BISHKEK, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Luban Workshop serves as both an operational platform and a living bridge for advancing educational cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China, Akylbek Chymyrov, vice-rector of Kyrgyz State Technical University (KSTU) and director of the Luban Workshop in Kyrgyzstan, has said.
The Luban Workshop officially opened at KSTU in October 2024. It boasts laboratories and classrooms spanning more than 1,000 square meters and housing over 300 pieces of equipment.
"The establishment of the Luban Workshop is of strategic importance for our university and provides a strong impetus for its modernization," Chymyrov said, adding that thanks to the substantial support of Chinese partners, KSTU students and faculty have gained access to advanced teaching methods, educational programs and high-tech equipment.
"This enhances the university's prestige and helps attract the best applicants," he said.
According to the vice-rector, the opening and operation of the Luban Workshop represent a direct contribution to Kyrgyzstan's socio-economic development.
"The country is in urgent need of modern engineers for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. We are training specialists with international experience and high professional standards," he said, adding that the workshop is equipped with 15 laboratories, three smart classrooms and a conference hall, where KSTU students receive hands-on training and faculty members conduct advanced professional development courses for engineers.
Regarding the workshop's immediate development plans, Chymyrov said they include fully launching programs currently under development, expanding project-based learning through real orders from companies, and developing digital training platforms and courses in cooperation with its Chinese partners.
He also noted plans to transform the workshop into a platform for joint applied research, focusing on areas such as earthquake-resistant technologies, artificial intelligence and clean energy.
This year, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit will be held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
According to Chymyrov, the event will open up new opportunities for the workshop. "First and foremost, it will help increase the workshop's visibility and political support." The Kyrgyz educator also believes the event will help broaden the workshop's partnerships.
"The summit will bring together academic and business circles from across the region. This is an opportunity to find new partners for exchange and joint projects," he said, adding that the event will align the workshop more closely with regional development initiatives. ■
