TechNext Connect: Bridging Young Professionals with Industry Leaders

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IEEE Young Professionals Bangladesh, in collaboration with the IEEE Bangladesh Section and supported by the IEEE Young Professionals and the IEEE Foundation, successfully hosted TechNext Connect 2025 on October 31, 2025, at the Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT), with the IEEE BUBT Student Branch serving as the co-organizer. The program served as a vibrant platform for students, academics, and industry experts to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration in the fields of engineering and technology. 

The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests including Dr. Ali Ahmed, Treasurer of BUBT; Dr. M. Imamul Hassan Bhuiyan, Professor of the Department of EEE at BUET and Chair of IEEE Bangladesh Section; Dr. Celia Shahnaz, Professor of EEE at BUET and Advisor of IEEE Young Professionals Bangladesh; Engr. Shohel Rana, Operations & Engineering Manager of Cybernetics Hi-Tech Solutions (Pvt) Ltd. and Chair of IEEE Young Professionals Bangladesh; and Md. Sabbir Hasan Sohag, Assistant Professor of EEE at BUBT and Counselor of the IEEE BUBT Student Branch. The keynote address was delivered by Mohammed Tariqul Hoque, Chief Engineer of DPDC, on the topic “Digitalization Initiative and Barriers in the Case of Distribution Utility.” His presentation shed light on the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital transformation in the country’s power distribution sector.

A special “Women in Industry” panel discussion was held on the topic “Bridging the Gender Gap: Skillset to Work in Industry.” The session, moderated by Dr. Celia Shahnaz, featured Ivy Nahar Tisha (Deputy Director, Technical, BREB), Sharmin Aktar (Executive Engineer, EGCB), and Gazy Jahirul Islam (Deputy Director, Admin, BREB). The speakers emphasized the importance of building technical competence and leadership among women engineers and professionals to ensure inclusive participation in the industry.

Another engaging panel discussion which titled was “Bridging the Gap: Student to Professional Journey,” was moderated by Dr. Md. Aminul Islam, and featured panelists Md. Sabbir Hasan Sohag, Dr. Md. Asadur Rahman(Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE, BUBT), Engr. M. S. Shafkat Tanjim, and Redwan Ferdous. The discussion focused on how young graduates can effectively transition from academic life to professional careers through skill development, adaptability, and continuous learning.

The final panel discussion was on, “Industry–University Collaboration,” moderated by Dr. M. Imamul Hassan Bhuiyan, and brought together Dr. Ahmed Al Mansur, Professor and Chairman of the Department of EEE at BUBT; Abdul Mubin Ahmed, VP of Engineering at UlkaSemi Pvt. Ltd.; and Dr. Shaikh Anowarul Fattah, Professor of EEE at BUET. They highlighted the need for stronger linkages between academia and industry to promote research, innovation, and practical learning opportunities for students.

The event concluded with a message of gratitude to all the speakers, volunteers, and participants for their contributions. TechNext Connect 2025 proved to be a meaningful and memorable event that successfully strengthened the bridge between young professionals and industry leaders, reaffirming BUBT’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence in engineering education.

A heartfelt appreciation to the IEEE YP Executive Committee Members, IEEE BUBT Student Branch, and all the dedicated volunteers — Arunavo Diganto, Shakibur Rahman, Nzia Sultana Plabon, Istayak Hasan Maruf, Mujahidul Islam Joy, Md. Nawrose, Ashif Sheikh and others — for their outstanding efforts in making this event a grand success!

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