ISLAMABAD, August 12, 2026: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and the Pakistan Japan Business Forum (PJBF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen university-industry linkages and expand opportunities for skills development, internships, professional training and employment.
The agreement was signed by PJBF Chairman Murtaza Mandviwalla and AIOU Registrar Raja Umar Younis on behalf of their respective organizations.
The partnership is aimed at helping students and young professionals learn the Japanese language, develop technical and vocational skills, gain practical industry experience and improve access to employment opportunities.
AIOU, PJBF to Prepare Skilled Workforce for Japanese Companies
Under the MoU, AIOU and PJBF will launch joint initiatives designed to prepare a skilled workforce aligned with the requirements of Japanese companies and industrial organizations.
The two sides will also collaborate on business and industrial research, professional training programmes and internships while working to strengthen links between universities and industry.
Officials said the initiative would help students acquire market-oriented skills and better prepare them for changing demands in domestic and international job markets.
Japanese Language and Technical Skills in Focus
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Murtaza Mandviwalla said Pakistan and Japan already enjoy longstanding friendly relations and could further strengthen bilateral ties through deeper educational and industrial cooperation.
He said developing the technical and professional skills of Pakistani youth according to the needs of Japanese companies had become increasingly important.
Mandviwalla expressed hope that the partnership with AIOU would help young people acquire modern skills, build stronger connections with industry and access new career opportunities.
AIOU Seeks Stronger Industry Linkages
AIOU Registrar Raja Umar Younis said the university reaches millions of students across Pakistan and remains focused on providing learners with skills relevant to modern professional requirements.
He said AIOU students and graduates are already contributing in different sectors and that stronger engagement with the business community could help bridge the gap between academic education and practical workplace needs.
Younis said several initiatives are being pursued through the Japan Pakistan Advancement Center to promote Japanese language and culture, professional training, industrial linkages and business cooperation.
He added that collaboration with the Pakistan Japan Business Forum would strengthen these efforts and make them more practical and result-oriented.
Partnership to Expand Internship and Career Opportunities
The agreement is also expected to create new avenues for internships, practical training and career development for students and young professionals.
Both organizations plan to work together on initiatives that can improve employability while creating stronger connections between educational institutions, businesses and industrial organizations.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Syed Amir Shah, Dr. Tariq Cheema of the Japan Pakistan Advancement Center, Syed Behram Shah, Tahir Habib Cheema, Director Quality Enhancement Cell Dr. Saima Nasir, and other senior university officials.
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