Ferghana region to expand AI and IT ties with SeoulTech

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A delegation from Ferghana region led by Governor Khayrullo Bozorov arrived in the Republic of Korea on a working visit aimed at expanding interregional trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as cooperation in education and modern technologies.

The visit program includes meetings with representatives of the administrations of Goyang and Incheon, Gangseo District, major South Korean companies and leading higher education institutions. An interregional forum and business talks involving representatives of the business communities of the two countries are also planned. Particular attention is being paid to preparing new investment projects and supporting mutually beneficial initiatives.

The first stop on the program was Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) in Seoul. Khayrullo Bozorov held talks with University President Kim Dong-hwan, during which the sides discussed prospects for developing partnerships in education and scientific research.

Kim Dong-hwan noted that cooperation in education could contribute to the development of both sides and expressed confidence in significant results from cooperation with Ferghana region. He also shared his impressions of his visit to the region in June this year.

SeoulTech representatives briefed the delegation on the university’s educational and research activities. The university specializes, in particular, in natural sciences, modern technologies, artificial intelligence and information technology. With the participation of major companies, modern laboratories have been established at the university, combining students’ theoretical training with practical skills.

Khayrullo Bozorov stressed the need to bring cooperation with SeoulTech to a new level. Among the priorities, he identified expanding exchanges of students and academic staff, implementing joint educational programs, as well as research and innovation projects.

Particular attention was paid to the possibility of applying SeoulTech’s experience in modern technologies, artificial intelligence and IT at higher education institutions in Ferghana region. According to the sides, this will create additional opportunities for young people to acquire modern knowledge and practical skills.

SeoulTech is a public university of the Republic of Korea specializing in engineering, information technology and technology education. The university has a history spanning 115 years. It currently has about 14,000 students, including more than 2,000 international students. Among them are 29 students from Uzbekistan.

A contractual framework for cooperation between Ferghana region and SeoulTech has already been established. The administration of Ferghana region and the university have signed an agreement on friendship and cooperation, while Ferghana State Technical University and SeoulTech have signed a memorandum on implementing joint educational programs.

The sides agreed to give practical substance to the existing agreements, expand student and academic exchanges, and jointly work on initiatives in modern engineering, IT and technology.

Artificial intelligence and information technology were identified as separate areas of cooperation.

As part of the visit, Khayrullo Bozorov also toured SeoulTech’s artificial intelligence centers, research laboratories and technology park.

The university has specialized departments, research centers and modern laboratories working in engineering, IT and artificial intelligence. In particular, the AI Semiconductor Processing SW Research Center conducts research into AI semiconductors, software technologies for their processing and design, as well as the training of engineering specialists.

The Industrial Artificial Intelligence Laboratory specializes in applying artificial intelligence in industry.

Research there covers intelligent control of production processes, equipment failure prediction, quality control, AI agents and modern automated manufacturing systems.

The Digital Twin Laboratory conducts research in digital twins, artificial intelligence, data-driven modeling, as well as Smart Factory and Smart City technologies.

Representatives of Ferghana region were briefed on ongoing research, the practical implementation of scientific developments in production and specialist training. Particular attention was paid to the SeoulTech model, which combines education, science, business and production.

The university’s technology park is used to develop advanced technologies, support innovation initiatives and apply scientific developments in practice. Dozens of technology companies and research organizations operate on its premises.

The possibility of adapting this experience in Ferghana region was also discussed. In particular, Ferghana State Technical University and SeoulTech agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence and information technology.

The cooperation will include joint research, the establishment of modern laboratories, specialist training, experience exchange and the implementation of scientific developments at industrial enterprises.