Dr. Saleem Iqbal, Chairperson, Department of Chemical Engineering, Wah Engineering College, University of Wah, participated in a 15-day International Training Program titled “Future-Ready Academic Leadership: Governance Innovation and AI Integration in Higher Education,” held from 07 - 21 December 2025 in China. The program was conducted under the Advanced Training Program for Senior Academics and Administrators from Pakistani Higher Education Institutions. It was jointly organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, the China Association of Higher Education, and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Consortium of Universities, and hosted by Tianjin Foreign Studies University (TFSU), China.
The training comprised intensive academic sessions along with institutional and exposure visits to leading higher education institutions and innovation hubs across China. These included Peking University, Beihang University, the China Association of Higher Education, Tianjin College of Commerce, Luban Workshop Experience Museum, JD Mall Digital Economy Operation Base, Yonyou Industrial Park, and BYD DiSpace. Cultural visits were also arranged to provide participants with deeper insight into China’s academic environment, heritage, and contemporary society.
During the visit, Dr. Saleem Iqbal presented souvenirs of the University to Prof. Sun Hua, Director, Center of Faculty Development; Director, Provost Office; and Secretary General, International Universities Alliance, Peking University, Beijing, and to Prof. Zheng Siming, Host Faculty Member, Tianjin Foreign Studies University. On behalf of the University of Wah, he also received a souvenir from Prof. Liu, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tianjin Foreign Studies University.
The concluding and certificate distribution ceremony was held in Beijing under the auspices of the China Association of Higher Education and was attended by senior leadership from prominent Chinese higher education institutions. Dr. Saleem Iqbal was part of the 25-member Pakistani delegation representing higher education institutions from across the country. This international exposure will be helpful in reinforcing the University’s pledge to global academic engagement, institutional development, and future-ready leadership in higher education.
