On May 4, 2025, Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST) organized an international conference titled “First Step Towards World-Class” at Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat, bringing together national and international academics, policymakers, industry leaders, donors, and students.

The conference opened with a welcome address by Mr. Bhanu Acharya, Member of the Board of Trustees, MBUST. Renowned international scholars delivered speeches, including Prof. Nam Pyo Suh, Former President of KAIST; Prof. Suzanne Fortier, Former President of McGill University; Prof. Richard Miller, Founding President of Olin College of Engineering; Mr. Bruce Flessner, Chairperson of the Everest Fund of Science and Technology and Former Vice President of the American University in Cairo; and Prof. Seeram Ramakrishna, FREng, Professor at the National University of Singapore and Trustee, MBUST, and Dr. Kenichi Ohashi, Former World Bank Country Director for Nepal.

MBUST President Prof. Dr. Rajendra Dhoj Joshi outlined the university’s vision, while Mr. Giriraj Mani Pokharel, Former Minister of Education, Science and Technology, emphasized the transformative role of the MBUST Act. Prof. Suresh Manandhar, Honorary Chair for Artificial Intelligence, shared his academic journey from the University of York to MBUST. Prof. Dr. Dev Raj Adhikari, Chairperson of the University Grants Commission, delivered the closing address.

Faculty members and students, led by Dr. Kirti Kusum Joshi, Director of the Institute of Applied Sciences, showcased research and innovation. Dr. Anupama Shrestha and Ms. Sabnam Subedi discussed academic motivation. Mr. Birendra Pandey, First Vice President of the Confederation of Nepali Industries, highlighted economic impact and industry collaboration. Mr. Padma Sunder Joshi, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Prof. Pushkar Bajracharya, Prof. Sudarshan Raj Tiwari, and Prof. Netra Chhetri addressed financing, resources, and global engagement, marking a key milestone in MBUST’s journey toward world-class excellence.