KOICA, Egypt Collaborate to Boost Educational Capacity at Beni-Suef Technological University

On September 20, 2023, in Cairo, KOICA, South Korea's official development aid agency, signed a Record of Discussion (ROD) with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of International Cooperation to implement the project titled "Enhancing the Educational Capacity and University-Industry Cooperation of Beni-Suef Technological University (BST)." The signing took place in the presence of various officials, including KOICA's Country Director, Mrs. KIM Jinyoung, Dr. Ahmed Elsabbagh, Minister Advisor for Technological Education, and Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Khedr, BST President.

The primary objective of the project is to address the demand for skilled professionals in the Egyptian labor market. To achieve this, a mid-to-long-term master plan will be established to ensure the sustainability of the university's operations. Additionally, an innovative industry-customized curriculum will be developed for the departments of ICT, Mechatronics, Autotronics, and Railway Technologies, which are newly established. The project is set to span six years, from 2023 to 2028.

This initiative builds upon KOICA's previous successful project called "Establishment of Egyptian-Korean Technological College in Beni Suef," completed in 2022. Under that project, KOICA established the ICT and Mechatronics Departments, provided necessary equipment, developed the curriculum, and supported the university in obtaining program accreditation. The accreditation covered the Mechatronics Program and the Information Technology (ICT) Program, with a duration of six years, from 2022 to 2028.

The new agreement also reflects KOICA's commitment to promoting inclusive employment skills and fostering the involvement of youth in social and economic development. As the Korean government's bilateral International Cooperation Agency, KOICA aims to combat poverty and support sustainable socio-economic growth in developing countries worldwide.

Since its establishment in 1998, KOICA's Egypt office has been actively involved in providing technical education for Egyptian youths, supporting the digitalization of government services and systems, as well as implementing programs to address gender-based violence, strengthen women's empowerment, and support vulnerable groups.