Lahore (PNI) The Pakistan Japan Socioeconomic Association (PJSA), in collaboration with the University of Management and Technology (UMT), hosted a landmark seminar at UMT’s Lahore campus focused on promoting Japanese language education, skill development, and career opportunities for Pakistani youth.
The seminar was attended by more than 150 participants, including students, faculty members, and guests from diverse academic backgrounds. The event marked the beginning of a promising partnership between PJSA and UMT to build a student-centered, structured bridge between Pakistan and Japan.
Dr. Nadia, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts (SLA), UMT, delivered the welcome address, expressing gratitude to PJSA for selecting UMT as the host institution. She appreciated the Association’s efforts in creating impactful platforms for student development and global exposure.
Ms. Sitara Arif, President of PJSA, delivered a keynote speech titled “The Japan Career Pathway Program: Your Future with Japan Begins Here.” She highlighted PJSA’s nationwide initiatives, including Japanese speech contests, Sakura Scholar quizzes, scholarship alerts, micro-investments, and employment readiness programs. Ms. Arif emphasized that learning Japanese is not just a language skill, but a direct pathway to a sustainable and competitive career.
She also announced special incentives for female trainers and subsidized course fees for students, reaffirming PJSA’s commitment to women empowerment. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause, especially from the female attendees.
Distinguished PJSA members, including Ms. Sajjal Rehman (Head Corporate Coordinator), Mr. Muhammad Bashart (Executive Member), and Mr. Javed Akhtar Bhatti (renowned Urdu Editor based in Japan), shared insights on Japanese work culture and corporate values, providing students with real-world perspectives and inspiration.
Registered PJSA students gave brief testimonials, highlighting their journeys with PJSA initiatives such as the Sakura quiz, credit systems, and their dreams of becoming trainers and ambassadors of Pakistan-Japan relations. Their spirited Japanese and Urdu speeches added warmth and authenticity to the event.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Nadia commended PJSA as a credible and visionary platform creating real opportunities for youth. She also revealed that UMT has already trained over 800 students in Japanese language and is now ready to expand this initiative with PJSA’s support as a formal career track.
Key Outcomes and Future Plans:
A shared intent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PJSA and UMT for long-term collaboration
Agreement to launch an intensive 6–8 month Japanese language crash program (N5 to N4 level)
Deployment of competent trainers aligned with Japan’s career demands
PJSA’s participation in future UMT career fairs, job fairs, and cultural exchange programs
The PJSA-UMT seminar concluded as a resounding success — setting a significant milestone in advancing sustainable and dignified career pathways for Pakistani students. The event strongly reflected PJSA’s mission to “give, guide, and grow” the next generation through language, skills, and empowerment.
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