According to the Public Relations Office of the University of Kurdistan, Dr. Adel Si-o-seh-mordeh, President of the university, stated on Sunday (November 1st) at the ceremony held in Ferdowsi Hall that UAST possesses immense potential in knowledge production and establishing a connection between science and the market, a potential that has unfortunately been overlooked. "The University of Applied Science and Technology was fundamentally established to create a link between science, industry, and society, but due to financial constraints, it has not been able to fully realize its mission," he remarked. Dr. Si-o-seh-mordeh announced the University of Kurdistan's readiness to collaborate, adding, "The University of Kurdistan is prepared to assist to the best of its ability."

The Mission of UAST is the Applied Resolution of Economic and Scientific Issues

Hojjatoleslam Habib Hatami, the representative of the Supreme Leader at Kurdistan's universities, congratulated the new appointee and underscored the mission-oriented nature of the university. He stressed the importance of utilizing past managerial experiences for the province's advancement. "As a mission-oriented institution, the University of Applied Science and Technology moves closer to its intrinsic purpose—solving economic and scientific problems in a practical manner—with each step of its evolution," he stated. He proposed the formation of a consultative council by the new president to benefit from past experiences and affirmed the full commitment of his office to supporting the university's objectives.

Deputy Governor of Kurdistan: UAST Must Bridge the Gap Between Industry and Skills Training

Mr. Kiumars Habibi, the Deputy Governor for Civil Affairs, highlighted the academic community's unique role in enhancing public culture over the past decade but asserted that it must now focus on resolving skills-related issues. "The primary expectation from the University of Applied Science and Technology is to fill the existing gap between industry and skills training that persists in our broader educational system," he emphasized. Criticizing the lack of practical skills among some graduates in the workforce, he also warned of the serious threat posed by declining student populations. "This is a significant threat to all our universities, necessitating that they incorporate this factor into their long-term planning and prioritize quality over quantity," he cautioned.