“Hands-on experience in the actual work environment has made me see things through a different lens. I now understand classroom lectures from a new perspective and it is so much easier to visualize how text book concepts and theories are applied in the real world, said one of UET University students, which was one of 11 Pakistani students who traveled to Huawei China for an immersive experience at the tech giant’s headquarters in Shenzhen last year as part of the company’s ‘Seeds for the Future’ program.
Huawei, a leading global ICT solutions provider believes that economic prosperity and social welfare go hand-in-hand. In addition to providing the latest ICT solutions that enable private and government organizations in Pakistan to keep up with the digital age, Huawei also invests in several initiatives for the betterment of society.
One such initiative is ‘Huawei Pakistan Seeds for the Future Program’, a part of Huawei’s global CSR program that aims to cultivate local ICT talent, promote knowledge transfer, increase people’s interest in the ICT industry, and encourage participation in the building of digital communities.
The annual program which began in Pakistan in August 2015 sends 10-15 students (nominated by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission) from all across the country to experience life in the heart of China’s Silicon Valley. This year Huawei collaborated with HEC to launch this program and sent 15 students to China in May.
“With the rapid pace of ICT development, academia is racing to keep up. Our student programs aim to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace and increase employability of students”, said Saif Chi , CEO of Huawei Pakistan. “We are proud to conduct several initiatives that aim to promote local ICT talent and assist the development of IT and telecommunications in Pakistan”.
In another nation-wide student initiative, Pakistan will see the second edition of Huawei’s annual ICT Skill Competition kick off in August 2017. More than 2,300 students from 30 universities participated in the inaugural version last year with the top 6 winners representing Pakistan in the final competition in Shenzhen, China. Pakistan’s top educationalist appreciated Huawei Pakistan’s ICT Skill Competition saying this would give an opportunity to Pakistani students to prove their skills and a chance to represent Pakistan on a global stage.
ICT Ecosystem and the Economy
Development of the ICT ecosystem is essential to coping with today’s digital transformation that is affecting not just the way we live but the way we work as well. By nurturing local talent, enhancing local skills and promoting a culture of innovation and creativity, Huawei helps to ready the next generation to lead the ICT sector into the future and contribute to economic development.
Huawei’s state-of-the-art GSM laboratories and training centers at National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and University of Engineering and Technology (UET), provide students with hands-on experience in operating high-tech telecom infrastructure and also serve as a platform for research and development (R&D) of Value Added Services. Huawei’s partnership with UET Lahore dates back to 2002 when Huawei donated telecom equipment for a joint R&D and training center that was expanded in 2007 and again received equipment donations from Huawei in 2011 to be finally awarded HALP and HANA certification. Staffed by HCIE certified instructors, the center has trained approximately 5,000 local engineers and students till date.
Other student initiatives include Huawei’s internship programs for fresh graduates with an opportunity for full-time employment and Chinese language Summer Camps.
Energy and the Environment
At the World Economic Forum in January this year, Huawei signed ‘The Compact for Responsive and Responsible Leadership’ as part of its commitment to sustainable growth and corporate social responsibility. “We will ensure that our company’s strategic goals are aligned with the long-term goals of society as a whole,” said Madam Sun Yafang, Chairwoman of Huawei. “We are committed to sustainable value creation, and will not sacrifice long-term economic prosperity and social welfare for our own short-term interests.”
Huawei Pakistan collaborated for its first solar-powered Macro Base Station (BTS) in Mirpur, AJK area. The remote-controlled Macro BTS allows the service provider to extend the reach of its network into remote areas that have limited access to the electricity grid.
Demonstrating commitment to exploring renewable energy solutions, Huawei Pakistan has introduced solar and wind hybrid solutions and solar and diesel hybrid solutions for mobile communication sites, which optimize energy efficiency, while significantly reducing the total cost of ownership. Extending its environment friendly initiatives, the company initiated a Tree Plantation Campaign with Capital Development Authority (CDA) .
Social Causes
Over the years, Huawei Pakistan has consistently supported deserving causes in order to contribute to the development of a sustainable and happy society and a better future. On more than one occasion, Huawei donated furniture, stationary items, study material and electronics to the students of Pakistan Sweet Homes.
In times of natural calamities and emergencies, Huawei plays its role as an active member of society through aid and donations. During emergencies such as the 2005 earthquake the company donated money to support earthquake victims in rebuilding infrastructure. During the foods of 2010, in addition to Huawei’s donations through the Pakistan Prime Minister Secretariat and Pakistan Embassy in China, a collection bank was set up in all local offices where Huawei staff donated generously. A substantial amount was collected and distributed to flood-stricken areas through the China Embassy in Pakistan.
In the spirit of the Pakistan-China friendship and taking note of Pakistanis’ interest to learn Chinese, Huawei offers Chinese language classes for employees as well as other interested candidates.
Keeping with the company’s global vision to build a sustainable, better connected world, Huawei Pakistan’s CSR initiatives continue to make steady progress in building a healthy ICT ecosystem, promoting environment protection, and contributing to a happy society.