Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : The collaboration of academia and industry is very crucial carrying multiple benefits especially in the developing countries. These linkages help adoption of knowledge and promotion of entrepreneurship. It also aids in the strengthening R&D investment via exploiting the synergies and complementarities present in scientific and technological capabilities. COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), considering the importance of these linkages visited the Dasu (4,320MW) hydropower plant project on the Indus River near Dasu town in Kohistan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
The CUI delegation led by the Rector, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tabassum Afzal, included senior management officials including Dr. Tahir Naeem, Director P&D and HRD, Prof. Dr. Junaid Mughal, Chairman of Electrical and Computer Engineering & Incharge Academics, and Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Sciences. The delegation visited various construction facilities of the power plant project and the Dasu dam. The delegation was briefed by the project contractor, China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC) Limited, a Chinese construction and engineering company headquartered in Wuhan, Hubei province of Peoples Republic of China. CGGC is a state-owned firm, 33rd largest contractor by revenue in the world.
The visit was followed by meeting with the senior management of project headed by General Project Manager, Mr. Tan Bixuan. His team included Deputy Project Manager (Civil Works) Mr. Cui Jian, Deputy Project Manager (Admin) Mr. Ha Li, Deputy Project Manager (Procurement) Mr. Yang Shenghua, Project Manager (MW-01) Mr. Qin Jinzhong, Project Manager (MW-02) Mr. Cao Xigao, and Director Technical Mr. Li Yuyong. The consultant for the project Ms. Wang Chun-Ping, Chairperson of Heroboss Technology was also present during the meeting.
Mr. Tan briefed about the company’s other projects including the 1000MW Neelum Jehlum Project, Sukikinari Hydropower Project Kaghan, and Mohmand Dam. He said that CUI is the first higher educational institution visiting their project and approaching them for collaboration. While appreciating the efforts of university he announced internships of 30 students every year with possible placement in the project permanently. He also invited the delegation to visit their parent company in China and extended a hand of possible future collaboration. Mr. Tan appreciated that CUI is moving towards product-oriented research in which Chinese technology transfer can play an important role. He assured that a joint research center will be established at the premises of CUI also in near future and students will get a chance to learn from the expertise of Chinese engineers as well. The Rector, CUI announced that the university will encourage enrollment of project staff in Project Management and other graduate programs of the university. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks and exchange of souvenirs.
