ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister for Science & Technology Dr Attaur Rehman on Friday, underlined the dire need of adopting proper vision and strategy at the relevant levels for achieving excellence in educational. Addressing the 3rd International Conference on Research & Practices in Education, organised by the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), he called for following the development model of China or Singapore to achieve real progress in the socio-economic sector. The two-day conference presided over by the university’s vice chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Siddiqui, was attended by eminent educationists from Pakistan and abroad. The key-note speaker at the inaugural session was Dr Chris Rasmussen, who was an eminent scholar from the US. The event was part of the research-based academic activity, being organised by the university on regular basis. Dr Shahid Siddiqui, in his welcome address briefed the participants about the university’s achievements, promoting research-based culture. He spoke about the important role of teaching community for ensuring quality education. He asserted the research must be linked with the community’s overall well-being. Dr Attaur Rehman lauded AIOU’s academic progress in the recent years, stating that the university under the leadership of Dr Siddiqui, showed excellent performance through new ideas and activities. Dr Attaur Rehman further said that only a knowledge-based society could push the country towards true development. Adding that students are the real asset of the country, he said they must be facilitated in capitalising their potential and energies. Citing the huge investment made on education, during the tenure of his chairmanship of Higher Education Commission, he said it paved the way of producing thousands of PhDs every year. It was the turning period in the educational sector, particularly in the field of science and technology, he added. During his thought-provoking talks, he said they must focus on the ability to innovate and relate it to the country’s progress. There should be an enabling environment for socio-economic development. In his key-note address, Dr Chris Rasmussen spoke about importance of collaborative partnership at the international level. He elaborated as how the collaboration could be made productive and result-oriented. Dr Siddiqui further said there was a need to re-visit the idea of development through a holistic approach. The educational institutions need to produce graduates who could serve the society, through critical thinking and creative approach. He was of the view that real change in the life of an individual and the society could only be brought about through innovation and creativity. The major purpose of the conference was to provide researchers and practitioners a platform to present their recent work and to interact with fellows in a global community of practice. Those who also addressed the event included the university’s Education Dean Dr Nasir Mahmood who highlighted the objectives of the conference, stating it will initiate an analytical and critical discourse among the researchers and scholars of the field that may lead to social change. It will also provide opportunity to scholars across the globe for dissemination of their research work for addressing the social phenomenon, besides highlighting the innovative methods and modes of research around the world. Published in Daily Times, February 17th 2018.