The Pakistan HVACR Society recently honoured Engr. Yousaf Hassan with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement” award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the field of HVACR engineering both locally and internationally. With a career spanning several decades, Engr. Yousaf Hassan has been instrumental in executing numerous major projects in Bangladesh, Sudan, and Afghanistan, alongside a plethora of mega projects in Pakistan.
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Yousaf Hassan emphasized the irreplaceable value of hard work and dedication. He urged young engineers to prioritize their education, citing the transformative power of knowledge and skill development. “There is no alternative to hard work. Young engineers should focus on their education as much as possible,” he stated.
Drawing parallels from history, Engr. Yousaf Hassan highlighted the post-World War II era when countries like Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea were banned from maintaining armies. Instead, these nations redirected their military budgets into education, resulting in significant economic and technological advancements. “We can all see how successful they are now,” he remarked, advocating for a similar focus on education in Pakistan.
To further support young engineers, Engr. Yousaf Hassan proposed the introduction of a “house job” program similar to that of medical doctors. This initiative would provide hands-on training for one year, equipping new engineers with practical experience and enhancing their professional capabilities.
Engr. Yousaf Hassan’s award not only celebrates his individual achievements but also underscores the importance of education and practical training in fostering the next generation of engineering leaders.