Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Asad Ikram, a distinguished recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, UK, visited the Centre for Advanced Electronics & Photovoltaic Engineering (CAEPE) at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
An alumnus of Purdue University, USA, AVM Ikram has played a crucial role in Pakistan’s defence and technological landscape. His visit aimed to gain insights into IIUI’s research capabilities, particularly those in line with the National Science Innovation Policy.
With a career marked by pioneering contributions, AVM Ikram has been instrumental in establishing key organizations, including the Navigation Systems Department at the Advanced Engineering Research Organization, the Telecom & Marketing Department at LT Engineering Ltd, and the Aviation Research Innovation & Development Organization (AvRID) at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. He has also served as the Director General of the National Science & Technology Park (NSTP) and is currently advising the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC).
During his visit, AVM Ikram engaged in discussions with President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, who is also the founding Executive Director of CAEPE, to explore the institute’s ongoing research and technological advancements. He expressed particular interest in IIUI’s contributions to the Global Semiconductor Innovation Ecosystem and its collaboration with government-backed scientific institutions and universities to advance semiconductor research in Pakistan.
Impressed by CAEPE’s research achievements, including its patents and innovative projects, AVM Ikram praised the institution for successfully integrating industry, academia, and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in positioning Pakistan on the global research and development map.
Recognizing the importance of strong linkages between government and private sector entities, he emphasized the need for a systematized approach to fostering technological innovation. He acknowledged CAEPE’s potential in driving Pakistan’s inclusion in the global semiconductor ecosystem and expressed his commitment to facilitating further collaboration between the centre and national research organizations.
AVM Ikram’s visit highlighted the growing role of CAEPE in shaping Pakistan’s future in advanced electronics and semiconductor research. He reaffirmed his support for expanding partnerships that strengthen the country’s research and innovation landscape, laying the foundation for transformative developments in Pakistan’s scientific and technological sectors.