Lone Star College-University Park, Singapore Polytechnic connect students through international AI guest lecture

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College-University Park and Singapore Polytechnic brought students together earlier this month for a live cross-continental guest lecture and hands-on workshop focused on data mining and machine learning, marking an early step in a growing international academic collaboration.

The session introduced students in LSC-University Park’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Analytics and Computer Science programs to the Orange Data Mining platform, a tool used to analyze data and demonstrate how machine learning models are built.

“This collaboration gave our students the opportunity to engage with global perspectives while working with tools that connect directly to what they’re learning in the classroom,” said Mohammed Ashour, Ph.D., AI faculty member at LSC-University Park. “It was a strong first step in building a meaningful academic partnership that expands hands-on learning and helps prepare students for the realities of a rapidly evolving, global workforce.”

The effort grew out of connections established during the U.S.-Singapore Technical and Vocational Education Exchange program held June 30 to July 2, 2025. During that visit, Steven Kahla, Ph.D., vice president of instruction at LSC-University Park, met with Singapore Polytechnic and other partners to explore opportunities for collaboration in technical and workforce-focused programs.

After the exchange, Dr. Ashour led follow-up efforts with Singapore Polytechnic on behalf of the college’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning program. Vanessa Cox, Ph.D., Data Analytics faculty member at LSC-University Park, also supported the collaboration.

The April 9 guest lecture was held virtually Thursday evening Houston time and Friday morning Singapore time, creating a live international classroom experience connecting participants across both institutions.

During the workshop, students received step-by-step instruction on using Orange Data Mining to explore data and build machine learning models. The session included live demonstrations, practical guidance and discussion, giving students direct exposure to tools and approaches that support applied learning in emerging technology fields.

Both institutions are exploring additional guest lectures, shared teaching opportunities and expanded academic exchange. As part of the next phase, Dr. Ashour is expected to lead a guest workshop for Singapore Polytechnic students focused on building an AI image classifier through a hands-on, no-code approach.

By connecting students with international expertise and real-world applications in AI and data analytics, the initiative supports LSC-University Park’s efforts to strengthen workforce preparation and expand access to learning experiences shaped by a global economy.

Learn more about the AI, Data Analytics and Computer Science programs in Lone Star College-University Park’s Computer & Engineering Technologies Division at www.lonestar.edu/UP-Division3.htm; for more information about classes or to register, visit www.lonestar.edu/upstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu. 

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