education 7 - The Latremie Post

APU leads ASEAN-record Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025

**Hackathon Showcased Malaysia’s Rising AI Talent for the Digital Economy**

The Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025, hosted by the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Amazon Web Services (AWS), successfully highlighted Malaysia’s growing strength in cultivating AI talent for the digital economy. Officially recognised by ASEAN Records as the largest on-site AI hackathon jointly organised by academia and industry in the region, the event took place on 20 September 2025 at APU’s Technology Park Malaysia campus.

The hackathon attracted a total of 1,741 participants, comprising 1,547 students and 194 industry professionals, representing over 50 institutions. Notably, Malaysian students based at Durham and Cambridge Universities also took part, showcasing the broad reach and impact of the event.

With 20 industry mentors providing guidance and a prize pool of US$26,000 (RM110,000), the hackathon not only set a new record but also underscored Malaysia’s ambition to become a key player in the digital economy through AI innovation.

**Minister Launches Event Emphasising AI’s Importance**

The event was officially launched by Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, who highlighted the transformative role of AI in society and industry. “AI is already transforming the way we live and work. It starts with data, which must be digitised, stored and shared effectively—supported by computing power to create meaningful solutions,” he said.

He congratulated APU and its partners for their efforts and added, “With our infrastructure, ecosystem, and your creativity, Malaysia can become not just a digital nation, but an AI nation by 2030.”

**APU CEO Highlights Collaborative Effort and Global Leadership**

Datuk Parmjit Singh, CEO of APU, emphasised the collaboration behind the event’s success. “This hackathon reflects the synergy between AWS, APU, and MDEC. The overwhelming response shows the hunger for innovation,” he stated.

He also highlighted APU’s global standing: “With over 16,000 students from 130 countries, we continue to lead in digital education, being among the first in the region to offer a degree in Cloud Engineering.”

“This pioneering spirit, together with our partnership with AWS, reflects our shared vision of empowering the next generation of cloud-ready and AI-focused talent,” Datuk Parmjit added.

**AWS Applauds Talent and Increases Sandbox Credits**

Peter Murray, Head of Asia Pacific and Japan Go-to-Market at AWS, praised the participants as “the future tech leaders of Malaysia, driving AI forward.” During the event, he announced an increase in AWS sandbox credits from US$50 (RM210) to US$100 (RM420), encouraging participants to “think big, build bold, and push ideas further.”

Participants also had access to AWS services such as Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Q, enabling them to leverage cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies throughout the hackathon.

**Supported by Industry and Tech Partners**

The hackathon was supported by MDEC’s Premier Digital Tech Institutions initiative and brought together industry mentors, technology partners, and sponsors including AxrailAI, Crayon, eCloudValley, and GitLab.

The event featured insightful Tech Talks, networking opportunities, and cross-sector collaboration, fostering an environment of innovation and knowledge sharing.

**Malaysia’s Ambition as an AI Powerhouse**

The Great Malaysia AI Hackathon 2025 reinforced Malaysia’s position as a digital frontrunner in the ASEAN region. Setting a benchmark for hackathons, the event showcased the nation’s commitment to becoming an AI powerhouse by 2030.

For APU, AWS, and MDEC, this milestone event marks a significant step in shaping the future of technology in Southeast Asia and nurturing the next generation of AI and cloud computing talent.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/apu-leads-asean-record-great-malaysia-ai-hackathon-2025

49% Students Drop Out Before Middle School In Madhya Pradesh

**Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Nearly Half of Primary Students Drop Out Before Middle School, Survey Reveals**

The Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education, 2025, highlights a critical issue in Madhya Pradesh’s education system — nearly 49% of students enrolled in primary education do not continue to middle school. The state reports a primary enrolment rate of 41.7%, which sharply declines to just 21.3% at the middle school level, underscoring significant challenges in student retention.

**Enrolment and Dropout Rates Across States**

| Level | MP | India | UP | TN | Kerala |
|———|——-|——–|——-|——-|——–|
| Primary | 41.7% | 41.6% | 47.9% | 36.0% | 34.3% |
| Middle | 21.3% | 22.0% | 21.5% | 24.1% | 19.7% |
| Drop (pp) | 20.4 | 19.6 | 26.4 | 11.9 | 14.6 |
| Drop (%) | 48.9 | 47.1 | 55.1 | 33.1 | 42.6 |

*pp = percentage points*

**Where Does Madhya Pradesh Stand?**

Madhya Pradesh’s dropout rate of nearly 49% between primary and middle school is alarming, implying that almost half of the children enrolled at the primary level discontinue before completing middle school. This rate is slightly above the national average of 47.1% and notably higher than states like Tamil Nadu, which records a dropout rate of just 33.1%.

On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh faces an even more concerning dropout rate of 55.1%, reflecting broader regional issues in retaining students beyond primary education.

**Positive Trends in Gender and Geographic Enrolment**

Encouragingly, Madhya Pradesh shows a slightly higher enrolment rate for females (21.9%) compared to males (20.8%) at the middle school level. This is a positive signal, considering the historical gender gap in education.

Additionally, enrolment rates are quite balanced between urban (22.1%) and rural (21.0%) areas. As noted by CBSE resource person Manoj Bajpai, this suggests that access challenges affect students consistently across geographic locations.

**How Do Dropouts Affect More Than Just Education?**

CBSE coordinator UK Jha sheds light on the wider implications of the steep enrolment decline from primary to middle school:

– **Human capital development is at risk**, with many children missing out on foundational education necessary for higher learning and skill acquisition.
– **Economic growth potential could be constrained** in the long term, due to lower literacy and skill levels in the future workforce.
– **Continued efforts toward gender equality are essential**, as sustained female enrolment plays a critical role in women’s empowerment and socio-economic progress.

**Steps to Stem the Dropout Wave**

Educationist Keran Bahadur recommends the following measures to address the dropout crisis:

– Improve middle school infrastructure and access, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
– Introduce retention incentives and targeted interventions to keep children, especially girls, in school.
– Enhance community awareness and support initiatives to overcome socio-economic barriers causing dropouts.

—

Addressing these challenges is vital for securing a better educational future for Madhya Pradesh’s children and unlocking the state’s full socio-economic potential.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/49-students-drop-out-before-middle-school-in-madhya-pradesh

Florida board of education signs off on a charter school expansion

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s board of education approved a major expansion of charter schools on Wednesday, paving the way for privately run schools to co-locate inside traditional public schools. This move is the latest effort by Florida officials to expand school choice in a state long viewed as a national model for conservative education policy.

The decision comes amid the challenges faced by some public schools, which are closing their doors due to declining enrollments, aging facilities, and ongoing post-pandemic student struggles.

The new regulations approved by the state board build upon a bill signed into law earlier this year by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill allows operators to open more “schools of hope”—charter schools intended to serve students from persistently low-performing schools.

“We have operators that want to come in and give the best education to those who are in schools that haven’t been getting the greatest education,” Republican state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka said while defending her bill on the House floor earlier this year. “Let’s give them the opportunity.”

Created in 2017, the schools of hope program encourages more publicly funded, privately run schools to open in areas where traditional public schools have been failing for years. The program provides students and families in those neighborhoods an alternative to struggling schools.

This year’s law loosens restrictions on where schools of hope can operate. They are now allowed to set up inside the facilities of public schools—even high-performing ones—if the campus has underused or vacant spaces.

Under the board’s new regulations, public school districts are required to provide charter schools with the same facility-related services that they offer their own campuses. This includes custodial work, maintenance, school safety, food service, nursing, and student transportation without limitation.

Additionally, school districts must allow schools of hope to use all or part of an educational facility at no cost, including classrooms and administrative offices. Common areas such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, recreation areas, parking lots, storage spaces, and auditoriums must be shared proportionately based on total full-time equivalent student enrollment.

Public school advocates urged the board to reject the proposal during Wednesday’s meeting. India Miller, an advocate for public schools, criticized the schools of hope program, saying it is designed to be parasitic to public schools.

“To me, it would be like asking Home Depot to give Lowes space in their store and pay all of their infrastructure costs. It just does not make sense to me,” Miller said.

Board members, who are appointed by Gov. DeSantis, defended the new rules and dismissed concerns that the charter expansion could divert crucial funding away from traditional public schools.

“Schools of hope wouldn’t be necessary if our public school system had done its job along the way,” said board Vice Chair Esther Byrd.

___

Associated Press writer Kimberlee Kruesi contributed reporting from Providence, Rhode Island.

Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
https://ktar.com/national-news/florida-board-of-education-signs-off-on-a-charter-school-expansion/5754119/

Delhi: Director Of Well-Known Institution Booked For Alleged Molestation; Over 15 Female Students Recorded Statements

New Delhi: The director of a branch of a well-known institution based in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj has been booked on charges of alleged molestation after more than 15 girl students came forward with complaints, police said on Tuesday.

“The Manager of an institution has been accused of allegedly molesting about 15 girls of the institution in the Vasant Kunj area. A case has been registered at Vasant Kunj North Police Station, based on the statements of the girls. The accused owns a luxury car with a fake number plate bearing the United Nations’ (UN) number. The vehicle has been impounded, and upon further investigation, it was found that no such number has been issued,” officials informed on Wednesday. “The police are tracing the accused’s location.”

Statements of around 15 students have been recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) before a magistrate.

DCP (South West) Amit Goel stated, “The accused has been traced near Agra and he will be arrested soon.”

During the investigation, police also recovered a luxury red Volvo car belonging to the accused. The vehicle was found with a fake United Nations number plate displaying “39 UN 1.” Police confirmed that the number was not issued by the UN and was fabricated by the accused himself.

Officials added that the accused had earlier applied for anticipatory bail but later withdrew the plea.

Sources stated that the institution’s management has removed the accused from their position and is cooperating fully with the police investigation.

—

In another operation, Delhi Police solved a blind hit-and-run case within eight days by apprehending the accused and recovering the offending vehicle in the South West district, officials informed.

According to police, on September 15 around 1 pm, a PCR call was received at Vasant Vihar police station reporting that a car belonging to Mayank Jain had been hit by another vehicle between 2 am and 3 am at the Munirka flyover.

When Jain stepped out of his vehicle, the driver allegedly hit him deliberately and fled the spot. Jain sustained injuries and was admitted to RR Hospital, Dhaula Kuan, for treatment.

Based on the complaint, a case (FIR No. 221/25) was registered at Vasant Vihar police station.

Police scanned more than 200 CCTV cameras installed along the Ring Road and its adjoining areas during the investigation. They identified a suspected car with broken front glass. Upon verification, it was found that the registered owner of the vehicle had passed away two years ago, and the car was being used by his family members.

Analysis of call records and route mapping through CCTV footage established that Gaurav Bhardwaj, a resident of Greater Kailash Enclave-I, had taken the car to Dwarka on the night of the incident. Police later found that the accused had replaced the damaged front glass at a mechanic shop in GK-I the next day. The broken glass was recovered on September 20.

On September 22, Bhardwaj was apprehended and confessed to the crime during interrogation. The car was also recovered on his instance, police added.

—

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/delhi-director-of-well-known-institution-booked-for-alleged-molestation-over-15-female-students-recorded-statements

It’s about to become easier for overseas teachers to work in Victoria

The Victorian teaching authority aims to address classroom workforce shortages by streamlining the process for overseas teachers seeking to work in Victorian schools. The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) reports a dramatic increase in offshore applications for teaching credentials, rising by more than 500 percent between 2021 and 2024.

### Surge in Overseas Applications

Data from the VIT shows that applications from overseas candidates surged six-fold, from 226 in 2021 to nearly 1,400 last year. This spike is attributed to factors such as the reopening of borders following the COVID-19 pandemic and increased international recruitment efforts by the education sector amid ongoing teacher shortages.

Despite the increase in numbers, just 3 percent of overseas applicants were rejected. The majority come from the United Kingdom, with the highest refusal rates among applicants from England and the United States. For example, a Californian woman who taught high school in the US for five years was denied registration because the institution where she obtained her education certificate was not recognized by the US federal government. Other applicants failed to provide adequate evidence of English language proficiency.

### Proposed Changes to the Application Process

To improve the application process, the VIT plans to introduce a new pre-assessment service. For a fee of $285, prospective teachers can verify if they meet the required standards before traveling to Australia. Additionally, country-specific guides will be developed to help applicants better understand the process.

### Closing a Loophole for Western Australian Teachers

While increasing overseas recruitment, the VIT also intends to close a loophole allowing underqualified educators from Western Australia (WA) to teach in Victoria. Previously, teachers holding only a one-year diploma of education from WA were still allowed to register in Victoria despite not meeting the state’s minimum qualifications.

Following revelations that dozens of WA teachers were exploiting this loophole, the Victorian government has revised its recruitment policy. Although the VIT is obligated to grant registration to these teachers, the new policy empowers the authority to prevent their employment in government schools.

### Recognizing Teaching Experience and Degree Variations

The institute also seeks to recognize teaching experience alongside formal degrees. For instance, an Irish teacher was rejected due to possessing a three-year degree instead of the required four-year qualification. However, New Zealand teachers migrating to Australia are currently exempt from the four-year degree rule.

### Simplifying Employment of Unqualified Teachers

Another focus is simplifying the process that allows schools to hire individuals lacking formal teaching qualifications but necessary for certain subjects. The VIT’s second report reviews the “permission to teach” exemption, which permits schools unable to find suitably qualified or registered teachers to fill specific roles.

The report notes that this policy is outdated and requires streamlining and clarification. Currently, in 13 Victorian schools—including seven government and five Islamic schools—more than 10 percent of teachers hold this exemption. Bilingual and religious schools often use the exemption for specialized roles, and the institute is considering removing the requirement for religious instructors to progress toward formal teacher registration.

Further consultation will determine appropriate measures to establish subject-matter expertise standards across different faiths.

### Addressing Specialized Teaching Needs

There are 27 staff with registration exemptions working at seven bilingual schools. Many of these schools have requested recognition of foreign language degrees and a separate registration category. However, the VIT argues that creating such categories is not the best solution for this relatively small cohort.

### Looking Ahead

Martin Fletcher, VIT’s chief executive, said the recommendations come after extensive consultation with teachers, schools, and stakeholders throughout the education system. The proposed changes aim to reduce regulatory burdens, enhance transparency, and support a diverse and capable teaching workforce.

In its 45-page report on overseas qualifications, the VIT emphasizes its goal for Victoria to be attractive to overseas-qualified teachers while maintaining professional standards.

—

These planned reforms demonstrate Victoria’s commitment to addressing teacher shortages without compromising the quality of education, ensuring classrooms are staffed by well-qualified and capable educators.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/it-s-about-to-become-easier-for-overseas-teachers-to-work-in-victoria-20250923-p5mxbv.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

Sapura Industrial Berhad and APU partner to advance EV, hybrid and smart manufacturing talent in Malaysia

**MoU Paves the Way for Joint Initiatives to Boost Education, Training & Innovation**

*Partnership focuses on advancing EV & hybrid vehicle maintenance, servicing & training*

Sapura Industrial Berhad (SIB), one of Malaysia’s leading automotive component manufacturers with decades of industry experience, and Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia’s premier digital technology institution, have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in electric and hybrid vehicle technology and smart manufacturing.

In a joint statement, both parties noted that the MoU paves the way for joint initiatives designed to enhance education, training, and innovation, supporting Malaysia’s transition towards a knowledge-driven, technology-enabled economy. A key focus of the partnership is advancing EV and hybrid vehicle maintenance, servicing, and training.

SIB, through its subsidiary MILI EV Hybrid—a leading EV/hybrid service and training centre in Malaysia—will collaborate with APU to integrate specialised training and certification programmes into APU’s engineering curriculum.

### Planned Initiatives Include:
– Establishing a hybrid/EV training laboratory at APU’s campus
– Embedding EV/hybrid training certification programmes for students
– Co-developing modules to upskill and reskill external industry professionals
– Leveraging MILI EV Hybrid’s expertise to provide real-world training and exposure

These measures aim to ensure that APU students gain hands-on, practical experience in sustainable automotive systems, while industry players benefit from a future-ready talent pipeline.

The MoU was signed by Mariam Parineh, Executive Vice Chairman of SIB, and Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU. The signing was witnessed by Ir. Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir, Founder and Advisor of SIB, and Parmjit Singh, CEO of APU.

### Highlighting Advanced Industry Solutions

The partnership also highlights SIB’s proprietary IRIS system—an advanced Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solution that captures real-time machine data, calculates overall equipment effectiveness, and enables data-driven decision-making.

APU students will benefit from live demonstrations, site visits to SIB’s facilities, and co-developed training programmes covering:
– IoT integration and smart factory solutions
– Real-time data analytics and dashboarding
– Downtime tracking and performance optimisation

By combining SIB’s industrial expertise with APU’s strong academic foundation, the partnership ensures graduates are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical, industry-relevant skills.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nurturing talent, driving sustainability, and strengthening Malaysia’s leadership in high-technology industries.

### Leadership Perspectives

Ir. Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir shared,
*“I have always believed that true impactful learning lies at the intersection of academia and practical application. Today, I am proud to witness the collaboration between the automotive manufacturing company I founded 40 years ago and the education institution I helped establish, as APIIT has evolved into one of Malaysia’s top universities. Together, SIB and APU are shaping a new generation of Malaysia’s innovative leaders.”*

Parmjit Singh added,
*“At APU, we constantly seek to enrich the learning experience of our students by aligning academic knowledge with practical, industry-driven applications. Partnering with Sapura Industrial Berhad exemplifies how education and industry can come together to create a meaningful impact. Our students will not only learn about the latest technologies but also engage with real-world challenges, preparing them to be highly employable, competent and future-proof professionals.”*

### Duration and Commitment

The MoU will remain in effect for an initial period of five years, with automatic renewal for successive terms. Both SIB and APU are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of initiatives under this collaboration, anchored in mutual benefit, trust, and innovation.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/sapura-industrial-berhad-and-apu-partner-advance-ev-hybrid-and-smart-manufacturing

KMAT 2025 Session 1 Results To Be OUT Today At 4 PM On kmatindia.com

**KMAT 2025 Session 1 Results: Release Date, How to Check, and Session 2 Registration Details**

The KMAT 2025 Session 1 results are set to be announced today, September 23, 2025, at 4 PM. Although initially expected on September 22, 2025, the release was delayed once again. Candidates who appeared for the KMAT exam held on September 7, 2025, can check their scorecards on the official KMAT India website at [kmatindia.com](https://kmatindia.com).

To access the results, candidates need to log in to the candidate portal using their application number and password.

—

### KMAT 2025 Session 1 Results: Important Dates

– **Result Declaration:** September 23, 2025, at 4 PM
– **KMAT 2025 Session 2 Registration:** September 16, 2025 – October 12, 2025
– **KMAT Mock Test:** October 15 – October 16, 2025
– **KMAT Admit Card Release:** October 16, 2025
– **KMAT 2025 Session 2 Exam Date:** October 18, 2025

—

### How to Check KMAT 2025 Session 1 Results

Follow these simple steps to check your KMAT scorecard:

1. Visit the official KMAT India website: [kmatindia.com](https://kmatindia.com)
2. Click on the *”KMAT 2025 Result”* link on the homepage.
3. Enter the required credentials such as your date of birth and roll number, then click on ‘Login’.
4. Your KMAT 2025 scorecard will appear on the screen. Download and save it for future reference.

—

### KMAT 2025 Session 2 Registration: Application Fees

– General / NC-OBC: ₹1,230 (including GST)
– SC / ST / PwD: ₹1,230 (including GST)

—

### How to Apply for KMAT 2025 Session 2

If you wish to register for KMAT 2025 Session 2, follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official KMAT India website and click the *‘KMAT 2025 application’* button.
2. Enter your personal details including your name, date of birth, email address, phone number, nationality, etc.
3. During registration, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number for verification.
4. After successful verification, an application number and password will be sent to your registered phone number and email.
5. Use your application number and password to log in and complete the application form.
6. Fill in all required personal details such as name, address, nationality, and date of birth.
7. Submit your course preferences and select your preferred KMAT exam center.
8. Upload all necessary documents and pay the application fee online via credit/debit card, e-wallet, or other online payment options.

—

For detailed information and regular updates, candidates are advised to visit the official KMAT India website at [kmatindia.com](https://kmatindia.com).

Stay tuned and best of luck to all candidates!
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/kmat-2025-session-1-results-to-be-out-today-at-4-pm-on-kmatindiacom

22-Year-Old Hyderabad Engineering Student Dies By Suicide After Alleged Ragging, Forced Drinking, And ₹10,000 Extortion By Seniors

A 22-year-old engineering student, identified as Jadav Sai Teja, was found dead in his hostel room at Siddharth Engineering College, Hyderabad. His death has sparked outrage amid allegations of ragging, physical assault, and extortion by seniors.

**Disturbing Last Video Emerges**

According to an NDTV report, before his death, Sai Teja recorded a video in which he appeared visibly distressed and fearful. In the clip, he described being beaten, threatened, and repeatedly asked for money by seniors.

“I was going to college. Four or five people came and threatened me. They are coming and demanding money. They are also hitting me, and I’m very scared. They are coming to me and asking for money, and they are hitting me. What should I do? I’m going to die. Please save me,” he said in the recording.

**Allegations of Forced Drinking and Extortion**

Sai Teja’s family lawyer, Advocate Kishore, claimed that the student was allegedly taken to a bar by his seniors, forced to consume alcohol, and made to pay nearly ₹10,000. According to the lawyer, the constant harassment and financial pressure contributed to Sai Teja taking this tragic step.

**Family Rushes Overnight, Police Begin Probe**

Upon learning of the tragedy, Sai Teja’s family, accompanied by their lawyer, traveled nearly 300 km overnight to Hyderabad. The police have registered a case and are actively investigating both the alleged ragging and the circumstances leading to the suicide.

**Spotlight Back on Ragging in Colleges**

This incident has once again shed light on the persistent issue of ragging in educational institutions, despite strict laws and guidelines aimed at curbing the menace.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help:

**Mental Health Helplines**
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/22-year-old-hyderabad-engineering-student-dies-by-suicide-after-alleged-ragging-forced-drinking-and-10000-extortion-by-seniors

What caught our eye

**Changing Lives: Breaking Barriers and Rebuilding Dreams**

In a world where beauty standards often exclude rather than include, Pakistan’s Depilex Smileagain Foundation (DSF) and L’Oréal Pakistan, with funding from Fondation L’Oréal, recently celebrated a significant milestone. Sixty women completed a transformative four-month training course and gathered at the Depilex centre in Karachi to receive their certificates. This course is part of the *Beauty for a Better Life* (BFBL) programme.

BFBL isn’t just about teaching skills; it’s about rewriting the narrative of survival and recovery. These were not ordinary graduates — all of them were survivors of acid attacks and domestic violence. The training covered haircare, skincare, makeup, and salon management, but its impact went far beyond professional skills.

For these women, the course represented much more than simple training. It meant independence and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Masarrat Misbah, founder of DSF, explained at the graduation ceremony, “*Beauty for a Better Life* is more than a training programme. It restores dignity, reignites hope, and opens real opportunities.”

Despite this progress, the reality remains complex. Many survivors still face discrimination in hiring processes, exclusion from family gatherings, and suffer from limited long-term support systems. Masarrat Misbah emphasised the pressing need for practical help in securing steady employment. Vocational training is only the beginning — survivors need genuine opportunities to apply what they have learnt.

Two weeks before the graduation, *Runway SS 25* transformed what could have been just another glamorous fashion event into something profoundly meaningful. The event brought together Pakistan’s leading designers, stylists, models, choreographers, fashion writers, bloggers, influencers, celebrities, and editors.

Masarrat Misbah herself walked the runway alongside acid attack survivors and vision-impaired persons, highlighting the power of inclusion. The collaboration showcased clothes by designer Zubair Shah. Professional models accompanied survivors down the catwalk — some wore confident smiles, others displayed quiet determination. The audience, composed of Pakistan’s fashion elite, rose to their feet in applause.

This moment was more than a narrative shift from victims to survivors — it signified a true sense of belonging.

The fashion showcase was about more than just clothes. Renowned dancer Sheema Kermani performed Kathak to the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, honouring colleagues the arts community has lost. Young dancers infused contemporary energy into classical forms. Designers presented a range of styles, from traditional bridal wear to innovative garments.

Transgender rights activist Kami Chaudhry made a striking appearance as a showstopper, reinforcing the event’s broader message of inclusion.

For Anwaar (name changed to protect identity), a young man who survived an acid attack, walking the runway fulfilled a dream he thought was lost forever.

“As a teenager, I aspired to be a model. But after the acid attack, I thought that dream was impossible. Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined walking the runway as a model again after what happened to me. This is truly a dream come true,” he shared.

Anwaar’s experience captures the deep impact of the programme: not only does it train survivors and equip them with tools for economic independence, but it also gives them the confidence to believe that their dreams can become reality.

**Beauty for a Better Life is transforming lives — one step, one dream, and one runway at a time.**
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1345076-what-caught-our-eye

Alternative financing for human capital

An analysis of the public expenditure reviews from 2017-22 reveals that child-focused spending by provincial governments is not aligned with their budgetary commitments. Public finance constraints, driven by large debt servicing expenditures, are curtailing social sector investment. Currently, public spending on education is limited to only 2% of GDP, health at 1%, and social protection at 1%.

The future of nearly 40% of our population—currently below the age of 18—is at stake due to inadequate investment in human capital development. According to the IMF, Pakistan faces a social sector financing gap equivalent to 16.1% of its GDP to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Although fiscal deficits improved with the Extended Fund Facility, public finance remains insufficient to meet UN benchmarks and the required social sector spending.

**Revenue Distribution and Fiscal Challenges**

The revenue distribution mechanism under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award is equally important, as the provinces rely heavily on federal transfers for social spending. Besides debt repayments, low-to-moderate GDP growth, and limited revenue generation, other factors aggravate the fiscal challenge. These include covariate shocks such as recurring climate disasters and demographic pressure.

Consequently, about 26 million children are currently out of school. Multi-dimensional poverty has surged to 40% of the population, meaning any further reduction in social spending risks pushing more people into intergenerational poverty.

Amid global austerity measures, official development assistance (ODA) sharply declined in 2025. Therefore, it is increasingly important for federal and provincial governments, alongside civil society, to diversify financing sources and develop expertise in alternative financing for sustainable social sector investments. New policy instruments and innovative models must be adopted to expand fiscal space.

**A Paradigm Shift in Social Spending**

There is a pressing need to approach social spending as an investment in future generations. Traditional views often perceive social spending as charity or welfare, which is no longer adequate to meet the scale of Pakistan’s challenges. A fundamental paradigm shift is required to reconceptualize this spending as a high-return investment in future human capital.

—

### Policy Instruments and Reforms

1. **Redesign Financing Structures with Results-Based Approaches**

Financing strategies should be multi-layered, integrating traditional and non-traditional financing models as well as international funding aligned with national goals and medium-term budget frameworks. Incorporating results-based financing treats social spending as a high-return investment in human capital.

This shift will pave the way to expand the fiscal pool by attracting private capital investments through social impact bonds and other innovative instruments. Successful pilot projects can then be scaled up effectively.

2. **Align Policy Goals and Prioritize Social Sector through a Child Rights Lens**

Currently, fiscal policy has been reactionary rather than proactive in addressing children’s constitutional rights. There is a lack of long-term, sustainable financing approaches to fuel resilience and productivity.

A positive recent development is the equity and empowerment mandate of URAAN Pakistan, which strives for inclusive and equitable education, health, and nutrition for children. Realizing this vision requires collaboration among all stakeholders to forge long-term development investments alongside immediate emergency responses.

3. **Enhance Utilization and Allocation of Social Sector Spending**

Effective utilization is crucial for sustainability and scalability. Due to the absence of Provincial Finance Commissions, much development expenditure is focused on infrastructure rather than social sector development. The NFC award also requires modification to incorporate explicit provisions for provincial social spending.

4. **Integrate Climate Adaptation Strategies with Social Sector Programs**

There is a strong connection between social sector financing and climate finance, which can be translated into child-focused climate finance alternatives. Pakistan can learn from Malawi’s Climate Health Resilience project, a notable case study in cross-sectoral climate finance.

Education and health projects can link with initiatives in water management, urban resilience, infrastructure, and flood recovery. Achieving this requires capacity building, willingness to reform, and the development of proposals with this integrated approach in mind.

—

### Innovative and Cost-Effective Financing Models

Many experts advocate for innovative alternative financing models to diversify fiscal resources for social sector investment. Some noteworthy examples include:

– **Blended Finance:** Combines public and philanthropic funds with private capital to mobilize investment for sustainable development, reducing risks for investors. The Global Partnership for Education Multiplier Fund is a successful example.

– **Development Impact Bonds and Social Impact Bonds:** Outcome-based financial instruments where private investment supports social programs, with repayments conditional on achieving results. These bonds enable collaboration among public sectors, private investors, and service providers. For example, the Punjab Skills Development Fund is implementing the first Employment Impact Bond, focusing on imparting future-ready skills to youth.

– **Social Success Notes:** Private investment by social enterprises with returns linked to achieved outcomes.

– **Social Impact Guarantees:** Governments or donors provide guarantees to incentivize private investment. Singapore’s Social Impact Guarantee Program has improved education and employment outcomes for youth.

– **Catastrophe Bonds:** Insurance-linked securities that can support climate adaptation initiatives under Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to finance disaster response.

Public finance remains indispensable for the social sector. Alternative financing instruments should complement—not replace—public expenditure.

—

### Debt Swaps and Corporate Sector Engagement

Given high debt servicing costs that surpass social spending, bilateral debt swaps and Debt-for-Child Buybacks present strong opportunities. Pakistan could renegotiate bilateral debts to replace repayments with commitments for investment in social and sustainable development programs.

Egypt’s recent debt swap with Germany, where resources are committed toward welfare programs, serves as a successful example. Pakistan can similarly implement Debt-for-Child Buybacks to direct funds toward child health, education, and wellbeing.

The private sector should adopt a long-term, outcome-driven approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and philanthropy, aligning initiatives with national development goals. Instead of one-off projects, investments must focus on measurable social impact. The Indus Hospital Network exemplifies how sustained, strategic healthcare philanthropy can support vulnerable populations effectively.

—

### Revenue Generation and Program Sustainability

– The **Sehat Sahulat Programme** should evolve from a non-contributory to a contributory model to ensure long-term sustainability and improved healthcare quality.

– Levies on tobacco and soft drinks can generate dedicated revenue for child-focused health and nutrition programs while also discouraging consumption of harmful products.

—

### Conclusion

Recent floods and their devastating impact on children underscore that traditional approaches—often seen as mere charity or welfare—are insufficient. A fundamental shift is needed to reconceptualize social spending as a high-return investment in Pakistan’s future human capital.

The sustainability and scalability of social sector investments will ultimately depend on their alignment with local needs and contexts, as well as their integration with national and sustainable development goals.

By adopting innovative financing models, enhancing policy alignment, and leveraging both public and private resources, Pakistan can build resilient social sectors that secure a brighter future for its children.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1345119-alternative-financing-for-human-capital