Key Takeaways
- Experts call for accelerated investment in AI and digital skills.
- Focus on continuous learning and skill development is emphasized.
- Universities and businesses urged to collaborate for better workforce readiness.
Experts have urged Pakistani businesses to accelerate their investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills to prepare their workforce for the rapidly changing world of work.
Shahrukh Masood, Chief People Officer at Martin Dow Group, highlighted the need for continuous learning and skill development to adapt to the evolving workplace demands.
Masood stressed that the future of work is shifting from traditional job titles to skills, digital capabilities, and adaptability, with AI becoming an integral part of the workplace.
He warned that Pakistan risks falling behind unless it urgently bridges the gap between academic qualifications and the employability skills demanded by a changing economy.
Masood emphasized the importance of practical application, critical thinking, communication, technology, and problem-solving in education, suggesting that universities should place greater emphasis on these areas.
He also called for businesses to engage earlier with educational institutions through internships, apprenticeships, industry projects, mentoring, and exposure to real workplaces.
Masood highlighted the potential of AI to democratize access to high-quality learning and career guidance, particularly for young people who may lack traditional professional networks.
He stressed that AI should be viewed as a workforce transformation challenge, requiring organizations to identify which jobs and tasks are likely to change and where employees will need to be reskilled.
Masood also emphasized the need to build a culture of continuous learning, encouraging employees to share ideas, question existing practices, experiment, and learn from failure.
He noted that the UAE has demonstrated the value of deliberate investment in talent, technology, international exposure, and diverse workforces, and Pakistani organizations can draw valuable lessons from this experience.
Pakistan has tremendous potential because we have a young workforce, but it is not yet fully prepared.
Shahrukh Masood, Chief People Officer at Martin Dow Group
Universities should place greater emphasis on practical application, critical thinking, communication, technology and problem-solving.
Shahrukh Masood, Chief People Officer at Martin Dow Group
