Aligarh, Eight students from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) represented both the University and India at the prestigious Asian Undergraduate Symposium (AUS) 2026, jointly organised by the National University of Singapore and the ASEAN University Network from July 5 to 18 in Singapore.
The international symposium brought together nearly 300 undergraduate delegates from leading universities across Asia, including India, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and China, under the theme “Communities in Action.” Through collaborative discussions and intercultural engagement, participants developed innovative solutions addressing sustainability, heritage conservation, inclusivity, and community resilience.
The AMU delegation comprised Abdullah Zaidi and Mohammad Amaan (B.Tech. Artificial Intelligence), Syed Muneer Hussain Kazmi (B.Tech. Computer Science), Ritesh Sharma (B.Tech. Automobile Engineering), Mariam Hashmi and Mohammad Qasim (B.Sc. Statistics), Anas Pokkodan (B.A. Sociology), and Varsha Mathur (B.A. English).
A remarkable achievement for AMU was the selection of two student teams among only three Indian teamsshortlisted in theTop 30 project proposals at the symposium.
The first project, “Safe Strays,” led by Ritesh Sharma with Abdullah Zaidi, Mariam Hashmi, and Varsha Mathur, proposed a community-driven strategy to reduce animal-vehicle collisions. The second project, “Anvesha,” led by Mohammad Amaan with Anas Pokkodan and Mohammad Qasim, presented a digital platform aimed at preserving Uttar Pradesh’s traditional Sanjhi art by connecting artisans, communities, NGOs, and young volunteers. Syed Muneer Hussain Kazmi also contributed to another team whose proposal was showcased during the symposium’s closing ceremony.
Both “Safe Strays” and “Anvesha” have advanced for further evaluation. The shortlisted teams will submit detailed proposals by the end of July, after which up to fifteen projects will receive grants of SGD 5,000 each to implement their initiatives.
Congratulating the students, Prof. Naima Khatoon, Vice Chancellor of AMU, lauded their outstanding performance in bringing international recognition to the University through innovation and social commitment.
Prof. M. Athar Ansari, Dean of Students’ Welfare and programme coordinator, appreciated the organisers and acknowledged the support extended by the AMU Alumni Association of Singapore, particularly Mr. George Abraham and Mr. Syed Zia Haider, for their hospitality and guidance throughout the programme.
Source : Aligarh Muslim University News