The Brand of the Year Award was conferred on Sir Syed University at a ceremony. Industry leaders have explicitly reminded the new generation of the technology sector that cybersecurity is not just a job but a crucial responsibility, during a ceremony held in honor of the winners of a major inter-university competition. This call was made at the conclusion of the Speed Mind Execution Competition (SMEC’26) organized by Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology.
The event, organized by the university’s Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, aimed to provide a platform for talented students from across Karachi to demonstrate their mental and intellectual abilities in a competitive environment.
Addressing the participants, Sir Syed University’s Chancellor Muhammad Akbar Ali Khan, who was also the chief guest, said that this competition is an effective means of promoting creativity, skill, and collaboration. He said that such competitions compel students to think critically, which is extremely necessary in a rapidly developing world where innovation is paramount.
The CEO of Trend Micro, Umair Shaikh, drew special attention to the seriousness of digital security. He described cybersecurity as a “responsibility that must be taken seriously” and called SMEC an excellent platform for students to express and test their abilities.
The Chairperson of the Computer Science and IT Department, Dr. Kashif Shaikh, encouraged students to see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration among students from different institutions.
During the proceedings, Sir Syed University was presented with the Brand of the Year Award.
The head of SMEC, Ayesha Urooj, also spoke, highlighting the competition’s achievements over the past decade. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of shields to the winners of each category.
Prominent figures present at the ceremony included Mrs. Iram Akbar Ali, Adil Askari, Dr. Jafar Nazir Usmani, Mohsin Kazim, and Shahid Jamil, among others.