Thursday, June 27, 2013

Microsoft and HEC Commemorate a Milestone in Promoting Technological Education

Thursday, June 27, 2013
Microsoft Pakistan and HEC recently commemorated the three-year achievements of their Education Alliance Agreement. The alliance was made in 2010 and since then 73 public sector universities have seen various Microsoft programs being implemented on their campuses.The Education Alliance Agreement continues to empower teachers, expand curricula, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of institutional governance and gives students aricher educational experience.

The Education Alliance Agreement guides HEC’s vision of broadening access to education, enabling student-centric learning, enhancing education with powerful software tools and improving the efficiency of education systems. Under the agreement, Microsoft Pakistanprovides some of its more core services to help HEC achieve its target of growth and prosperity. The alliance includes programs such as:

Microsoft Faculty Connection

Faculty Connectionis a community portal to support technical faculty who are using Microsofttechnology in their curriculum. Through the FacultyConnection site, Microsoft provides the teachers with academic resources andconnects them to their peers from all across the country. Faculty Connection codes have been distributed in more than 60 public universities acrossPakistan, a total of 514 codes have been distributed among the faculty of 60 universities.

Microsoft Student Partners


Microsoft Student Partner is an annual award which recognizes competent students from a widerange of technical majors amongst which the most common are Computer Science, Computer Software Engineering IS/MIS, and/ or other related disciplines. This award is to bring such studentsinto the lime light that have demonstrated strong technical knowledge of Microsoft developertechnologies, and are willing to share that knowledge with fellow students through campusgroups, forums, clubs, online communities and various technical activities.

MSDN Academic Alliance 


MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) AcademicAlliance offers the simplest way to provide the latestMicrosoft software to labs, classrooms, and PCsused by students studying science and technology.It provides access to all the latest Microsoftdeveloper tools, servers, and platforms in a single,comprehensive package which simplifies licensing,deployment and staying current with softwareupdates. The ElectronicLicense Management Service Portal is a part of the MSDN Subscriptionwhich is provided to all 73 public sector universities in Pakistan and provides licensed software to thegeneral student population.

Microsoft Students to Business

  
Microsoft Student to Business program connects Microsoft partners with universities to providestudents with real-world experience and create the skills and competencies needed to fuelinnovation, broaden the recruitment process, and boost the employability of future generations. Several sessions have been conducted under the premise of Student to Business. The main focusof these training sessions is to introduce students to the skills needed to grow in their respectiveindustries.In total, there have been 15 sessions conducted on Student to Business, having an audience reachof more than 650 students in these sessions.

Imagine Cup and DreamSpark 


The Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s premier student technology competition. Alleligible students are invited to use their imagination and passion to create a technology solution in one of ourcompetitions and challenges.Over the past ten years, more than 1.65 million students from more than 190 countries haveparticipated in the Imagine Cup. Pakistan left its mark on the competition as well, boasting morethan 30,000 student registrations in Imagine Cup over the past three years, with more than 400projects submitted during this time frame.

DreamSpark is a Microsoft Program that supports technical education by providing access to Microsoft software for learning, teaching and research purposes so that students can chase their dreams and create the next big breakthrough in technology - or just get a head start on their career.DreamSpark gives educators the resources to ensure their classrooms always have the latest technologies to challenges, motivate, and keep students engaged in new ways.

Dr. Javaid R. Laghari, chairman, Higher Education Commission said, “Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have become the cornerstone of development in any sector of society, whether in applied or natural sciences, social and health sciences, arts and humanities, agriculture and engineering. One of the key pillars of knowledge economy is ICTs.The HEC – Microsoft Education Alliance Agreement is a longterm partnership providing licensed, updated and state-of-the-artsoftware, tools and services to all higher education institutions.HEC’s vision to serve as an engine of socio-economic development isthus best served, amongst others, through such partnerships, and willhelp our youth face future challenges and find appropriate solutionsthrough the use of ICTs.”

Amir Rao, country manager, Microsoft Pakistan reiterated the company’s commitment to promoting education in the country by saying:“Microsoft works together with HEC to help local universities gainbetter access to technology, develop teaching skills, provide students with tools to enhance their learningand equip the administration with tools to implement and manage change.The education alliance framework was developed through careful planning and choosing the best program agreements out of themany offered by Microsoft.This partnership is what allows public institutions like HEC to truly realize the transformational value of theirinvestment, and industry-leading partnership is what Microsoft brings to the table. No one is as committedto serving the needs of the education space as we are. Together with HEC, we have a vision to create aprosperous Pakistan by honing the skills of today’s enthusiastic youth and imparting to them necessary skillswhich will help them face the future challenges with a broader mind set.”

The Education Alliance is another example of Microsoft Pakistan playing a significant part in leading the IT innovations across different areas of government, health and education sectors.The company’s commitment towards mobilizing resourcesaround the world to create opportunities in the communities where they do business and to strengthen their ties with partners acrossthe globe has always been its priority. By making genuine Microsoft software and training programs more accessible, the HEC-Microsoft partnership is helping several students reap its benefits and will continue to do so in the future.


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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Transworld Organizes Blood Donation Drive

Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Transworld, one of Pakistan’s leading telecom providers, recently held a blood donation drive in all their offices i.e. Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi on the occasion of “World Blood Donors Day” with full zeal and dedication as part of our CSR activity. Transworld employees generously donated blood to show their support for this noble cause and to celebrate ‘World Blood Donors Day’ which is observed annually across the globe on the 14th of June.

Transworld, as part of its CSR program, partnered with Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to raise awareness amongst all Transworld employees regarding the importance of donating blood. Experts from the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) also held a session to educate Transworld employees about the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

The session was aimed to highlight the fact that transfusion of blood and blood products helps save millions of lives every year. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with higher quality of life, and supports complex medical and surgical procedures.

Transworld employees from all management tiers donated blood in huge numbers. Speaking on the occasion Mr.Zulfiqar Ali Qazilbash, VP Commercial, Transworld, said, “We are proud to have partnered with Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for such a noble cause. We have always promoted healthy living through our CSR projects. We believe in raising awareness around such important health issues both amongst our employees and the general public.”


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Monday, June 24, 2013

Nokia Asha 501 Smartphone Makes Colourful Sales Debut

Monday, June 24, 2013
Nokia announced that the Nokia Asha 501, the first of a new generation of smartphones to run on the new Asha Platform, will start selling this week in Pakistan. The new device will roll out in subsequent weeks across countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

"The new Nokia Asha 501 helps people quickly access everything they love with just a simple swipe," said TimoToikkanen, executive vice president, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "Coupled with beautiful design, it's a smartphone with both style and substance, offered at a great price."

The suggested retail price for the Nokia Asha 501 is 99 USD before taxes and local subsidies.


Standout colour and design:
The Nokia Asha 501 is available in a choice of six striking colours: cyan, bright red, yellow, bright green, black and white*. Its seamless design comes in just two parts: a durable, removable shell and the scratch-resistant, tempered glass display. The compact, easy-to-use Nokia Asha 501 weighs only 98 grams, for the ultimate in portability.

Fast, intuitive user interface:
The Nokia Asha 501 works with just a simple swipe. Swipe unlocks the phone, closes apps and is used to shift between two screens: 'Home' and 'Fastlane'. Home makes full use of the three-inch capacitive touch screen, displaying a traditional application launcher. Fastlane is the second screen that adapts to display recent activity on the phone as well as upcoming events, helping people multi-task. Fastlane also supports social integration with Facebook and Twitter, by allowing people to post directly from within Fastlane.

Instant access to apps and more:
The new Asha comes with the Nokia Xpress Browser pre-loaded, which compresses Internet data by up to 90%, making mobile browsing faster and more affordable. People can enjoy a world of entertainment on the Nokia Asha 501, including pre-installed social apps like Facebook and Twitter; chat services like Line, Nimbuzz and WeChat; as well as up to 40 free EA games available to download, such as Plants vs. Zombies. Even more free apps and games are available from Nokia Store, including HERE Maps** and the new Nokia Xpress Now content discovery web app.

Device images are available at http://press.nokia.com/media/616/photo/list/all/nokia-asha-501/.


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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wateen Reduces Loan/Grace Period for WiMAX Customers from 5 days to 1 day

Wednesday, June 19, 2013


Wateen has revised the Loan/Grace Period for all WiMAX Prepaid customers from 5 days to 1 day, effective June 21, 2013. To facilitate its customers further, Wateen has introduced a host of convenient payment methods.

Quick Load: Pay your Wateen bills at Wateen designated Outlets / Franchises / Collection teams through Wateen’s own Over the Air Recharge facility. Call at your local Franchise to avail the service.

Branchless Banking: Pay your Wateen bills directly at any of 11,000+ Easy Paisa,  9000+ UBL Omni Dukans & ZONG Timepey Agents. All you need to know is your customer ID!

WCard: Purchase the WCard from any of the 17,000 plus Wateen business centers / Franchises / Dealers / Retailers, transfer the balance into your account and happy surfing!

Voucher PINs: Get Voucher PINs from  Online Banking Portals: HBL, SCB, BAFL, Summit Bank, NIB, KASB, Bank Islami, Samba Bank, & NADRA kiosks, and enter into your Wateen account

ATM: Pay your Wateen bills directly from over 2,500 ATMs using any of Bank Al-Falah, Standard Chartered, Bank Al Habib, Faysal Bank, Askari Bank, Barclays or JS Bank ATMs. Simply select bill payments option, enter your customer ID and make payments.

Phone, SMS and Net Banking: Now you can pay your Wateen dues directly from your UBL account using Phone / SMS / Net Banking. You can also pay your Wateen dues directly from your Bank Al-Falah account using Net Banking. Don’t forget to note your customer ID before attempting to make payments.

Latest WiMAX Package Deals

 
Night Unlimited: Go unlimited on all capped packages at no more than 50% of your line rent! Available with all capped internet packages

Friends and Family: Tired of paying hefty amounts to keep in contact with that special someone? Try F&F (UK, US, Can) for unlimited calls to any one number

UK, USA, Canada: Need an affordable means to stay in touch with loved ones abroad? Try the endless talk add-on to avail 500 minutes for just Rs. 300

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Friday, June 14, 2013

Microsoft Appoints Country Manager for Pakistan

Friday, June 14, 2013
Amir Rao has been appointed as the Country Manager for Microsoft Pakistan. The appointment came into effect in January, 2013 and under this capacity, he will be responsible for managing Microsoft’s operations and driving future growth while building sustainable partnerships with the local IT sector in addition to introducing the latest Microsoft innovations to Pakistan.

Amir joins Microsoft with 13 years of Sales Leadership and Management experience in the field of Telecommunications across Pakistan, Middle East and Africa. Prior to his current role, he has spent eight years as Motorola’s country manager in Pakistan and then took regional responsibilities in the company. He was also head of business development at Nokia Siemens Network in Africa. Earlier to that he was with Huawei Technologies as general manager Sales and Marketing for Pakistan. Amir is well versed with Pakistan’s business and socio-political landscape.

Speaking on this triumphant occasion, Amir Rao, country manager, Microsoft Pakistan said: “I’m very excited to join Microsoft and look forward to bringing value to the Pakistan Subsidiary in particular and the company. I attribute the achievements in my career to date to my core values of compassion, commitment to success and integrity and believe that through Microsoft this role offers me an opportunity to contribute towards the sociopolitical development in Pakistan, by enabling lives and helping people realize their true potential.”

He graduated in 1999 from G.I.K Institute of Engineering Sciences & Technology, Pakistan with a Bachelor degree in Business Science, and has since completed an accelerated Development Program from the London Business School.


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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Nokia Lumia 720 Accentuates the Man of Steel Experience

Thursday, June 13, 2013
Nokia and Warner Bros. Pictures have teamed up for a global co-marketing partnership with this summer’s eagerly anticipated, Man of Steel from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures. The association is aimed at bringing the Superman franchise even closer to movie enthusiasts through exclusive Man of Steel content, including merchandise.

Like the Man of Steel, the Nokia Lumia 720 boasts its own remarkable powers with an award-winning unibody design, the high-end camera and next generation imaging software delivering high-quality low light images and clearer, sharper video.

Superman fans have even more to celebrate with the partnership bringing a collection of exciting content. These include an immersive Man of Steel app, exclusive to Nokia Lumia Windows 8 smartphones, and the chance to win tickets to the Global and European Premieres.

“Nokia’s exclusive app and content for Zack Snyder’s fresh take on a loved classic provides fans around the world with the perfect opportunity to connect with The Man of Steel through Nokia Lumia- the perfect smartphone for powerful imaging and entertainment,” said Arif Shafique, country general manager, Nokia Pakistan & Afghanistan.

Through the partnership, Superman fans will have access to

  • Official Man of Steel Hub: Nokia consumers can visit www.Nokia.com/ManofSteel for a collection of exclusive content including: digital comics, video content, and images.  The site will also host a photography challenge, giving fans the chance to win tickets to the film’s world premiere in New York, along with limited edition, official memorabilia
  • Man of Steel Mobile Application: Fans can bring Superman to life with the official Man of Steel app, exclusive to Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8. With an interactive challenge, mobile personalization content, official Superman Digital Comics from DC Comics. Download the app at Nokia.com/Man of Steel
  • Man of Steel Limited Edition Accessories: Fans will have the chance to get their hands on limited edition Fatboy charging pad pillows and phone covers for the and Lumia 720
For more information on what’s happening, please visit: www.nokia.com/manofsteel

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Launch of "Get Wateen" app

Wateen yet again incarnates the values by introducing a creative and innovative way to provide customer convenience. In the today’s of sociotainment everybody is online - whether it’s on desktops, laptops, in the air, in a coffee shop, or on a smart phone; people are using the Internet now more than ever. If a business isn’t selling its products and services online, they are missing out on large customer base in existence.

In line with Wateen's essence of leading the digital revolution in the country, they are ecstatic to announce launch of their “Get Wateen” Facebook app. With more than 7 million Pakistani’s using the social media network, this app makes buying an internet connection as simple as 1,2,3. You just have to visit facebook.com/WateenTelecomLtd and go to the app section. You can click the doors to surf through all the available WiMAX packages & choose the internet package that best suits every individual’s internet needs. If you aren’t already a Facebook fan of Wateen, you are encouraged to do so immediately and share it with your family and friends to keep abreast of the latest happenings in the technology world and specifically for Wateen.


This self-service app also introduces a new“Check Internet Usage” feature, through which potential customers can analyze what they will predominantly use the internet for (whether its sending emails, streaming videos or songs) and they can calculate which package suits their needs the best. Once they’ve made their choice, they can use “Buy this Package” to instantly place an order online. Wateen Customer Care team will ensure that they are contacted and delivered with the best in class service, which is the hallmark at Wateen.




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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Warid offers the lowest ever international call rates for USA, Canada & UK

Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Warid Telecom, the leading innovator in Pakistan’s telecom industry, now offers lowest ever international call rates for USA (landline and mobile), Canada (landline and mobile) and UK (landline) through its 111-LCR international calling service.

This latest offer allows Warid Prepaid and Glow customers to call their friends and family in USA, UK and Canada throughout the day for just 90 paisas+tax/minute. There are no hidden charges for this service and no subscription fee. All customers have to do is dial 111 before dialing the desired international number; for instance 111001XXXXXXXXXX for USA and Canada.

Warid has also recently launched another international calling offer for Bangladesh and India customized for Prepaid subscribers in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur regions. The 111-LCR international calling offer is yet another step by Warid Telecom to ensure loved ones around the world stay in touch at the most affordable rates and supreme voice quality.



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Wateen Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer

Muhammad Murtaza Raza, Chief Financial Officer, has decided to pursue his career interests elsewhere and 30th June 2013 will be his last working day at Wateen.

Mr. Faisal Masood Ali Khan is joining Wateen Telecom as the new Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

The Finance Department will continue to play its vital role in making Wateen Telecom Limited a strong and vibrant institution. Mr. Khan is a Chartered Accountant and has been associated with top professional service providers during his 25 years’ career.

He has previously been a partner in a big four accounting firms in Pakistan, where he managed provision of services to large multinational, national and other entities in different sectors. His special areas of interest and expertise include the telecom sector.



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Wateen Telecom is likely to reward its employees with yearly incentives after four years


Today 12th June 2013 at 1100 hrs, the CEO, Mr. Naeem Zamindar will address all employees in a town-hall meeting at Liberty Castle Main Boulevard , Gulberg, Lahore (Adjacent to Lahore Center)

Arrangements are being made to relay his address to all employees from the town-hall in Lahore, real-time to all Wateen offices in Karachi and Islamabad.

All employees are participating in this event at their respective locations.

Wateen Telecom is likely to reward its employees with yearly incentives after a good break of four years. 

Sources tell that downsizing is also expected. 

If everything goes well and as per plan then bonuses will be rewarded to all permanent and contractual staff along with next month’s salaries.

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Thursday, June 06, 2013

Warid Launch Business Center in Quetta

Thursday, June 06, 2013
Warid Telecom, the leading innovator in Pakistan’s telecommunications industry, is announcing the reopening of its business center in the city of Quetta for its valued customers to expand its reach and enhance customer service experience.

The new Business Center was inaugurated by Mr. Raza Abbas, Head of Customer Services Operations and Mr. Amjad Khan, Regional Sales Head for South region.

The Business Center will be located at the Agha Siraj Complex on M.A. Jinnah Road in the heart of Quetta city. The timings of the center will remain the same as those of Warid Telecom Centers around the country, from 9 am to 6 pm daily and customers will have access to a full range of Sales and Customer Service facilities.

Commenting on the re-launch of the Business Center, Warid Telecom’s Head of Customer Services, Mr. Nauman Fakhar said, “Quetta is one of the largest cities in the country as well as being a provincial capital and as such is an important area for Warid’s future plans in the region. We intend to enhance our presence in the region in order to better serve the needs of our valued customers.”



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