RISE Program is an inspiring multi-university speaker series dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge and mentorship they need to succeed. Powered by the Orange Tree Foundation (OTF) and The Soorty Foundation (TSF), the RISE Program aims to create equal opportunities for financially challenged households in Pakistan, ensuring deserving students can access quality education and achieve financial independence.
The official launch of this transformative initiative took place on January 24th, International Education Day, at IBA City Campus in Karachi. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including representatives from our partner universities and renowned social activist Shehzad Roy.
“Pakistan’s biggest strength is its youth,” said Omer Mateen Allahwala, CEO of the Orange Tree Foundation. “We need to provide platforms for students to access quality education at leading institutions.”
The program’s core goal is to guide students toward a brighter future through various initiatives, including RISE scholarships, podcasts, awards, and of course, the RISE Talks series. Recent talks have featured an incredible line-up of speakers like Emmy-winning filmmaker Haya Fatima Iqbal and GenMo CEO Mohsen Siddiqui, who shared their invaluable insights at esteemed institutions like NED University, Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture, and the Institute of Business Administration.
Key sessions covered a diverse range of topics, including:
- The Power of You – Personal Branding
- Winning Graduate Scholarships – Secrets to Success
- The Future of AI – Navigating an Evolving World
- From Entrepreneurship to Business Reality – Turning Ideas into Impact
As Shehzad Roy praised, “Programs like RISE are essential in removing barriers to education and opening doors for students to succeed.” We believe that with the right support, Pakistan’s youth can become responsible and financially independent members of society, positively changing the destiny of future generations.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming RISE events and be a part of this incredible journey from dream to success!


