The three-day international "Pilot Training Workshop on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)" concluded on a high note at the BdREN Training Room on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The training, held from February 10–12, 2025, was organized by BdREN under the Asia Pacific – Generative AI Integration for NREN Empowerment and Development (AP-GAINED) project and conducted by two expert instructors from the Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN).

AP-GAINED is an innovative initiative led by LEARN and supported by the APNIC Foundation through the ISIF Asia Fund. The project aims to enhance the capabilities of National Research and Education Network (NREN) professionals by equipping them with Generative AI skills, fostering innovation, and improving operational efficiency across the Asia Pacific region.

Designed for both technical and non-technical staff, the training provided practical, hands-on experience with Generative AI tools, benefiting professionals from IT, administration, finance, communications, marketing, and related fields. As mentioned more than 35 professionals from technical, administrative, finance and other associated departments of both BdREN and University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) participated in the training program. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, discussions, and hands-on activities to explore how GenAI can enhance day-to-day operations.

During the closing ceremony, the two trainers, Prof. Dr. Roshan G. Ragel, Consultant (CEO) of LEARN, and Dr. Asitha Bandaranayake, Consultant (CTO) of LEARN distributed certificates to the participants. Khandakar Rashedul Arefin, Manager, BdREN and Abu Naser Md. Nafew, Network Engineer, BdREN assisted the two overseas instructors in conducting the training program. The training brought together network engineers, software programmers, and administrative staff from Finance, Accounts, HR, and Procurement, representing UGC and BdREN.

The workshop served as an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in integrating Generative AI into daily operations. As the event concluded, participants departed with enhanced skills and strategies to strengthen their institutions' digital frameworks through AI-driven solutions.