FAISALABAD Apr 25: We have to equip our youth with modern skills to get our share in the international markets, said Dr Khurram Tariq, the former President, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Business Incubation Center (BIC) organized an engaging interactive session titled “A Journey of Innovation: Transforming Ideas into Impact”. The event took place at the CAS Auditorium. Emphasizing the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI), Dr Khurram Tariq stated that the current era belongs to AI and data sciences. He said in next 10 years, around 180 million jobs would be created in the fields of AI and Data Science around the globe. He stressed the urgent need to develop technically skilled workforce to secure a fair share of these opportunities and to effectively compete in the rapidly evolving global landscape. He said if we fail to adopt a forward-looking strategy, our nation may be left with only low-level and traditional jobs. He emphasized the critical role innovation plays in economic growth and sustainable development, especially in the modern, competitive business environment. He encouraged students and young professionals to think beyond traditional frameworks and take bold steps towards turning their ideas into impactful projects. Talking about his own entrepreneurial journey, he discussed the significance of perseverance, adaptability and strategic thinking. Director BIC Prof Dr Iftikhar Ahmad shared that last year, more than 41 students launched their startups with BIC’s support. He underscored the impact of nurturing entrepreneurial skills among the youth to build a sustainable and innovative future. He stressed that universities are not just centers of academic learning but also hubs for entrepreneurial exploration Mr. Waheed Khaliq Raamay, Co convenor Academia Industry Linkage Committee of FCCI also spoke on the occasion. The session also highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, and how such interactions can fuel innovative startups and socio-economic development.