Farooq Naseem, Chairman and CEO of DWP Group, delivered a keynote address at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, for its flagship event titled “Business Leaders with Future Leaders,” which was moderated by President UMT, Ibrahim Hassan Murad. The event aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by connecting accomplished business leaders with aspiring students.
Held at the Hakeem Saeed Hall, the interactive session focused on leadership challenges and growth opportunities in today’s evolving business landscape. Speaking to a packed audience of young students and faculty members, Farooq Naseem shared powerful insights from his journey as a business leader, reflecting on decades of experience across multiple sectors — from textiles to IT assembly and manufacturing.
“It’s an honor and privilege to address the future of our country,” Farooq Naseem remarked. “Leadership is not about titles; it’s about perseverance, respect for people, and creating environments where individuals can thrive.”
Highlighting the importance of people as an organization’s real assets, he emphasized that “you cannot have an organization that disrespects its employees.” He proudly shared that over 1,200 employees have worked with DWP for more than two decades, a testament to the company’s people-centric values.
He urged educators to instill confidence in students and called for urgent reforms in the curriculum to include cutting-edge knowledge. “We are in an era where virtual education and automation are redefining professions. The world our youth will face in the next ten years will be unrecognizable from today. We must prepare them accordingly,” he said.
Farooq Naseem also spotlighted the role of sAi Venture Capital, an initiative supporting innovative young startups. “We’ve already invested in 10 promising companies, and we’re constantly on the lookout for fresh, transformative ideas,” he shared, encouraging students to seize the emerging opportunities in AI, automation, and IT. He praised Pakistan’s emerging and transformative industries, highlighting how the country’s exceptional talent pool, particularly in IT, is driving innovation and creating global impact.
In his closing remarks, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s founding generations and urged the youth to rise above fear and uncertainty. “Technology is not just changing how we work, it’s redefining who leads. The next generation of Pakistani entrepreneurs will rise from the intersection of innovation and integrity,” he stated. He further emphasized, “Don’t wait for opportunities to be handed to you. The world is shifting and those who understand emerging trends and move with speed will shape the future.”
