The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) is a scholarship project that has been implemented by the Ministry of Education since 1967 to promote international educational exchanges, promote friendship between countries, and foster global talent. In addition to the Korean language training period, the regular scholarship period is four years of undergraduate, two years of master's, and three years of doctorate, and it supports not only tuition fees but also flight and living expenses. Hanyang University has implemented the KGSP since the 1970s and has produced more than 300 graduates so far. Every year, scholarship students from more than 50 countries become Hanyangians and devote themselves to academics in various departments.

Recently, Muhammad Ayat (Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, class of 2019), a former KGSP scholarship student at Hanyang University, has made headlines for his research achievements. He who is from Pakistan started his Ph.D. program in the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering in the second semester of 2019 and graduated in August last year. During his Ph.D., he published a total of 10 papers in SCI, SCIE, and ESCI journals. In addition, his Dissertation was selected for the "2023 Doctorate of the Year" by the Association for Project Management (APM) in the UK, one of the world's top three PM (Project Management) associations.

Recognized for his research achievements at Hanyang University, he is currently an assistant professor at the University of West of Scotland in the UK. Muhammad Ayat, who is receiving global attention while highlighting the value of Hanyang University, told us about his study abroad and research activities at Hanyang University.

Why did you apply for KGSP.

In the field of engineering, Korean universities are famous for their high standards. Thus, studying in Korea is the best opportunity for engineering students. Among them, I applied to KGSP since it is the most competitive scholarship program in the world.

You have just finished KGSP. Tell us about your feeling and evaluation.

I think KGSP is a very good scholarship program in terms of composition and financial support. KGSP's strengths include learning Korean, experiencing various cultures, and interacting with students from all over the world. The biggest advantage among them is that you can get a full degree, not short-term training. I strongly recommend KGSP to students in Pakistan as well as students around the world. I'm also actively helping my students apply for KGSP as well.

Why did you choos Hanyang University among many universities in Korea?

Hanyang University graduates are active as professors at many famous universities in Pakistan. Hanyang University is very famous in Pakistani academia because this is not a very common case. I would like to take this opportunity to publicize the need to create an alumni association of Hanyang University in Pakistan.

How was your studying abroad at Hanyang University.

My time at Hanyang University is full of unforgettable precious memories. It had a huge impact on my values and my attitude toward learning. Hanyang University provides highly professional education and an excellent research environment. Thanks to this environment, students can study hard, train themselves steadily, and focus on their assignments. I think Hanyang University's excellent environment is what makes good students. I also while studying at Hanyang University, think have acquired many good qualities as a student.

While studying at Hanyang University, I had no choice but to live a limited lifestyle due to COVID-19. Classes were also switched online, and both professors and students had to adapt to the new environment. Thanks to the strong support and management of the beautiful and spacious ERICA campus, I think every Hanyangin was able to overcome the difficulties.
 

Please introduce your Dissertation and the "2023 Dissertation of the Year Award."

Founded in 1972, APM is a professional PM association certified by the British Royal Family. It is an international certification body that specializes in managing the Body of Knowledge (BOK). I received the “2023 Doctorate of the Year” from APM. This award is given to the best Dissertation author among industrial management papers published in 2021 and 2022. I received this award as a Ph.D. student at Hanyang University.

The Dissertation is titled "Machine Learning based Project Management Framework for Private Participation in Infrastructure Projects." It was a study of ways to promote private participation in infrastructure projects in developing countries.

What kind of help did you get from Hanyang University.

Despite the pandemic, the Ph.D. period at Hanyang University was the most productive and enjoyable time of my school days. I poured everything I had into completing my Dissertation, and in this process, I received great help from Hanyang University professors and the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering.

Above all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Professor Kang Chang-wook, of the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering who was my doctoral advisor. Professor Kang was not just a leader, but a guide and an inspirational mentor. He was always passionate and fair and encouraged and inspired students. Professor Kang's behavior and principles have been a great example to me as a professor now.

Other professors also gave cheer and support throughout the Ph.D. program. Through this opportunity, I would like to thank professors of the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, Kim Byung-hoon, Kim Jong-soo, Shin Dong-min, and Hur Sun, and professor Baek Dong-hyun at the School of Business Administration. Also, Professor Manwar Hussain of the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering helped me a lot when I was in trouble as an international student.  

I think I adapted to Korea more easily than other international students because I was an international student at KGSP. I think it's all thanks to my colleagues who research with me. Hanyang University provides convenient facilities such as individual prayer rooms and kitchens for international students, and these facilities have been of great help to our study abroad.

What does Mr. Ayat, as a professor, do after graduating from college? Also if you have any goal in the future?

I work as an assistant professor at the Department of Engineering and Industrial Management at the University of West of Scotland in the UK. The new environment in England is a big challenge for me, but thanks to my experience in Korea, I am adjusting smoothly. I will continue to make steady progress to become a researcher who contributes to the development of industrial management.