🎉 Proud moment! Today, August 12, 2025, we officially opened the KOICA–TIU–Cheju Halla AI Training Center in Tashkent—a transformative partnership between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Tashkent International University (TIU), and Cheju Halla University.

This center represents more than just an educational facility; it’s a bridge between nations, a catalyst for digital transformation, and a beacon of hope for Uzbekistan’s AI future. Built to develop industry-ready AI talent and accelerate the country’s digital evolution, this initiative embodies the power of international collaboration.

A Coalition of Visionaries

This morning’s opening ceremony brought together an extraordinary coalition of partners who share our vision for AI education excellence:

🤝 H.E. Ambassador Won Doyeon of the Republic of Korea
🤝 County Director Shin Myung Seop of KOICA in Uzbekistan
🤝 First Deputy Minister Makhkamov Otabek (Ministry of Higher Education, Uzbekistan)
🤝 Deputy Minister Olimjon Umarov (Ministry of Digital Technologies)
🤝 Dr. Jun Yong Wook, Rector of TIU
🤝 Industry leaders from KT/ET, MOHIRDEV, and leading IT companies

What This Center Represents

The KOICA–TIU–Cheju Halla AI Training Center is designed to be a comprehensive ecosystem for AI education and innovation:

✅ Future-ready AI professionals to be trained over the next 2 years
✅ 4 industry-aligned programs, including Microsoft Azure certification pathways
✅ Direct pipeline from classroom to career through strategic industry partnerships
✅ Sustainable educational model that will continue beyond the initial project period

Our approach goes beyond traditional technology transfer. We’re creating a locally-tailored AI education ecosystem that addresses real industry needs while fostering digital inclusivity throughout the region.

Building Bridges, Creating Opportunities

This center represents far more than just teaching technology—we’re building bridges between cultures, creating opportunities for young minds, and shaping the future of AI in Central Asia. Our mission aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals:

  • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Providing cutting-edge AI training and certification programs
  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Building technological capacity and fostering innovation
  • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Strengthening international cooperation for sustainable development

The partnership model we’ve established here can serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the region, demonstrating how international development cooperation can create lasting impact in the digital age.

A Vision Realized

Today’s opening ceremony marks the culmination of months of careful planning, relationship building, and collaborative visioning. From our initial meetings at KOICA’s Uzbekistan office to productive sessions at TIU and engagement with government ministries, every step has been guided by a shared commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Our industry partnerships with organizations like KT/ET and MOHIRDEV ensure that our curriculum remains relevant and that graduates have clear pathways to meaningful careers. This isn’t just about academic achievement—it’s about economic empowerment and national development.

Looking Forward

As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re not just training the next generation of AI professionals—we’re building the foundation for Uzbekistan’s digital economy. The knowledge, skills, and partnerships forged in this center will ripple outward, creating opportunities we can only begin to imagine.

Together, we’re proving that when nations collaborate with purpose and vision, we can create something truly transformative. The KOICA–TIU–Cheju Halla AI Training Center is more than an educational facility; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when we work together toward a common goal.

🌏🤖🎓

Thank you to KOICA, TIU, and all our partners who believed in this vision. Special appreciation to the government officials, industry leaders, and academic colleagues who made this dream a reality. The future of AI in Central Asia starts here, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of this journey.