by Zafar Hussain

BEIJING, May 7 (China Economic Net) - Pakistan has launched a new STEM-focused mentorship initiative in China on May 6 aimed at strengthening collaboration between Pakistani students and professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

The initiative was highlighted during the 3rd Pakistan Professionals & Students Forum (PSPF) 2026, held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing on Tuesday under the theme “STEM Connect: Innovation, Mentorship and Collaboration.”

Addressing the forum, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi said the mentorship program was designed to provide Pakistani students in China with structured guidance and stronger professional networks.

“Today’s forum has been designed with an exclusive focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, bringing together students and specialists from clearly defined domains,” the ambassador said. He added that the embassy had shifted from a pilot mentorship model launched last year to a more “targeted and outcome-oriented” approach.

The program organized participants into seven STEM clusters, including artificial intelligence and computer science, chemical and materials engineering, agricultural sciences, civil engineering, aerospace, and energy.

Professor Majid Khan, one of the senior mentors participating in the initiative, emphasized the importance of sustained engagement between experienced professionals and students. He said mentorship could help Pakistani students better align their academic research with emerging industry opportunities in both Pakistan and China.

The forum also highlighted Pakistan’s broader efforts to link education, technical training, and industrial cooperation with China. Ambassador Hashmi noted that the embassy had organized multiple technical and vocational education and training (TVET) forums and sector-focused investment conferences to support skills development and Chinese investment in Pakistan.

Sufyan Ahmed, Education Attaché at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, said the initiative aimed to create a long-term platform for collaboration among Pakistani students, researchers, and professionals across China.

Participants attended breakout mentorship sessions and networking activities designed to encourage future academic cooperation, innovation, and career development between Pakistani and Chinese institutions.