The MIKTA Embassies in South Africa, in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Korean Cultural Centre, hosted a two-day workshop between the 21-22 August that brought together young women graduates from across STEM fields, from local universities such as the University of Johannesburg (UJ), offering them access to international opportunities and mentorship. The 2025 MIKTA Workshop for Women Students in STEM demonstrated the power of international collaboration in nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.

The workshop showcased the strength of the MIKTA partnership, comprising of Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Türkiye, and Australia, in supporting women’s advancement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This unique alliance brought together diverse perspectives and opportunities under one roof, creating a truly global learning environment for South African graduates.

Attendees benefited from high-level presentations by key South African institutions. The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) provided crucial insights into national science policy and international cooperation opportunities, with Deputy Director-General Daan du Toit delivering welcome remarks and Director Tebogo Mokoma offering closing perspectives on overseas bilateral cooperation.

Mentorship from Global Industry Leaders The workshop’s mentoring sessions provided rare access to accomplished professionals from each MIKTA country. Participants heard from:

• Ms. Yeonji Hong from GM Technical Center Korea, who shared insights on; ‘Engineering Your Path: From Student to Global Leader’
• Dr Adrian Tiplady, SARAO, Deputy Managing Director: Strategy and Partnerships, representing Australia’s cutting-edge astronomy sector
• Dr. Julia Tagüeña from Mexico, addressing gender equality challenges and opportunities in Latin American science
• Ms. Aygul Mehmedova a representation from Türkiye, focusing on mental well-being during the crucial transition from academia to industry
• Dr. Eder Kikianty from Indonesia, provided perspectives from mathematics education Beyond inspiration, the workshop delivered tangible benefits through scholarship opportunity presentations from all MIKTA countries.

Each nation’s representatives outlined specific pathways for further education and research collaboration, opening doors that might otherwise remain unknown to graduates. The generous gifts from Korea and Indonesia added a meaningful cultural dimension to the professional development focus, reinforcing the personal connections that make international partnerships successful.

“These gestures of goodwill demonstrated the commitment of MIKTA partners to long-term relationships with South African STEM graduates. Workshops, like these, are crucial for young STEM graduates navigating a competitive and globalised landscape. They offer key benefits such as network building, providing direct access to international professionals and policymakers for career guidance and collaboration,” said Dr Farhahna Allie, lecturer from the Department of Biochemistry at UJ and STEM MentHER Division Manager.

Allie added: “These events also raise opportunity awareness by informing graduates about international scholarships, grants, and exchange programs they might not know about. Participants gain cultural competency, learning how to work effectively in international environments, which is essential for modern careers. Finally, these workshops are vital for confidence building, as hearing from successful women in STEM provides inspiration and practical strategies for overcoming common challenges.”

The 2025 MIKTA Workshop proved to be an insightful and beneficial experience for participating graduates. The combination of expert presentations, mentorship sessions, and scholarship opportunities provided valuable knowledge and connections that will support their future career trajectories in STEM fields.

As South Africa continues to strengthen its position in global science and technology, initiatives like these ensure that our most promising graduates are equipped not just with technical skills but with the international perspective and networks that will define the future of STEM innovation.

“STEM MentHER extends its heartfelt gratitude to all MIKTA partners for providing this invaluable opportunity and exposure to STEM graduates. This workshop represents the kind of international collaboration that transforms individual careers and strengthens South Africa’s scientific community as a whole,” Allie remarked.

Dr Maria Vivien Visaya, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at UJ said participation in the workshop was a key example of valuable opportunities that are available for STEM women graduates.

“Exposure to diverse cultures, whether through international conferences, or talks by global experts, broadens horizons and helps build character. With Africa being home to one of the youngest and most promising populations in the world, empowering women in STEM is not just an investment in individuals, but in the continent’s collective future. In addition, to quote Prof Neil Turok, ‘The future of Africa lies in the hands of its talented young people. By nurturing their creativity and potential, we can catalyze a transformation that will shape Africa’s future. By 2050, a significant proportion of the world’s youth will be African. We must create opportunities for them.”