The guest of honour, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Sultanate of Oman, Olha Selykh, visited Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD).
The purpose of the visit was to familiarize herself with the scientific, educational, and innovative potential of KNUTD, discuss prospects for cooperation, and explore ways to involve Omani businesses in joint projects.
“Oman is a unique country, a land of opportunities and development. They are interested in everything unconventional. These are new horizons for our country. We must act, and the results should include a positive atmosphere, a decent salary, the success of the state, and its promotion on the global stage. Together, we will achieve this”, Ms. Ambassador addressed the University staff.
The visit began at the Vyshyvanka Museum, where the guests were welcomed by Tetiana Bukoros, Director of the Scientific and Technical Library. Bright Krolevets rushnyks, ancient exhibits and the spirit of Ukrainian culture created an atmosphere of solemnity and inspiration.
The delegation also visited the training and research laboratories of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion. The Dean of the Faculty, Natalia Ostapenko, together with Associate Professor Victoria Kernesh, presented the 3D Anthropometric Research Laboratory, which is part of a unique complex designed to provide practice-oriented training for future designers, constructors, and technologists in the footwear and leather goods industry. The laboratory exhibition showcased the developments of young scientists and students, who actively employ modern 2D and 3D technologies to design new models of shoes, clothing, leather goods, and other products.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion informed the guests about the Educational and Scientific Laboratory of Sewing Technologies in the Fashion Industry, which serves as a key resource for training competitive specialists capable of implementing innovative solutions and setting new trends in fashion and design. She emphasized that the laboratory is provided with modern industrial sewing equipment from the Japanese brand Juki, made possible through the support of the University’s long-term partner and stakeholder, Softorg.
The honored guests of the University also gained vivid impressions from the exhibition in the Mykhailo Voronin Conference Hall and learned fascinating stories about the legendary Ukrainian fashion designer and maker of classic menswear, Mykhailo Voronin, a distinguished alumnus of the University, class of 1972. The Dean of the Faculty highlighted his unique vest-layout method for sewing men’s clothing without fittings, as well as the creation of a size-500 tuxedo, which was recognized in the Guinness Book of Records.
The tour continued with visits to the laboratories of the Department of Industrial Pharmacy, the Department of Chemical Technologies and Resource Conservation, and the Department of Biotechnology, Leather, and Fur. Ms. Ambassador had the opportunity to observe the educational process in action, conducted using the latest equipment, and to learn about scientific developments that may already be of interest to potential investors.
“We understand that Oman is a country where opportunities exist even for establishing joint ventures. Our meeting represents a step toward combining science with business and transforming this potential into benefits for Ukraine and the University”, emphasized the Acting Rector of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Professor and Doctor of Economics Oleksandra Olshanska.
An equally important part of the visit was Ms. Olha Selykh’s meeting with undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion at the Youth Business Center. The students were eager to learn how she attained such a high-ranking position and what keeps her motivated.
“I spent countless hours in libraries, constantly studying, and it was knowledge that helped me succeed in the competition for this position. Discipline and aspiration are your keys to success. Be an artist, go against the flow, and listen to your heart. And remember: choose what resonates with you – then you will create something unique and valuable”, shared Ms. Ambassador.
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Olha Selykh is the first woman in the history of Ukraine to serve as Ambassador to the Asian region, and the first to attain this position through an open competition held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, selected from more than 1,170 applicants. She holds two higher education degrees – in Management of Foreign Economic Activity and in Law – and is a graduate of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine. With extensive experience in management, she has received numerous national awards, including the commemorative sign “Pride of the Nation.”
In addition, she and her companies have been recognized with several honors, including the diploma “100 Leading Architects and Builders of Ukraine”, the diploma and order “Patriot of Ukraine”, and a diploma in the nomination of Businesswoman at the II National Award “The Best Ukrainian Woman in the Profession 2020”.
Olha Selykh’s visit was not only a landmark event for Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design but also a significant impetus for international cooperation. While Oman and Ukraine possess different yet complementary resources, the integration of science, education, and business has the potential to open a new chapter in the history of development for both countries.
15.08.2025
