On December 4, 2025, the International Engineering and Technological University METU successfully held the IV International “Hiring & Innovation Forum METU” The event served as a professional platform bringing together representatives of industry, science, business, government institutions, as well as students and young specialists. The forum created conditions for direct interaction between employers and future engineers, allowing companies to identify potential talent while participants showcased their skills and innovative projects.

The forum was opened by METU Rector Darkhan Berikovich Akpanbetov, who emphasized the importance of advancing engineering education and integrating artificial intelligence technologies into university programs. Aziz Kadzhenbek, Head of the Youth Policy Department of Almaty, highlighted the forum as a meaningful platform that connects students with employers and stimulates the commercialisation of scientific projects.

The event welcomed a wide range of employers, including industrial alliances, manufacturing enterprises, IT companies, research organisations, international partners, technological startups and major business entities. Their participation demonstrated the growing demand for engineering professionals and reinforced industry interest in expanding collaboration with METU.

The plenary session explored the key directions of engineering development, the impact of artificial intelligence on future professional competencies, challenges of industrialisation, digital transformation in production, and mechanisms for commercialising scientific outcomes. Experts highlighted the importance of designing academic pathways aligned with labour market needs and strengthening university–industry partnerships.

Participants then visited the exhibition of METU students’ engineering and AI projects, featuring solutions in automation, robotics, energy systems and digital technologies. The high level of student work and its practical relevance received positive feedback from guests. The forum concluded with the ceremonial opening of METU’s new laboratory, designed as a hub for research and technological initiatives.

The IV International “Hiring & Innovation Forum METU” reaffirmed METU’s status as a leading institution integrating education, science and industry, and underscored its role in shaping the country’s engineering and innovation ecosystem.

Author: Mussakyzy Zh.