YSU, Armenian Finance Ministry sign memorandum of cooperation

Within the framework of a technical assistance program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Ministry of Finance is implementing a project focused on developing microlearning courses in the fields of internal audit, budgetary program evaluation, and fiscal risk management. The development of these courses will be based on integrated artificial intelligence technologies.

As part of the initiative, YSU and the Ministry of Finance will jointly develop microlearning courses using AI technology and instructional design (AI-based microlearning courses for the Ministry of Finance). These courses aim to develop and strengthen the necessary knowledge and skills among employees in three thematic areas within the Ministry of Finance and public sector organizations.

By signing this memorandum, the Ministry of Finance and YSU aim to strengthen the expert capacities of the financial management system by providing employees with the acquisition and retention of necessary knowledge and skills through the design and development of microlearning courses using AI technology and instructional design.

Rafayel Barkhudaryan, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at YSU, emphasizing the importance of this partnership, stated: "One of the primary responsibilities of Yerevan State University is to ensure that the education our students receive benefits both the state and society. Our goal is to identify effective forms of cooperation and to share our knowledge and expertise. This is one of YSU’s key priorities, and the agreement signed today marks a significant step in that direction."

Araik Yesayan, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, highlighted the historic significance of this memorandum.

"In today’s rapidly changing conditions, marked by digital transformation and artificial intelligence, we are taking a crucial step toward modern learning methodologies. The Ministry of Finance is honored to collaborate with Yerevan State University, enabling financial sector professionals to enhance their knowledge through newly developed platforms," noted Araik Yesayan, expressing confidence that the partnership will have a crucial and positive impact.

Artashes Khurshudyan, Head of the Distance Learning Laboratory at YSU Faculty of Sociology, stressed the significance of the collaboration, noting that the courses will be hosted on YSU’s learning management system, Moodle, allowing employees to complete their training online.

"This is a valuable opportunity not only for YSU to educate its students through remote learning formats, but also to organize effective training programs for employees of partner ministries and other state institutions," he said.

According to Artashes Khurshudyan, this pilot program will last for one year, during which the parties will evaluate opportunities for further collaboration and take concrete steps accordingly.