ACM-W Celebration at Air University, Multan Campus

Two Exciting Days of Innovation, Competition, and Mentorship

By the AUMC team

Excitement filled the air as students and professionals gathered at Air University Multan Campus for the much-anticipated ACM-W Celebration 2025. Banners fluttered, and students hurried across the campus, setting up booths and preparing for what was promised to be an electrifying two-day event. The ACM-W Celebration 2025 was finally here!

Hosted at Air University Multan Campus, this event was more than just a gathering—it was a dynamic platform for innovation, learning and collaboration, bringing together technology enthusiasts, industry leaders and academia to explore the ever-evolving computing landscape.

The celebration focused on advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, aiming to enhance knowledge, foster awareness, and inspire the next generation of tech leaders. Beyond technical discussions, it provided a unique opportunity to engage with experts from diverse fields, exchange groundbreaking ideas and build meaningful professional connections. From hands-on workshops to thought-provoking talks, the ACM-W Celebration 2025 promised an immersive experience for anyone passionate about the future of technology.

Day 1: Competitions, Demonstrations and Mentoring Sessions

The first day of ACM-W Celebration 2025 was a vibrant blend of competitions, tech demonstrations, mentorship sessions, and a dynamic career fair. The campus buzzed with energy as participants showcased their skills, explored cutting-edge tech and engaged in insightful mentoring sessions led by industry experts, including the ACM-W Global co-chair.

Thrilling Competitions: Showcasing Skill and Strategy

The day started with high-energy competitions where participants went head-to-head in intense coding challenges and gaming battles. The Speed Programming competition was a true test of problem-solving skills and algorithmic thinking. Participants were given complex coding challenges and had to develop efficient solutions within a limited timeframe. The competition pushed contestants to think quickly, optimize their code and showcase their proficiency in programming languages. It was a thrilling experience highlighting the importance of logical reasoning and fast-paced decision-making in the tech world.

Workshop Demonstrations: Bridging Knowledge and Innovation

While exhilarating competitions kept the energy high in one part of the venue, parallel workshop demonstrations by industry experts offered a rich learning experience. These sessions provided participants with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies, career insights, and innovative applications in the world of computing:

Annotating and Recognizing Text in Images by Dr. Nadeem Kajla
Unlocking the Potential of AI Tools in Learning Environments by Mr. Rashaf Jamil
IoT for Starters: Build, Connect, Innovate by Mr. Asad Ullah

ACM-W Mentor Session: Empowering Women Innovators

Among the session’s highlights was an inspiring interaction with ACM-W Global Co-Chair Dr. Bushra Anjum, who connected with female students to share her journey, insights, and advice on empowering the next generation of innovators.

Dr. Anjum began by recounting her path in computing, emphasizing her dedication to advocating for women’s participation in the field. Holding an MS from LUMS and a PhD from North Carolina State University, she has made impactful contributions across both academia and industry. Currently, she leads AI-driven learning solutions at NoRedInk and previously served as Director of Data Science at Doximity, where she played a pivotal role in developing HIPAA-secure healthcare tools. With teaching experience in Pakistan and the USA, her commitment to education is as strong as her technical expertise. Recognized as a “Top 20 Under 40” professional and a recipient of the LUMS Vice Chancellor’s Alumni Achievement Award, Dr. Anjum’s leadership in tech and education continues to inspire.

Beyond her professional journey, Dr. Anjum shared personal experiences, discussing challenges she overcame throughout her career. Her words resonated deeply, particularly with female students, who found her journey inspiring and empowering. She answered every attendee’s questions, offering thoughtful advice and encouragement. She engaged with female faculty members, providing career guidance and addressing their queries warmly and professionally. Her approachability and wisdom made the session informative and truly transformative, leaving attendees with renewed confidence and motivation.

Poster Session

Following the insightful Mentor Session, the event seamlessly transitioned into the much-anticipated Poster Session, where students had the opportunity to present their innovative research and projects. This session served as a platform for BSCS students from Air University Multan Campus (AUMC) and other universities to showcase their work, exchange ideas and receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals.

Dr. Bushra Anjum and Dr. Ayesha Afzal (Chair, Computer Science Department), along with other faculty members and industry experts, actively engaged with the students, appreciating their dedication and effort. Both leaders visited each poster individually, carefully reviewing the research methodologies, findings, and presentations. With their vast expertise, they provided valuable insights, suggested improvements, and encouraged students to explore interdisciplinary approaches to strengthen their research. Their constructive feedback and encouraging words left a lasting impact, motivating students to think critically and push the boundaries of innovation.

The Job Fair: Where Careers Took Off

Meanwhile, the job fair was buzzing with energy as students dressed in their best professional attire eagerly approached company representatives with resumes. Some students came with nervous anticipation, while others exuded confidence. Still, by the end of the day, many walked away with valuable industry connections and even on-the-spot interview calls. For many students, this was more than just a networking event—it was a gateway to exciting career opportunities.

As Day 1 came to a close, the event left participants inspired, empowered, and motivated. From workshops and mentorship with Dr. Bushra Anjum to the Poster Session and Job Fair, every moment was a step toward learning and career growth. Students gained technical skills, career guidance, and industry connections, while faculty and professionals applauded their enthusiasm and innovation. With newfound opportunities and insights, everyone eagerly awaited an even more exciting Day 2!

Day 2: Technical Talks and Panel Discussion

After an exhilarating first day filled with competitions, mentorship, and networking, participants eagerly gathered for Day 2: Technical Talks and Panel Discussion—a day dedicated to knowledge sharing, industry insights, and thought-provoking discussions.

The morning began with insightful technical talks from esteemed experts from academia and industry.

The first technical talk of the day, “Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies,” was delivered by Dr. Ammar Masood, Dean of the Faculty of Computing & AI, Air University. He provided deep insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape, highlighting growing digital threats and the crucial role of emerging technologies in mitigating risks. Dr. Bushra Anjum delivered an insightful session on “Generative AI in Action: Redefining Innovation and Problem-Solving,” exploring the immense potential and significant risks of large language models (LLMs). She highlighted real-world cases demonstrating the dangers of excessive reliance on AI-generated advice. Stressing the need for human oversight and ethical AI usage, she encouraged students to adopt a critical approach, ensuring that innovation remains responsible, balanced, and beneficial to society. Dr. Basit Shafiq delivered the third technical talk, “Distributed Business Process Composition and Management in the Services Cloud.” Dr. Shafiq explained how distributed architectures enhance efficiency, scalability, and resilience in modern business applications.

A Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers – Navigating Challenges in Your Careers

Next, the event transitioned into a thought-provoking panel discussion titled Breaking Barriers: Navigating Challenges in Your Careers. Moderated by Dr. Bushra Anjum, the session featured distinguished panelists:

Dr. Zunera Jalil (Dept. of Cybersecurity, Air University)
Dr. Malik Jahan Khan (Dept. of Computer Science, LUMS)
Dr. Ayesha Afzal (Dept. of Computer Science, Air University)

The panelists shared their journeys, the challenges they faced and the strategies they used to overcome them. They discussed key industry trends, career advancement strategies and the evolving role of women in tech, inspiring students to tackle challenges confidently. The engaging discussion offered valuable career guidance, with panelists thoughtfully addressing students’ queries, motivating attendees to carve their paths in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

After the thought-provoking panel discussion, Mr. Ali Arslan Ahmed, Director of Speridian Technologies, delivered an enlightening talk on bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands. He shared valuable industry insights, highlighting the skills and mindset needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

A Grand Closing Ceremony: Celebrating Excellence

As the event drew to a close, it was time to honor the individuals who had made it all possible. The ceremony was filled with applause and admiration, as the audience expressed their appreciation for the insightful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship provided throughout the event. The atmosphere was inspired and excited, motivating participants to apply their newfound skills and insights in their academic and professional journeys.

Final Thoughts: Looking Towards a Bright Future

ACM-W Celebration 2025 was more than just an event—it was a launchpad for innovation, learning, and career growth. Over two transformative days, students gained invaluable knowledge, industry insights and meaningful connections that will shape their professional journeys. The event empowered participants with technical expertise and fostered a sense of confidence and curiosity to explore new frontiers in technology.

As we eagerly anticipate ACM-W Celebration 2026, one thing is certain—the future of tech is in great hands!