NEC Students Urged to Master Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI

Kathmandu: Associate Professor Buddhi Raj Joshi, Dean of Pokhara University, has stated that civil engineers must also gain proficiency in cutting-edge tools such as Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI due to their recent development. While bidding farewell to graduating students at Nepal Engineering College in Changunarayan on Friday, Dean Joshi emphasized that engineers must become accustomed to new technologies.

Bidding farewell to the 2019 and 2020 batches of Civil Engineering and Civil & Rural Engineering students, he noted that research conducted at the undergraduate level is only fundamental, urging them to pursue higher studies and become good individuals in life. "By completing your graduation, you have become good students; now you must become good human beings. This is the greatest challenge. Staying disciplined is the most important thing," he said.

In the context of an increasing trend of Nepali students going abroad for higher education, he argued that quality education can be obtained within Nepal. "All undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Civil Engineering in Nepal are excellent. It is not mandatory to go abroad, but for the master's level, one must focus more on research," he added.

Associate Professor Joshi mentioned that civil engineers do not have the luxury of making mistakes and requested them to work within professional ethics and responsibility. He said, "If a doctor makes a mistake during treatment, one patient's life may be lost, but if a civil engineer makes a mistake, the lives of thousands of citizens can be at risk. Therefore, a civil engineer must be more responsible."

Stating that one must become capable before building the nation, he argued that Nepal is strong in terms of human resources. Furthermore, Dean Joshi suggested that the graduates are ambassadors of Pokhara University and the college, advising them to work in a way that upholds the institution's reputation.

Discussing Nepal Engineering College as an institution with a history older than the university itself, he said the students studying there are fortunate. Acknowledging that the college faced some issues a while ago, he noted it has been improving recently and pointed out that the active involvement of alumni is necessary for the college's growth. He also clarified that the university is always ready to collaborate with the college within the system to prepare new curricula.

Speaking at the program, Associate Professor Bikas Adhikari, Vice-Chairman of the Nepal Engineering Council, advised students to enter professional life only after passing the examination conducted by the Council. Highlighting that the students of Nepal Engineering College are excellent, he said the Council is dedicated to making the engineering profession dignified and professional.

During the event, College Principal Durga Prasad Bhandari, Assistant Principal Mohandhowj KC, and others discussed the engineering education provided by the college, as well as the qualifications and roles of the students. On the occasion, tokens of love were distributed to students, and medals, certificates, and prizes were awarded to outstanding students. The program bid farewell to 200 students from the 2019 and 2020 batches.