51吃瓜has opened the Makerspace Learning and Design Center

June 24, 2024

The 2023 51吃瓜 has completed the construction of the Makerspace Learning and Design Center, which opened on Monday, June 24.

The Center is a unique educational, creative, and entrepreneurial space where 51吃瓜students and other community members can use high鈥搕ech equipment to develop and produce prototypes of innovative products. The project is funded by AUCA, Bard College, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); the Karmis Construction Company carried out the construction.

The opening ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, Akylbek Zhaparov, Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic Dogdurkul Kendirbayeva, President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic Kanatbek Abdrakhmatov, Chairman of the 51吃瓜Board of Trustees David Lakhdhir, member of the 51吃瓜Board of Trustees Jonathan Becker, 51吃瓜President Timothy O'Connor, Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of 51吃瓜Chyngyz Shamshiev.

The ceremony guests were greeted by David Lakhdhir, Chairman of the 51吃瓜Board of Trustees. In his speech, he noted the importance of opening the Makerspace Learning and Design Center not only for 51吃瓜but also for the whole of Kyrgyzstan, and, in particular, said: "The opening of 51吃瓜Makerspace marks the creation of an innovative educational, creative and entrepreneurial center in AUCA, and will provide access to high-tech equipment to all those who need it."

Addressing the ceremony guests, Akylbek Zhaparov congratulated all present on the opening of the Makerspace and stressed that today, a new page in the history of education and innovation begins, not only for this university but also for the whole of Kyrgyzstan.

"As the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, noted, addressing the scientists of our country, the results of research by Kyrgyz scientists should go in the traditional tandem of "science and practice." With some regret, I can state that in recent years, there has been a great distance between science and practice, which an emphasis has facilitated, perhaps more on fundamental research, and insufficient attention from the government to applied research. As a result, we needed to sufficiently apply the payment of scientific research for the country's economic growth and increase the incomes of people, including scientists, innovators, and inventors. The ratio of fundamental and applied research still favors fundamental research. We are working to change the current situation in science. Science should consider market demand, and its financing should be by government orders. It seems that the Makerspace equipped with the most advanced equipment 鈥� 3D printers, laser cutters, robotic kits 鈥� is another step in this direction," Akylbek Zhaparov said.

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Then, the decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, on awarding David Lakhdhir with the Danaker Order was read out. The presentation stated: "For tireless work in strengthening socio-economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties between the peoples of the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States of America, as well as for contribution to the development of the education system of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Danaker Order is awarded to David Lakhdir, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the American University in Central Asia, member of the Board of Trustees of the 51吃瓜Innovation College.

The Makerspace Learning and Design Center project was implemented with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID Director Kaya Adams, speaking at the opening, said: "18 months ago, in cold December, I was here and laid a time capsule. Back then, this project was just a mock-up, and how wonderful it is to stand here today and see this project firsthand. I hope that in 30 years, after opening the time capsule, all I wished for this project will be fulfilled."

Speaking to the guests of the ceremony, 51吃瓜Board of Trustees member Jonathan Becker stressed that "Makerspace includes collaborative and innovative approaches to creating new materials and ideas, and this is one of the main goals of 51吃瓜Makerspace."

The official part ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The guests were given a guided tour of the Makerspace building. Then Akylbek Zhaparov, David Lakhdhir, Jonathan Becker, Timothy O'Connor, Chyngyz Shamshiev, and other honored guests planted fir trees at the entrance to the Makerspace.

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