Arcelik A.S Establishes Global R&D Centre at NUST to Foster Innovation-Driven Economic Development
In a landmark achievement, and as part of the collaborative efforts to foster innovation-driven economic development of Pakistan, Arcelik A.Ş, the 2nd largest manufacturer in Europe based in Türkiye, has established the Global Research & Development (R&D) Centre, at NUST.
Mr Fatih Ebiçlioğlu, the President of the Consumer Durables Group at Koç Holding, also attended the inauguration of the Arcelik R&D Centre, along with the Turkiye Ambassador to Pakistan, HE Mr. Mehmet Paçacı, among other senior dignitaries. This inauguration is a result of the agreement signed between Arcelik’s Executive Director of R&D – Mr Emre Oğuz and the Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance (Pakistan) – Mr Umer Ahsan Khan, at NUST in Islamabad, along with Pro-Rector RIC Dr Rizwan Riaz. The initiative will deploy highly qualified engineers to train the youth in modern skillsets for creating a globally competitive workforce in Pakistan.
Arçelik A.Ş, with its cutting-edge facilities in nine countries, is renowned globally for producing a wide range of innovative home appliances. It also has wholly owned subsidiaries in forty-nine countries, including Dawlance in Pakistan, which is the leading brand of home-appliances in the country.
Mr Fatih Ebiçlioğlu, President of Consumer Durables at the parent company of Arcelik – Koç Holding, said that Arcelik’s vision – “Winner shares it all” has inspired them to establish Research & Development centres in Pakistan, in collaboration with prestigious technological institutions like NUST. This state-of-the-art R&D center will enrich the industries of the whole region.
Mr Umer Ahsan Khan, CEO of Dawlance, remarked that Arcelik’s partnership with NUST – the premier science & technology institution of Pakistan – shows our commitment to foster technological advancements in Pakistan and enable the professional development of the youth. He maintained that Arçelik has been making healthy investments to foster research, modernise production and provide the highest quality products. The young engineers at NUST would gain valuable experience by learning about Arçelik’s global quality standards, regulatory compliance and best practices.
Pro-Rector RIC-NUST, Dr Rizwan Riaz said that we are thankful to Arçelik for working in close liaison with NUST to establish the state-of-the-art R&D centre at the university. He further said that the partnership will enable the development and testing of IT solutions, pertaining to the home-appliances category, as Arçelik is expanding its footprint in Pakistan and other Asian countries, to show its confidence in the talents and scientific potential of the youth.
Director Innovation & Commercialisation Office NUST (ICON), Mr Muhammad Anwar Fareid said that the inauguration of Arcelik R&D Centre at NUST is the result of rigorous efforts by both sides and is just the start of a great journey together. He reiterated NUST’s commitment towards making the Centre a great success, and emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration in future.
The entire infrastructural and running cost of the newly inaugurated venture will be managed by the Arçelik team. In addition, the initiative will also help in gaining deeper insights into the local consumer’s needs and preferences to develop innovative solutions, based on the needs of the Asian markets.