Entrepreneur recognised with honour from RGU

Born in Pakistan, Arsalan Ijaz Anwer has become a prominent figure in promoting cross-border partnerships that strengthen trade, enhance academic engagement, and spotlight the economic potential of both regions.

As CEO of TAAR, an international technology firm operating across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, Arsalan leads high-level digital transformation projects for renowned global brands.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Arsalan Ijaz Anwer exemplifies the spirit of innovation and global citizenship that we value deeply at RGU. His vision, entrepreneurial drive, and commitment to social and economic progress transcend borders, embodying the essence of what it means to be a leader in today’s interconnected world.

“His dedication to fostering meaningful collaboration between industry and academia, particularly in elevating Scotland’s global educational and entrepreneurial reputation, reflects values that are at the heart of the RGU community. Arsalan’s work not only bridges geographical divides but also cultivates the kind of forward-thinking partnerships that prepare our graduates to thrive in a global economy.”

As Director of the Pakistan UK & Ireland Business Council at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Arsalan plays a key role in advancing bilateral initiatives.

His recent work was instrumental in securing Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between Scotland and Pakistan, further reinforcing economic and educational opportunities between the nations. He continues to champion Scotland’s global reputation for producing highly employable graduates.

With a rich background in systems for retail and textile manufacturing, Arsalan has consistently applied his passion for innovation to develop cutting-edge solutions in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Management Information Systems (MIS). His entrepreneurial journey has earned him numerous accolades, recognising his unique ability to translate business challenges into sustainable tech-driven solutions.

In parallel with his industry work, Arsalan continues to shape the next generation of tech leaders as an adjunct faculty member at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), where he shares his expertise as a computer scientist.

Arsalan was recognised with a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) award at P&J Live, Aberdeen on Wednesday 02 June 2025.