Visit of the SIUT Delegation to the Republic of Korea

The Republic of Korea has long been one of the key strategic partners of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In recent years, the countries have moved to a phase of active development of cooperation in the fields of high technologies and engineering. These areas have become important points of interaction, as the Republic of Korea is one of the global leaders in the field of technology.

One example of Uzbek-Korean cooperation was the establishment in 2023 within the structure of SIUT of the Korean Institute of Technology and Culture (KITC). The institute is led by Professor Sungdon Hwang of the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, who is also the Secretary-General of the Silk-Road Universities Network (SUN). KITC students are studying in some of the most in-demand fields today - industrial design, renewable energy, and the digital economy. The faculty is drawn from the Republic of Korea. In addition, the university has a Center for Korean Culture led by Professor Kim In Tae.

On June 14-15, 2024, a Summit of the Presidents of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea was held in Tashkent and Samarkand, where topical issues of further development of Uzbek-Korean relations and the special strategic partnership were discussed. The Summit addressed the creation of a high-tech hub in Uzbekistan; the development of the automotive industry; the establishment of the first full-fledged semiconductor production cluster; the introduction of smart agriculture; infrastructure modernization; and the promotion of projects in the field of green energy.

During the negotiations between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, 18 documents were signed, including a Memorandum of Understanding between Samarkand International University of Technology (SIUT) and the Seong Nam Industrial Complex Corporation, which includes more than 3,600 industrial enterprises and is considered the “Silicon Valley” of the Republic of Korea. This agreement opens up a wide range of opportunities for SIUT students to undergo internships and traineeships at the Corporation’s enterprises, as well as opportunities for their future employment.

From June 20 to 29, 2024, a delegation from Samarkand International University of Technology paid an official visit to the Republic of Korea. SIUT took part in the 3rd annual International Conference of CGE (Consortium for Global Education) member universities held on June 24-26, in Pohang, at the Handong Global University. The conference was attended by presidents and rectors of more than 30 CGE member universities from around the world. It is worth noting that SIUT is the only member of the Consortium among universities in Central Asia and the CIS. This year, the International Conference was dedicated to the theme of “Beyond Globalization” – taking global education to a new level.

During the visit of the SIUT delegation to the Republic of Korea, a meeting was held with the leadership of the Gimcheon High School, represented by the school principal, Mr. Na Young Ho. The university delegation familiarized itself with the educational process, conditions and opportunities provided for foreign students. According to the regulations of the social project implemented by SIUT and Gimcheon High School, selected children will receive a full scholarship from the high school, including transportation costs, tuition and accommodation in the Republic of Korea. Earlier, we announced the results of the tests conducted at SIUT, based on which 5 students from schools in the Samarkand region from low-income families included in the “Iron Notebook” were selected. Thanks to a special grant from the Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, Bakhtiyor Fazilov, they will study Korean, English and mathematics at SIUT for 6 months (July-December 2024). After completing the courses, they will be recommended to continue their studies directly at Gimcheon High School in the Republic of Korea.

The visit of the SIUT delegation to the Republic of Korea was also marked by the expansion of the university's partnerships with higher education institutions in the Republic of Korea. During negotiations with the President of Handong Global University, Professor Dosoung Choi, a number of agreements were reached on academic exchange between the universities; conducting joint research projects; organizing guest lectures, scientific symposia, and conferences; exchanging academic information and materials; and developing and implementing educational programs. Following the negotiations, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

In the capital of the Republic of Korea, Seoul, a meeting was held between the SIUT Rector, Professor Yusuf Abdullayev, and the President of the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Professor Jeongwoon Park. During the negotiations between the universities, a cooperation agreement was signed, providing for the expansion of the existing partnership; implementation of the “2+2” system, which implies the continuation of studies for SIUT students at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies after the second year; development of academic ties in student and faculty mobility; and the conduct of joint research. It is noteworthy that work has already been established between the universities to attract professors and teachers from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies to the educational process at SIUT.

In Seoul, the SIUT delegation met with representatives of the Administration Office of the Seong Nam Industrial Complex Corporation, including the Chairman, Mr. Michael Sung, the Director of the Innovation Service Center, Mr. Kim Se-Jong, and the President of IEG Co., Ltd., Mr. Kim Changil. The parties discussed the details of implementing the main tasks reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the university and the Corporation, regarding the organization of internships and traineeships for SIUT students at the enterprises of the Seong Nam Industrial Complex Corporation.

A meeting of the SIUT delegation with the leadership of Kwandong University took place in the city of Gangneung. During the official negotiations, Professor Yong-seung Kim, the President of Kwandong University, and Professor Yusuf Abdullaev, the Rector of SIUT, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, the main provisions of which included agreements on the promotion of academic cooperation, including the exchange of students and faculty between the two universities; cooperation in scientific research; creation of the necessary conditions for cooperative activities such as guest lectures, advanced training courses, as well as internships and practical training for students, and others.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the visit of the delegation of Samarkand International University of Technology to the Republic of Korea opens new prospects for the modernization of the university’s academic capabilities. The expansion of partnerships with leading universities and corporations in the Republic of Korea creates additional opportunities for SIUT students to receive advanced theoretical and practical knowledge; organization of internships and practical training at major enterprises in South Korea. These factors undoubtedly have a positive impact on the quality of training for future engineering personnel - the “builders” of the New Uzbekistan.