Our International Development Cooperation Center at Cheju Halla University has been selected for KOICA’s 2025 Civil Society Cooperation Program! This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand AI education globally.

Starting April 15, 2025, we’ll be working with Tashkent International University (TIU) over the next two years to establish a comprehensive AI Education Center. What makes this project special is our focus on creating a sustainable, locally-tailored AI education ecosystem. We’re not just transferring technology – we’re building an industry-academia collaborative model that addresses real local needs while enhancing digital inclusivity in the region.

This selection comes after months of careful planning and relationship building. Our recent visits to Uzbekistan, including productive meetings at the KOICA office and TIU, have laid the groundwork for this ambitious project. We’ve established strong partnerships with:

  • Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Education
  • Ministry of Digital Technologies
  • Local IT companies and industry partners
  • Academic institutions across the region

Our AI Education Center will contribute to achieving key UN Sustainable Development Goals:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education - by providing cutting-edge AI training and certification programs
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - by building technological capacity and fostering innovation

The ultimate goal is to empower TIU and other local universities to independently operate AI education programs, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that will benefit generations of students.

This project represents more than just an educational initiative – it’s about fostering international cooperation, building bridges between cultures, and contributing to Uzbekistan’s digital economy growth. We’re committed to making this a model for successful international development cooperation in the field of AI education.

I want to express my gratitude to KOICA for their trust in our vision and to all our partners in Uzbekistan who have welcomed this collaboration with open arms. Together, we’re not just teaching AI – we’re building the future of technology education in Central Asia.

Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey!

Note: KOICA’s Civil Society Cooperation Program is a public development assistance (ODA) initiative led by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, supporting international development cooperation projects in developing countries. The program leverages civil society’s expertise, innovation, and local networks to promote inclusive and sustainable development.