Ali Salman Syed becomes first Pakistani to receive EC-Council University’s President’s Award of Honor

KARACHI: Ali Salman Syed has made history by becoming the first Pakistani to receive the President’s Award of Honor from EC-Council University, one of the world’s foremost institutions in cybersecurity education.
The President’s Award of Honor is the highest academic recognition presented by EC-Council University.
It is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, uncompromising ethical standards, and forward-thinking innovation in the field of cybersecurity. This award not only reflects mastery of the subject matter but also the embodiment of leadership and social responsibility in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Ali Salman Syed is the Principal Solutions Architect for the EMEA region at Veeam Software. His achievement is a groundbreaking moment for Pakistan's growing footprint in global technology and cybersecurity leadership. With over 18 years of experience, he has been at the forefront of securing enterprise systems, driving zero-trust architecture, and building resilience across Fortune 500 companies and government institutions. His leadership spans across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, delivering innovative solutions that safeguard mission-critical infrastructure.
As the first Pakistani to be honored with this award, Ali’s success represents the emergence of a new generation of Pakistani tech leaders making their mark on the global stage. His contribution to advancing cybersecurity, both academically and professionally, sets a powerful example for aspiring professionals in Pakistan and beyond.
“Receiving the President’s Award of Honor is a moment of immense pride — not just personally, but for every Pakistani striving to make an impact in the global technology arena. This recognition reinforces the importance of academic excellence, ethical innovation, and the urgent need for strong cybersecurity leadership in today’s world,” said Ali Salman Syed.
EC-Council University, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a global leader in cybersecurity education. The university is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
This international honor adds to Pakistan’s growing legacy of excellence in cybersecurity and tech innovation, inspiring a new wave of talent to rise and lead with vision, knowledge, and purpose.