On July 25th, the NEXT Summit brought together industry leaders and HR professionals to discuss critical challenges and innovative solutions in today’s dynamic workplace environment. The event focused on addressing the skills gap between academia and industry, alongside the evolving demands of flexible work arrangements.

The summit commenced with an opening keynote by Parvez Abbasi Abbasi, Founder of AdVentures and Career Launchpad. He emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, highlighting the need to engage youth in the workforce. Parvez stressed that attracting and retaining young talent is a significant challenge in the current corporate landscape panellist

The second keynote was delivered by Haroon Kanth, Country Director of Teradata Global Consulting in Pakistan, who provided valuable insights into “Skills Gap Solutions: Preparing Young People for the Jobs of Tomorrow.” He discussed how employability can be enhanced by developing a mix of hard and soft skills. Kanth also emphasised the importance of nurturing leadership at all levels and the role of organisations in fostering flexibility, transparency, and consistency to retain skilled workers and encourage their growth into future leaders.

The panel discussion, titled “Navigating HR Challenges: Recruiting, Rewarding, and Retaining Talent,” featured esteemed speakers including Tahira Khattak, Director of HR Business Partnering at Telenor, Sana Hassan, Head of People & Culture at Wateen Telecom Limited, and Amjad Iqbal Group VP Business Growth Partners at PTCL.Official, Dr. Sonia Saleem CEO and Founder of Socio Engineering Technologies (SET) and Muhammad Asim Bhatti Professional Trainer for HR at NUST Professional Development Centre (PDC). They explored strategies for adapting recruitment practices to the needs of both fresh graduates and seasoned professionals. The panellists underscored the necessity of transparent communication and the implementation of educational programs that support individual and professional growth. They highlighted that cultivating leadership at every level is essential to building an innovative, committed, and ambitious workforce.

Key Recommendations from the panel include:

1. Emphasising the difference between university studies and practical knowledge to better prepare fresh graduates.
2. Easing the transition for graduates entering their first work experiences.
3. Prioritising employee well-being to enhance job satisfaction and retention.

The summit concluded with closing remarks by Muhammad Ali Khan, General Manager of NUST Professional Development Centre (PDC). He reflected on the day’s discussions and emphasised the importance of continuous learning and collaboration between academia and industry. Muhammad Ali reinforced the need for tailored HR strategies that address the evolving needs of the workforce and highlighted NUST PDC’s commitment to supporting these initiatives.

The NEXT Summit provided an invaluable platform for students and fresh graduates to connect with industry professionals, offering them the opportunity to exchange ideas and establish relationships that could benefit their future careers. The event successfully addressed key HR challenges, offering insights into bridging the skills gap, adapting to flexible work practices, and fostering a healthy work culture. Additionally, it facilitated meaningful networking opportunities, enabling participants to gain a deeper understanding of industry expectations and build connections with thought leaders.
By continuing to address these critical issues, the NEXT Summit is set to drive HR innovation and excellence in the future.