Babar Ali Foundation Supports LUMSx to Make Digital Education Accessible to All

The Babar Ali Foundation (BAF) has pledged its generous support for LUMSx, a digital learning platform launched by LUMS. LUMSx is offering a rich set of diverse courses across various disciplines, making education accessible across socioeconomic and geographic barriers. Through LUMSx, the University will broaden its reach to provide high-quality education.

At the launch of LUMSx on June 14, 2023, Founding Pro Chancellor, Syed Babar Ali commended the efforts of the University to launch the initiative. He said, "I’d like to thank the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad and Director, LUMSx, Dr. Suleman Shahid for breathing life into LUMSx. This platform offers the LUMS community an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, reaffirming LUMS’ goal to not only serve its students but also to reach a much wider audience across Pakistan and beyond."

Among the rich selection of courses, ranging from Pashto and Farsi language lessons to data analytics and neuroscience, as well as health and wellness, LUMSx seeks to enhance the quality of online education by conducting research on online learning and teaching behaviours. One of LUMSx’s pioneering projects was the development of an Urdu translation of Dr. Barbara Oakley’s renowned course, 'Learning How to Learn', which teaches students effective learning strategies.

Dr. Ahmad highlighted the vital role LUMSx plays in the evolution of Pakistan's digital education landscape, stating, "LUMS has consistently been a trailblazer in expanding access to top-tier education and fostering a diverse community. With LUMSx, we aim to establish a benchmark for online education in Pakistan and motivate other institutions to participate."

Mr. Shahid Hussain echoed this sentiment, adding, “I am confident that LUMSx programmes will soon set the standard nationally, and the digital nature of this platform will allow us to transcend geographical limitations. LUMSx represents both a responsibility and an opportunity for all of us to propel this forward.”

The event highlighted the collaboration with Arbisoft as well as LUMSx’s work with centres like Continuing Education Studies and the LUMS Learning Institute. Also present at the launch were Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost; Mr. Mohammed Ali Khan, Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Launa Gauthier, Senior Adviser for Strategic Projects, and Dr. Sabieh Anwar, Ahmad Dawood Chair and Dean, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering. Syed Hyder Ali, CEO of Bulleh Shah Packaging, was also present to represent BAF.

LUMSx courses are available for enrolment at https://discover.ilmx.org/