Working meeting at the International University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev with Chinese universities on the Luban Workshop project

University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev (IUOG) held a working meeting with representatives of Chinese universities within the framework of the “Luban Workshop” project. The aim was to coordinate the ongoing activities, curriculum development, and implementation schedule of specialized laboratories in the fields of geological exploration and information technologies in the oil and gas sector.

The Chinese side was represented by the heads of two Chinese universities - Xi'an Petroleum University and Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University. The Turkmen side was represented by the management and teachers of the relevant departments of the MUNG, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan.

The Chinese side announced the purchase of some equipment and preparations for sending it to Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the list and appearance of the remaining equipment and furniture were agreed upon, as well as the procedures for drawing up contracts for the transfer of this equipment to the Turkmen side, as well as their approval in the relevant competent authorities of both countries.

It was noted that in July 2025 Chinese experts already conducted short-term training courses for IUOG faculty in informatics, applied geology, and implementation of new technologies. The parties also discussed expanding Chinese language studies at the university.

• launch of the first training modules in “Computational Geology” and “Information Systems and Technologies” with project-based learning elements;

• implementation of autumn professional development courses for specialists, including staff of CNPC Turkmenistan, at the Luban Workshop;

• formation of joint R&D initiatives in data-driven field analysis, digital twin technologies, and industrial cybersecurity.

The “Luban Workshop” is an international educational initiative launched in 2016 with the support of China’s Ministry of Education and the Tianjin municipal government. Its goal is to train applied talents and transfer technologies through joint laboratories and educational programs. For Turkmenistan, the cooperation agreement was signed in October 2024, and in 2025 the first practical steps for implementation were taken.