About Syed Abidi
Career Counsellor & Educationist (1992–2025)
Biography
Syed Abidi is an engineer who pursued his education in both the UK and the US. After gaining extensive experience in the industry across multiple countries, he returned to Pakistan in the mid-1980s to contribute to the nation’s textile sector. In the early 1990s, he noticed a significant gap in career counselling for the younger generation, particularly regarding opportunities to study abroad. At that time, with limited access to the internet or email, most documentation was done manually or via post.
Recognizing the urgent need for career counselling, he founded Falcon Education & Consultancy Services Private Limited, offering free career counselling and guidance services to the youth. He quickly realized the enormity of the task, as students struggled to navigate study abroad options, secure scholarships, and choose the right destinations. Leveraging his extensive international contacts, particularly in the UK, USA, and Canada, he established partnerships with top-ranked universities eager to accept students from Pakistan. This initiative marked the beginning of a pioneering journey in international student recruitment and placement in Pakistan during the 90s.
Syed Abidi’s commitment to career counselling and student support gained him widespread recognition. International organizations, such as the British Council, collaborated with him to provide free services to students aspiring to study in the UK. He was instrumental in inviting international universities to Pakistan and, in partnership with World Learning Bureau, organized the first-ever international education expo in the country in 1994.
His success led to the establishment of offices in all major Pakistani cities, where he continued to offer free services, especially to high-achieving students seeking scholarships and funding from his international partners. Syed Abidi also played a key role in advancing transnational education in Pakistan, introducing collaborative educational programs with international universities.
During the nascent stages of the education consultancy sector, he worked closely with the British Council to develop training programs and symposiums for school counsellors in Pakistan, enhancing their ability to offer career guidance as part of their educational programs. Under the Musharraf government, Syed Abidi collaborated with the Ministry of Education to facilitate visits from international academics and organized visits of Pakistani vice-chancellors to international universities, sponsored by his global partners.
Throughout his career, Syed Abidi has counselled over 15,000 students since the early 1990s, helping many secure full or partial scholarships totalling millions of dollars at top-ranking universities. His alumni hold prominent positions in Pakistan and globally, contributing to both national and international communities.
In addition to his work in education, Syed Abidi organized Pakistan’s first-ever international policing and counter-terrorism conference.
He collaborated with the Pakistan Army’s W&RE divisions, supporting the education of the children of martyrs, both within Pakistan and abroad, through various MOUs. Mr. Abidi is also appointed as education counsellor/consultant for the placement of subject special regime (SSR) of the Pakistan army under the military training directorate (MT4).
A respected speaker, Syed Abidi has delivered presentations on career counselling and transnational education at numerous national and international forums. His contributions have earned him several awards, including the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2006. His tireless efforts continue as he recently took on the role of counsellor and consultant, offering voluntary services to Army Public Schools and Colleges (APSACS) across Pakistan under Human Resource Directorate (HRD).
Syed Abidi frequently writes on issues related to career counselling, higher education, and transnational education. He works closely with media groups like Jang/GEO to reach out to the youth, offering guidance and support. The country’s largest GEO/JANG Media group provided immense support to him in reaching out to the masses through their programs and print media for the benefit of youth of Pakistan. He has interviewed numerous dignitaries, including ambassadors and vice-chancellors, and has been featured on international media platforms.
In recognition of his profound expertise and unwavering dedication to international education, as well as his extensive services, the COAS and the current government has honored him with yet another an even more prestigious, higher-category award Sitar-e-Imtiaz.
