MCI goes Pakistan

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® can report another success. With the ceremonial opening of the "Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology" (PAF-IAST) by the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, MCI Rector Andreas Altmann was able to complete a project that MCI, together with Joanneum University of Applied Sciences and five renowned universities from China, namely Guangdong University of Technology, Jiangsu University, Beijing Jiaotong University, China University of Mining and Technology and Feiyun Culture, had supported from the beginning over several years.

When the contract was awarded, the concept developed by MCI in the consortium prevailed over competitors from all over the world. The Pakistani Ministry of Science and the Haripur region were enthusiastic about the application and solution-oriented approach of an "entrepreneurial university" as an intelligent combination of elements from university, grande école, university of applied sciences, technology and business centre.

In addition to expertise in the conception of such a type of university, the MCI with its Department of Environmental, Process and Energy Engineering developed the study concept for the "Chemical Engineering" degree programme established there, assisted in the selection, appointment and training of the Pakistani faculty of professors and contributed innovative research expertise.

As a next step, the MCI will accompany the development of another degree programme, support scientists with academic know-how and familiarise representatives of the Pakistani university management with European university models.

Intensive digital exchange and numerous on-site visits in recent years have helped with close coordination and have also made the enthusiasm from the Pakistani side palpable. In addition to the development of further degree programmes, the next projects envisaged are the realisation of a connected technology park and an intensive scientific exchange.

MCI Rector Andreas Altmann: "The spirit of optimism and the spirit of this university, which is expressed in the slogan 'Skilling Pakistan', is extraordinary and exemplary. The hunger for education, technology, innovation and economic development is impressive. Here, well-trodden paths are left behind and something inspiring is created. We warmly congratulate PAF-IAST on this milestone and look forward to further cooperation. I would especially like to thank Prof. Werner Stadlmayr and Mag. Alexander Dumfort from the MCI and our international partners for their dedicated commitment and perseverance!"