PPP’s Umar Rehman Malik hails Sindh govt-Google collaboration for 30,000 digital skills scholarships

Abdullah Jan

Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Umar Rehman Malik this week lauded the Sindh government’s initiative to offer 30,000 scholarships for Google Career Certificates in partnership with Google and Tech Valley.

Calling it a “game-changing step toward digital transformation,” Malik emphasized that the initiative aligns with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s vision of equipping youth with in-demand digital skills to drive economic growth.

This initiative builds on the success of the 2024 Google Career Certificates Sindh Programme, which saw 1,500 students from 10 universities achieve a 100% success rate. Encouraged by these results, the Sindh government has expanded the program, offering scholarships to students from 30 public sector universities across the province.

A high-level meeting at CM House, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, earlier formalized the initiative with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The meeting was attended by Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, key government officials, university vice-chancellors, and Tech Valley Pakistan CEO Umar Farooq.

CM Murad Ali Shah stated that the program aims to equip students with expertise in high-demand fields, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, IT Automation, Digital Marketing, and Project Management. “By offering over 30,000 scholarships, we are not just investing in education; we are investing in the future of our youth and the economic prosperity of our province,” he said.

The initiative reflects PPP’s longstanding commitment to education and technology. Under previous PPP-led governments, Sindh became the first province to introduce free WiFi zones in major cities, establish IT parks, and integrate coding into the school curriculum. This latest program continues the party’s push to make Sindh a leader in digital innovation.

Developed by Google experts, the Career Certificates program offers flexible online learning, allowing students to gain industry-recognized credentials within three to six months. CM Shah highlighted real success stories from last year’s program, including Leena Kumari from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, who secured a project internship at Evolution after completing the Google AI Essentials course.

Kyle Gardener, Government Affairs and Public Policy Lead at Google, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Google is committed to equipping individuals with the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s economy. This partnership will unlock new career opportunities and drive economic growth in Sindh.”

The 2025 program also prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that at least 30% of participants are female and expanding outreach to marginalized communities. Two new specializations—Prompting Essentials and Agile Essentials—have been introduced, alongside the existing nine courses.

The Soft Skills and Career Kamyabi Sindh Programme will continue to help students develop professional skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, and communication, enhancing their employability.

Education Minister Sardar Shah applauded the initiative, stating, “Tech Valley is not only imparting skills but shaping futures, creating a talent pool that will drive Sindh’s digital economy forward.”

With strong government-industry collaboration, the program is set to redefine digital education in Sindh, empowering students to compete in the global digital economy and contribute to the province’s socio-economic progress.