Sunyani Technical University (STU) continues to make significant strides on the global stage as Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, Vice-Chancellor of STU, proudly represented the university at the inaugural meeting of the International Grey System Alliance of Education and Research (IGSAER). This prestigious event was hosted by Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), China, a world-renowned institution in engineering, on November 20th, 2024.
The inaugural meeting brought together representatives from over 20 countries, including distinguished researchers, scholars, and university leaders, to establish the alliance and chart a path for advancing global education and research in grey system theory. The event marked a significant milestone in international academic cooperation, with a focus on leveraging grey system theory to address complex decision-making challenges in uncertain environments.
In his opening remarks, Vice President of NUAA, Zhiqiu Huang, extended warm congratulations on the establishment of IGSAER and emphasized the global impact of grey system theory, which originated in China. NUAA’s Grey System Research Institute has been instrumental in promoting the development and application of this theory worldwide. Huang reiterated NUAA’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to advance educational innovation, talent development, and joint research in grey systems.
Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah delivered an inspiring address during the conference, highlighting the critical role Sunyani Technical University plays in advancing technical education and applied research in Africa. He expressed STU’s eagerness to contribute to the goals of IGSAER by leveraging its expertise and resources to support global knowledge-sharing and innovation. His participation further underscored STU’s growing reputation as a hub for technical and vocational excellence in Ghana and beyond.
Other distinguished speakers included Prof. Yingjie Yang, Executive Chairman of the International Association for Grey System and Uncertainty Analysis (GSUA), Prof. Boumediene Hamzi of Imperial College London, and Sifeng Liu, President of the International Association of GSUA. Their collective insights set the stage for meaningful collaboration among alliance members.
The meeting also featured a launch ceremony unveiling the official logo of IGSAER and the establishment of a joint laboratory between NUAA and Poznan University of Technology. The roundtable discussion that followed provided a platform for alliance members to share updates on grey system research in their respective countries and deliberate on the alliance charter. The roundtable was chaired by Prof. Naiming Xie, Secretary General of GSUA and Vice Dean of the College of Economics and Management, NUAA.
STU’s delegation to the event also included Mr. Abina, Deputy Director of Finance, and Mr Jeffrey Ofosu-Adarkwa, a faculty member at the Materials Engineering Department of Sunyani Technical University. Their participation not only strengthened STU’s ties with NUAA and other global partners but also positioned the university as a key contributor to the development and application of grey system theory.
Beyond STU’s active role in IGSAER, the delegation held discussions with NUAA on the possibility of introducing a Bachelor of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering at STU. The proposed structure would involve two years of study at STU and two years at NUAA-China, allowing students to gain world-class expertise in aerospace technology and engineering. This initiative aligns with STU’s vision of expanding its technical education offerings to meet the demands of Ghana’s growing aviation and engineering industries.
The participation of STU at the inaugural IGSAER meeting also strengthened the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between STU and NUAA. The agreement covers faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, academic-industry collaboration, and international conferences aimed at advancing technical education and research. The MoU creates opportunities for faculty and student development, fostering an environment for advanced research and industrial innovation.
The International Grey System Alliance of Education and Research aims to foster academic cooperation, promote innovative solutions, and address decision-making problems under uncertainty through the development of grey system theory. As a founding member, STU is poised to play an active role in advancing these objectives and enhancing its global footprint in technical education and research.
Sunyani Technical University extends gratitude to NUAA for spearheading this initiative and for their hospitality during the inaugural meeting. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in STU’s mission to equip students and faculty with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. With global partnerships, innovative research, and a commitment to academic excellence, STU is well-positioned to lead the way in technical education and research for Ghana and beyond.