The Management Development Institute of Singapore
(MDIS) in Dushanbe marked a historic milestone in the higher education landscape of Tajikistan with its inaugural MBA Graduation Ceremony in collaboration with the University of Sunderland (UK). The event celebrated the academic success of 15 MBA graduates who were formally awarded their certificates, symbolising the successful completion of a globally recognised UK qualification delivered locally in Dushanbe.

  This landmark occasion is widely recognised as the first UK university graduation ceremony held in Tajikistan, representing a defining moment in the country’s educational development. It reflects the increasing accessibility of internationally accredited higher education within the nation, enabling students to earn globally recognised qualifications without the need to study  abroad.

  The ceremony brought together an exceptional gathering of distinguished guests from academia, government, diplomacy, and international education. Among the key
attendees was Dr James Scott, Transnational Education (TNE) Academic Director of the University of Sunderland (UK), who represented the academic excellence and quality assurance of the university. His participation reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining high international academic standards.

  Also present was Mr Alex Loh Chang-Ti, Senior Executive Director of MDIS Headquarters, who highlighted the institution’s global mission to expand quality education across its international campuses. The ceremony was further supported by Professor Zaynidin Mukhtorov, Rector of MDIS Dushanbe, whose leadership has been
instrumental in establishing and developing MDIS as a leading higher education
provider in Tajikistan.

  Senior representatives from the Government of Tajikistan also attended, underscoring strong national endorsement for international education. These included Mr Muhammadtohir Saidzoda, Director of the Agency of Supervision in Education and
Science under the President of Tajikistan, who emphasised the importance of maintaining academic quality and regulatory oversight in transnational
education.

   Further strengthening the government’s commitment to innovation in education was Mr Hakimjon Ismoilzod, Deputy Director of the Agency of Innovation and Digital
Technologies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, who highlighted the role of higher education in supporting national digital transformation and innovation strategies.

    The diplomatic community was represented by Madam Zeenat Khanche, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, whose presence reflected the strengthening
educational and cultural relations between Tajikistan and the United Kingdom.
Her participation demonstrated continued support for UK-Tajikistan collaboration in higher education development.

   International academic collaboration was further reinforced by Dr Okeoma John-Paul Okeke, Global Partnership Lead of the University of Sunderland, who plays a key role in expanding global partnerships and ensuring the consistency of academic quality across international delivery centres.

     The ceremony was led by Mr Andy Tan Kien Chiang, Dean of MDIS Dushanbe, whose
vision and leadership have been central to the establishment and growth of MDIS as a hub for international higher education in Tajikistan. His efforts have helped position the institution as a bridge between local academic aspirations and global education standards.

   A significant highlight of the event was its extensive media coverage, reflecting national and international interest in this historic achievement. Three major television
stations provided coverage of the ceremony: TVT – Central State Television of Tajikistan, TV Jahonnamo, and TV Science and Nature. Their presence ensured that this landmark academic event reached a wider audience, further amplifying its national significance and showcasing Tajikistan’s progress in international education.

   This graduation ceremony represents far more than an academic celebration. It marks a transformative step in the evolution of higher education in Tajikistan. The successful delivery of a UK MBA programme locally demonstrates the country’s readiness to embrace international academic standards and strengthen its human capital development through globally relevant education.

  The achievements of the 15 MBA graduates reflect dedication, resilience, and academic excellence. Their success serves as an inspiration for future cohorts and highlights the value of international collaboration in education. With internationally accredited programmes now firmly established in Dushanbe, new opportunities are emerging for students to pursue world class qualifications within their own country.

  The inaugural MBA graduation ceremony between MDIS Dushanbe and the University of Sunderland stands as a historic milestone in Tajikistan’s educational journey. It signifies a new era of internationalised higher education, strengthened global partnerships, and expanded access to quality academic opportunities. The event will be remembered as a defining moment that has firmly placed Tajikistan on
the map of international education excellence.