi, Dr Raffaqat Arain, Professor Dr Abdul Sami Shaikh, Dr Sahib Oad, Waseem Kalhoro, Aijaz Mahar, Raza Bhutto, and others. The role of Dr. Muhammad Hanif Tunio as the Principal Coordinator and Facilitator of the MoU was particularly commended.
Representing SEZMC, key officials including Muhammad Ali Mahesar (Zone Operation Manager, KSEZ) and Agha Maseehullah Khan (Focal Person for Industry-Academia Linkages) were present, underscoring the operational commitment to this partnership.
The MoU outlines five core objectives central to the partnership. These include promoting academic-industry collaboration through joint research and knowledge exchange; enhancing capacity building via specialized training programs and workshops; fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting startups and innovative ideas; facilitating curriculum development aligned with industry needs to provide practical exposure; and enabling advisory engagement of academic experts in SEZMC initiatives where required.
Cooperation between the two institutions will span several key areas. These encompass collaborative research and development to address industrial challenges, facilitating industry engagement through internships and consultancy, organizing training programs to upskill students, faculty, and SEZMC employees, providing entrepreneurship support via startup incubation and mentorship, and contributing to economic zone development through joint research and planning support.
Later, Vice Chancellor along with his team visited the zones of different units, including:
1. Biomasdar Pakistan Ltd. (Extracting oils, natural flavors, and colors from fresh crops like garlic, onion, Zera, and chili.) factory
2. Al-Rahim Agro Processing Pvt Ltd. (Fruit / Pulp Processing Industry (Tomato Raw Paste, Mango & Guava pulp etc)
3. Ovais Shamim Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. (Warehouse & Cold Storage Facilities)
The MoU sets the stage for a transformative alliance, where SALU’s academic and research prowess will align directly with the practical needs and growth objectives of Sindh’s economic zones, aiming to create a sustainable talent pipeline and innovative solutions for the province’s development.
Dr Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur