IMA 2026: Prof. Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman calls for stronger industry-academia collaboration for youth empowerment

Lahore (Web Desk): Superior Group Chairman Professor Dr Chaudhry Abdul Rehman has emphasised that closer cooperation between universities and industry has become essential to prepare students for professional life.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of two-day ‘Industry Meets Academia (IMA)2026 event jointly organised by the Superior University School of Art and Design and the Centre for Creative Arts at the Expo Centre, Lahore, he stressed that unless business leaders and industrial stakeholders come forward to mentor and support the younger generation, unemployment among graduates would remain a serious challenge.

Professor Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman said that the initiative marked only the beginning of a broader effort to connect young people with the professional world emphasised that closer cooperation between universities and industry has become essential to prepare students for professional life.

In his remarks, Managing Director (MD) Superior Group Chaudhry Abdul Khaliq described the occasion as the outcome of a 28-year journey that was now beginning to show meaningful results.

He said the IMA initiative reflected the vision of Superior Group Chairman Professor Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman.

The MD Superior Group said the institution was committed to contributing towards the vision of a “Superior Pakistan.”

He expressed the confidence that Pakistan would eventually join the ranks of developed nations.

Chaudhry Abdul Khaliq added that providing young people with contemporary education, hands-on training and direct exposure to industry could equip them with the skills and experience required to meet the challenges of the future.