Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in academic and research fields.
USM, ranked 146th in the QS world rankings, aims to work with SBBU on various initiatives such as joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and the development of academic programs.
The two institutions also plan to establish a center of excellence focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
In a separate development, registration for the Punjab Honahar Merit Scholarship program has commenced across the province. The initiative aims to provide scholarships to 30,000 students annually, covering 68 disciplines.
Scholarships will be awarded to students from 50 public universities, 16 medical colleges, and 131 graduate colleges.
Under this program, 130 billion rupees will be allocated over the next four years, benefiting 120,000 students. The scholarships will cover 100% of the tuition fees for students pursuing BS degrees at public universities and eight selected private institutions.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who approved the program in July, emphasized the importance of supporting higher education, particularly for students from remote areas. During a special meeting of the Higher Education Department, she stressed the need to involve the private sector in promoting education opportunities.