Muhammad Sayaf Arbab (MBA 2011): Empowering Pakistan’s entrepreneurial talent

Name	Muhammad Sayaf Arbab (Sayaf)
Study Programme	MBA 2011
Current Location	Islamabad, Pakistan
Current Job	Chief Operating Officer, ScaleX

 

Q1. Could you briefly describe your current job scope or responsibilities?

I am the Chief Operating Officer of ScaleX, Pakistan’s first privately-funded commercial startup accelerator. We assist Pakistani founders in building globally successful startups. My role primarily involves early-stage support, aiding startups in customer discovery, market validation, value proposition quantification, pitch deck development, messaging, early-stage sales, and recruitment.

I also hold the position of managing director of Climate Innovation Center, where we address climate challenges through cleantech venture building and leadership development.

Q2. Please describe Pakistan in three words.

Complex, resilient, and promising.

I live in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. Pakistan poses a challenging market due to political uncertainty, security issues, and widespread poverty. However, our youth, which make up around 60% of the population, are extremely talented and resilient, holding immense potential for transformation. With proper grooming and access to opportunity, they can do wonders. It is this potential that motivates me to remain here.

Q3. Which industry do you see strong business potential in Pakistan and why?

Digitalisation presents a transformative opportunity across various industries, enabling more efficient processes, enhanced service delivery, and access to global markets. Another cross-cutting area is technology entrepreneurship. Operating in Pakistan’s challenging market conditions—where efficiency and technological adoption are often undervalued—fosters resilience and prepares founders to excel in more competitive global markets. Thus, I firmly believe that our large pool of IT and engineering graduates has the potential to become startup founders and build global companies that can spearhead economic growth.

Regarding specific industries, I see a lot of potential in tourism, healthcare, fintech, agriculture, and cleantech, all of which are ripe for disruption through technology.

Q4. What is the one thing you miss the most during your study at CUHK Business School, and that you look forward to doing again?

I miss many things about CUHK and Hong Kong. However, if I had to mention one thing, it would be the city itself: its liveliness and diversity, its remarkable fusion of traditional values and modern life, and its vibrant energy that always felt inviting. I would love to form business partnerships there so I could have an excuse to go there frequently.

 

Sayaf (pictured on the right on top and first on the left in the bottom photo) enjoys exploring the city with his MBA classmates.

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