KOICA, Beni Suef Technological University strengthen partnership to advance tech education in Egypt

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Beni Suef Technological University (BTU) have jointly hosted the second Technological Education Conference, reaffirming their commitment to advancing technological education and strengthening Egypt-Korea cooperation.

Held as part of KOICA’s support for BTU, the conference brought together representatives from technological universities, vocational training institutions and industry to discuss emerging trends in technological education, faculty capacity development and curriculum modernisation.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of aligning educational programmes with evolving labour market demands, particularly in green automotive technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)-based information technology.

The conference was attended by Kim Sang-Hoon, Minister and Consul General of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Egypt; Dr Abdullah Abdel Aziz El-Sayed, Governor of Beni Suef; and Prof. Jean Henry Hanna, President of BTU.

Participants also included faculty members from technological universities, industry partners and international development partners, including the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

In his opening remarks, Prof. Jean Henry Hanna emphasised the importance of technological education in preparing qualified professionals for an increasingly digital and AI-driven labour market.

He announced the inauguration of the university’s Industrial Advisory Council to strengthen links between academic learning and industry requirements. He also outlined plans for institutional expansion, laboratory modernisation and infrastructure development.

Kim Sang-Hoon highlighted Korea’s development experience, identifying education, technology and hard work as key drivers of economic growth.

Reaffirming Korea’s commitment to Egypt, he highlighted bilateral cooperation aimed at equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant skills. These efforts include support for Beni Suef Technological University and Helwan International Technological University, as well as vocational training initiatives in green automotive maintenance.

He also stressed the importance of partnerships among academic institutions, vocational training providers and industry in preparing young people for future employment opportunities.

Dr Abdullah Abdel Aziz El-Sayed expressed his appreciation for KOICA and BTU’s efforts, describing technical education as a vital pathway to youth empowerment.

He highlighted Beni Suef’s expanding industrial base and investment opportunities, stressing that stronger links between educational institutions and local industries are essential for regional economic development and sustainable human capital growth.

Concluding the conference, Dr Park Sooyoung, Country Director of the KOICA Egypt Office, called for translating the discussions into tangible outcomes.

Highlighting the capstone project exhibition and institutional knowledge-sharing activities, she identified two priorities for future cooperation: expanding industry engagement through internships and career pathways, and promoting peer-to-peer learning between technological universities and vocational schools.

She reaffirmed KOICA’s role in facilitating collaboration among partners to maximise development impact.

Conference explores technological education and industry needs

The afternoon sessions featured technical presentations from Egyptian and international stakeholders.

Topics included the achievements of the Strengthening of the Education and Industry-Academia Cooperation Capacity on Advanced Technology project at Helwan International Technological University (HITU).

Other presentations covered Italy’s experience in transforming traditional vocational training centres into market-oriented Applied Technology Schools, delivered by AICS; strategies for strengthening Egypt’s research and technological innovation ecosystem, presented by the Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH); and skills development for sustainable transport and green automotive technologies.

The sessions also examined Egyptian-Korean cooperation in emerging digital technologies and institutional capacity building, presented by the Digital Government Cooperation Center (DGCC).

Through the conference, KOICA and BTU reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening technological education through international cooperation, institutional capacity building and closer partnerships between educational institutions and industry.

These efforts aim to equip Egyptian young people with relevant skills, expand their career opportunities and contribute to a more competitive, innovation-driven economy.