Strengthening the bridge between academia and industry is essential for preparing students for the future

April 16, 2026: The School of Mathematics & Computer Science (SMCS), Institute of Business Administration Karachi, organized the first Industry Advisory Board meeting for the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

The session brought together distinguished industry leaders and the chairperson of the Dept. of Mathematical Sciences to discuss key areas, including:

• Strengthening industry-academic partnerships
• Identifying gaps in the current curriculum through industry insights
• Exploring research collaborations
• Understanding emerging industry trends
• Expanding internship opportunities for BS Mathematics students

We were honored to have the participation of the following guests from the industry:

• Dr. Faheem Zaidi – Deputy Manager, Badri Consultancy
• Imad Ansari – Chief Risk Officer, Alfalah Investments
• Zain Ibrahim – Regional Director MEASA, Society of Actuaries
• Muhammad Maaz Khan – AVP Data & AI, Systems Limited
• Faisal Mumtaz – Chief Actuary, State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan

The discussion was highly insightful, with members sharing valuable perspectives and recommendations to enhance the academic experience and better align it with industry needs. These inputs will play a vital role in shaping the future of the BS Mathematics program and empowering students to excel in a rapidly evolving landscape. The meetings will now be conducted on every semester.