In a landmark move to advance experiential learning and promote industry-academia collaboration, The Aga Khan University and Salim Habib University (SHU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide biomedical engineering students with hands-on training and research opportunities at AKU's Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME).
The partnership, spearheaded by CIME’s technology team, under the leadership of Mr Saleem Shahabuddin, Manager, Simulation Technology, aims to enhance the academic and professional development of SHU students through internships, field visits, seminars, and collaborative technical events. By combining SHU’s engineering curriculum with CIME’s world-class simulation facilities, the initiative will offer students a dynamic learning environment rooted in real-world healthcare challenges.
“The intellect and ingenuity in Pakistan are undeniable — it’s just a matter of providing the right opportunities to our students. I look forward to this collaboration which will open the door for us for new inventions, new simulators, and new opportunities to showcase our country on the global map, ultimately leading to better healthcare training and outcomes,” said Dr Faisal Ismail, Director, CIME Pakistan.
Speaking on behalf of SHU, Vice Chancellor Dr Syed Irfan Haider said, “With SHU’s new strategic direction, our core focus is now on real-life projects. We are working to redefine our curriculum — not just what we teach, but how we teach it — by centering it around real-world problems. One of our biggest challenges is that education is often disconnected from reality. This approach will enrich our students’ learning and overall experience,” said Dr Syed Irfan Haider, Vice Chancellor, SHU.
Key highlights of the agreement include:
• Internship and field-visit opportunities at AKU CIME for SHU’s Biomedical Engineering (BME) students.
• Initiation of projects with emergent need and high projected impact.
• Jointly hosted seminars, workshops, and training sessions on emerging topics in biomedical engineering.
• Formation of a coordination committee with representatives from both institutions to plan and review collaborative projects and research.
• Shared commitment to maintaining confidentiality, intellectual property integrity, and mutual respect of institutional branding.
Dr Anjum Halai, Vice Provost at AKU, also addressed the occasion, highlighting the importance of three Ps: partnerships, pedagogy, and passion. “Partnerships amplify impact and excellence. Pedagogy—especially innovative methods like healthcare simulation—enhance patient safety and medical outcomes. And passion is essential; without it, commitment fades and burnout sets in. I’m happy to see evidence of all the three Ps, partnership, pedagoy and passion here today.”
The MoU is effective immediately and will remain in place for an initial term of two years, with potential for renewal upon mutual agreement.
This strategic alliance underscores a growing trend among academic institutions to foster interdisciplinary partnerships that bridge education and industry needs—ultimately benefiting students, faculty, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
