The AUT Chancellor cautioned against assuming that current recruitment trends will continue uninterrupted. “Regional competitors are actively planning to attract these same students. Therefore, our educational packages—including degree programs, Persian and English language training, and non-degree certificate courses—must be designed to be not only high-quality but also economically competitive and highly accessible.”Expressing his appreciation for the steps taken by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and the Organization of Student Affairs to expand hybrid and virtual education, he stated, “Allowing hybrid and online modalities for certain programs is a major step forward in international education. Unquestionably, integrating smart technologies, utilizing advanced communication platforms, and establishing educational portals will play a decisive role in driving progress in this field.”Dr Soroush commended the efforts of the AUT Vice Chancellor for International Affairs and their collaboration with knowledge-based companies. “Universities must leverage their institutional credibility and trust to develop joint partnerships with the private sector and knowledge-based enterprises. When established within a clear and sustainable framework, such collaborations yield invaluable achievements for the higher education system.”He added, “AUT has consistently collaborated with private sector partners in this domain for nearly 15 years. Today, this cooperation has matured to a level where we can jointly execute smart education projects, particularly in Persian and English language instruction, as well as deliver university courses utilizing modern technologies.”Concluding his remarks, the AUT Chancellor emphasized the university’s readiness to transfer its expertise to the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and other universities across the country. “Every experience gained along this path will be shared with the higher education community, and we hope the collaborations established in this area will continue to grow sustainably.”