Our Rector Presented ITU’s Approach and Strategy at the International Symposium Held During the China–ASEAN Education Cooperation Week

ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal participated in the international symposium held as part of the China–ASEAN Education Cooperation Week via video conference. In his presentation titled “Sowing Seeds of STEM for Impact: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Solutions,” Prof. Dr. Mandal conveyed Istanbul Technical University’s impact-oriented approach and talent development strategies.

The China–ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (2025 CAECW) was held in Guizhou from July 24 to 27, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the Ministry of Education of China, and the People’s Government of Guizhou Province.

As part of the event, our Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal contributed to the international symposium with a presentation delivered via video conference. In the 18th edition of the event, he shared ITU’s impact-oriented approach and talent development strategies through his presentation titled “Sowing Seeds of STEM for Impact: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Solutions.”

In his presentation, our Rector emphasized ITU’s vision as a research university that produces solutions on a global scale, backed by its 252-year history. As the most concrete indicators of this vision, he cited ITU’s ranking among the world’s top 100 universities in the field of “Engineering and Technology,” and its graduates being ranked first in Türkiye in terms of employability.

Prof. Dr. Mandal explained that STEM-based, open and participatory learning models provide a structure that transforms young people into solution-producing actors rather than mere consumers of knowledge. He highlighted that the multilayered impacts of global risks can be overcome not only through technology, but through individuals who use that technology for the benefit of society.

As an example, Prof. Dr. Mandal described TEKNOFEST as a model that carries Türkiye’s national technology initiative. He stated that TEKNOFEST has created a strong ecosystem in which young people can define their own missions and make an impact on the future. Prof. Dr. Mandal noted that this approach has been reflected internationally through original projects in fields ranging from Hyperloop to artificial intelligence, polar research to biotechnology.

Emphasizing their trust in young human capital, Prof. Dr. Mandal expressed his belief that the future will be shaped through learning together, producing together, and creating impact together. He highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder international platforms such as the China–ASEAN Education Cooperation Week in promoting a culture of joint solution-making for shaping the future.

With broader participation from ASEAN countries and those involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the event aimed to establish a brand for large-scale and impactful China–ASEAN education and cultural exchange programs. It contributed to the building of a closer China–ASEAN community with a shared future.