On 29 July, 2026 the LUPIC International Education Forum and the Education–Industry Network Seminar on "Smart Industry Innovations," which started on 28 July, continued at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

This prestigious international event was organized within the framework of the LUPIC (Leading Universities Project for International Cooperation) international project (2024–2029), implemented jointly by the "TIIAME" National Research University and Keimyung College University of South Korea.

The forum aimed to strengthen educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea, improve the quality of vocational education, align educational programs with industry needs, study international best practices, and enhance the training of globally competitive specialists through modern technologies.

The event 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.

Throughout the forum, professors and experts from Keimyung College University delivered lectures and practical presentations on vocational education development, industry-oriented curriculum design, digital education technologies, and the development of AI-powered educational materials.

Professor Lee Sangeoug, the South Korean Coordinator of the LUPIC Project, presented the project's achievements, international cooperation activities, and future development plans.

During the second day of the forum, Korean professors and experts delivered presentations on vocational education development, innovative teaching approaches, and the effective use of digital technologies.

Professor Lee Sung-ha introduced the objectives, implementation mechanisms, and future prospects of the LUPIC Project, while Professor Kim Miseong shared practical experience in designing and implementing industry-driven educational programs.

Professor Jung Seyoung presented methodologies for developing AI-based curricula, while Professor Kwon Yu-jin demonstrated advanced approaches to creating modern educational materials using artificial intelligence.

Special attention was given 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, introduced the center's activities, highlighting its work in digital education, innovation integration, enhancing teachers' digital competencies, and adapting international best practices to Uzbekistan's vocational education system.

During the discussions, participants proposed expanding the DEISC Centre, strengthening cooperation with the Agency for Vocational Education and technical colleges across Uzbekistan, implementing joint research and practical projects, promoting international best practices, and reinforcing education–industry integration.

At the conclusion of the forum, a meeting dedicated to the future directions of LUPIC cooperation was held at the Agency for Vocational Education. Discussions focused on elevating collaboration between Uzbekistan's technical colleges and Keimyung College University to a new level.

Future initiatives include expanding Korean language education in technical colleges, launching student and faculty exchange programs, developing joint academic programs, producing modern curricula and teaching materials, and strengthening cooperation with industrial enterprises through dual education.

The successful organization of the forum was made possible through the effective collaboration of the LUPIC Project partners. Special recognition was given to Professor Bahodir Suyunovich Mirzayev, Rector of "TIIAME" National Research University and LUPIC Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan; Dr. Lee Sangeoug, LUPIC Project Coordinator in South Korea; the project team; and members of the Korean delegation for their outstanding contribution to this international initiative.

The contributions of Guzal Eshchanova, DEISC Coordinator, together with DEISC Assistants Aziz Nigmatov and Sanjar Ungalov, who worked closely with the Korean partners to ensure the forum's successful organization, were also acknowledged and highly appreciated.

This international forum marked an important milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and South Korea in vocational education, fostering a modern digital learning environment, advancing digital education and innovation, and preparing highly qualified professionals for the future.