Pearl-Continental Hotel, Foundation University Partner to bridge gap between academia, hospitality industry

RAWALPINDI( WNAM REPORT): Pearl-Continental Hotel Rawalpindi, the city’s premier 5-star luxury hotel under the Hashoo Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with Foundation University, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and the hospitality industry. This collaboration promises to benefit not only the two organizations but also the broader community.
The partnership will focus on a range of initiatives, including tailored professional training programs, skill development projects, and knowledge exchange workshops. Additionally, Pearl-Continental Hotel, Rawalpindi will offer exclusive deals and discounts to students and faculty members of Foundation University, further strengthening this alliance.
The official launch of this collaboration was marked by a ceremony held at Pearl-Continental Hotel, Rawalpindi. The event was graced by senior executives from both Hashoo Group and Foundation University, including Bastien Blanc, CEO of the Hospitality Division at Hashoo Group, and Major General Muhammad Kaleem Asif HI (M) (Retd.), Rector of Foundation University.
Speaking on this occasion, Bastien Blanc, CEO of the Hospitality Division at Hashoo Group, said, “Strong inter-industry linkages can create exponential impact and foster innovation. Through our partnership with Foundation University, we aim to achieve these results. This collaboration will unlock more growth opportunities for students in the tourism and hospitality sector through innovation and creative ideas.”
Major General Muhammad Kaleem Asif HI (M) (Retd.), Rector of Foundation University, remarked, “This MoU marks a pivotal collaboration that will open new avenues for innovative learning and practical experiences for our students. Pearl-Continental’s esteemed reputation in the hospitality industry makes them an ideal partner in our mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We are confident that this partnership will inspire progress, set new standards of quality, and benefit both our institutions by fostering cooperation and mutual growth in the hospitality sector.”
Hashoo Group is Pakistan’s premier conglomerate, with a diversified business portfolio spanning both national and international markets. The Group owns and operates the Pearl-Continental Hotels & Resorts, PC Legacy, Hotel One, and Pearl Residences brands in Pakistan, and has business interests encompassing the information technology, education, investment, travel & tourism, and real estate sectors.
Foundation University Islamabad (FUI), a project of Fauji Foundation, was established under a Federal Charter in October 2002. The university has been rated as ‘W4’ (the highest rating category) by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. FUI aims at providing quality education to its students through its two prominent schools: The Foundation University School of Health Sciences (FUSH) and the Foundation University School of Science and Technology (FUSST). FUSH produces competent health professionals in the fields of Medicine, Dentistry, Physical Therapy, and Nursing. Additionally, FUSST is gaining prominence in IT, Engineering, Arts and Social Sciences, and Management Sciences, offering degrees from undergraduate to PhD levels. The university focuses on academic excellence, character building, and fostering a vibrant knowledge economy through strong national and international linkages. It also provides state-of-the-art facilities, financial assistance to deserving students, and opportunities for co-curricular activities, making it a leading institution in higher education in Pakistan.