Pabna, Oct 15 (V7N) – Seven students and one faculty member from Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUB) will participate in an international exchange program at Yamanashi University in Japan under the Sakura Science Program of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

The week-long knowledge exchange program, scheduled from October 26 to November 1, will be led by Professor Dr. Sheikh Rasel Al Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at PUB. The team will gain hands-on academic and laboratory experience at the Japanese university, which they plan to implement upon returning home.

This marks the first time that PUB is sending a research team, including students and a faculty member, to an overseas university. The initiative is expected to foster collaborative opportunities between the two institutions, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

On Wednesday morning, the delegation met with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S.M. Abdul Awal at 11 a.m. to formally share details about the program. The meeting was attended by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan, and all faculty deans. The program is being coordinated by Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan, who emphasized the significance of acquiring practical knowledge from Japan’s academic and research environment. He added that PUB plans to continue engagement and expects to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yamanashi University by December. Under the MoU, 3–5 students from PUB could have the opportunity to pursue master’s and PhD research programs annually.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S.M. Abdul Awal highlighted the importance of integrating AI and machine learning skills to enhance research and export potential in sectors such as agriculture. He praised Japan as a reliable development partner since Bangladesh’s independence and encouraged students to leverage the program for career growth and to elevate the university’s academic reputation.

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