On 28 July, 2026 the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted an International Education Forum and a seminar-training on "Smart Industry Innovations", aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan–Korea educational cooperation.

This prestigious international event was organized within the framework of the LUPIC (Leading Universities Project for International Cooperation), implemented jointly by "TIIAME" National Research University and Keimyung College University of South Korea.

The primary objective of the forum was to further enhance educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea, improve the quality of vocational education, align academic programs with industry demands, study international best practices, and strengthen the system for preparing highly qualified professionals through the application of modern technologies.

The opening ceremony was attended by Professor Azimjon Khusanov, Director of the Agency for Vocational Education under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Kim Siyeon, KOICA Representative in Uzbekistan; and Professor Lee Sangseog, Project Manager of the LUPIC Project at Keimyung College University.

In their opening remarks, the distinguished speakers emphasized the importance of developing the vocational education system, aligning education with the labor market and industrial needs, expanding international cooperation, and implementing joint initiatives under the LUPIC Project.

The forum brought together representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, the Agency for Vocational Education, leaders of technical colleges and higher education institutions, representatives of international organizations, faculty members, and experts from South Korea.

As part of the program, professors and experts from Keimyung College University delivered a series of presentations on vocational education development, modern curriculum design, and the integration of innovative teaching approaches into educational practice.

Professor Lee Sangseog, Project Manager of LUPIC, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the goals and objectives of the project, its current activities, and its contribution to strengthening Uzbekistan–Korea educational cooperation.

Professor Kim Miseong, an expert in curriculum development at Keimyung College University, presented a lecture entitled "Developing and Implementing Industry-Oriented Curricula." The presentation focused on designing vocational education programs that meet industry requirements, strengthening practical skills, and implementing a competency-based education model.

Professor Kwon Yu-jin, representing the Teaching and Learning Center at Keimyung College University, shared advanced strategies and best practices for strengthening teaching and learning capacity in Korea, highlighting faculty professional development, effective teaching methodologies, and modern educational approaches.

In addition, Professor Jung Seyoung, an expert from the Digital Education & Innovation Support Centre in Korea, delivered a presentation on the use of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovative approaches to improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning.

Special attention was devoted to the Digital Education & Innovation Support Centre (DEISC) established at "TIIAME" National Research University under the LUPIC Project.

Guzal Eshchanova, DEISC Coordinator, Associate Professor at "TIIAME" National Research University, and Assistant Coordinator of the LUPIC Project in Uzbekistan, presented the center's activities, highlighting the project's achievements, completed initiatives, and future development plans.

During the discussions, participants proposed further strengthening the DEISC Centre, expanding cooperation with the Agency for Vocational Education and technical colleges across Uzbekistan, implementing joint research and practical projects, and introducing international best practices into the country's vocational education system.

Forum participants also emphasized the importance of strengthening education–industry integration, preparing specialists equipped with modern industrial competencies, and ensuring closer alignment between academic curricula and practical training.

All sessions were conducted in an interactive format featuring open discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and experience sharing, fostering productive dialogue among participants.

The forum marked another significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between "TIIAME" National Research University, Keimyung College University, and the Agency for Vocational Education. It also represented an important step toward advancing vocational education, digital education, and innovation under the LUPIC Project, while supporting the development of a modern educational environment in Uzbekistan's technical colleges based on international best practices.