Houston, TX (April 23, 2026) - Lone Star College-University Park and Singapore Polytechnic brought students together earlier this month for a live cross-continental guest lecture and hands-on workshop focused on data mining and machine learning, marking an early step in a growing international academic collaboration.
The session introduced students in LSC-University Park’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Analytics and Computer Science programs to the Orange Data Mining platform, a tool used to analyze data and demonstrate how machine learning models are built.
“This collaboration gave our students the opportunity to engage with global perspectives while working with tools that connect directly to what they’re learning in the classroom,” said Mohammed Ashour, Ph.D., AI faculty member at LSC-University Park. “It was a strong first step in building a meaningful academic partnership that expands hands-on learning and helps prepare students for the realities of a rapidly evolving, global workforce.”
The effort grew out of connections established during the U.S.-Singapore Technical and Vocational Education Exchange program held June 30 to July 2, 2025. During that visit, Steven Kahla, Ph.D., vice president of instruction at LSC-University Park, met with Singapore Polytechnic and other partners to explore opportunities for collaboration in technical and workforce-focused programs.
After the exchange, Dr. Ashour led follow-up efforts with Singapore Polytechnic on behalf of the college’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning program. Vanessa Cox, Ph.D., Data Analytics faculty member at LSC-University Park, also supported the collaboration.
The April 9 guest lecture was held virtually Thursday evening Houston time and Friday morning Singapore time, creating a live international classroom experience connecting participants across both institutions.
During the workshop, students received step-by-step instruction on using Orange Data Mining to explore data and build machine learning models. The session included live demonstrations, practical guidance and discussion, giving students direct exposure to tools and approaches that support applied learning in emerging technology fields.
Both institutions are exploring additional guest lectures, shared teaching opportunities and expanded academic exchange. As part of the next phase, Dr. Ashour is expected to lead a guest workshop for Singapore Polytechnic students focused on building an AI image classifier through a hands-on, no-code approach.
By connecting students with international expertise and real-world applications in AI and data analytics, the initiative supports LSC-University Park’s efforts to strengthen workforce preparation and expand access to learning experiences shaped by a global economy.
Learn more about the AI, Data Analytics and Computer Science programs in Lone Star College-University Park’s Computer & Engineering Technologies Division at www.lonestar.edu/UP-Division3.htm; for more information about classes or to register, visit www.lonestar.edu/upstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
About Lone Star College-University Park
LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes. Classes are available during the day, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college, led by President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., is devoted to impacting the community’s prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard’s world headquarters, LSC-University Park’s facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, and iSchool.
About Lone Star College
Lone Star College System (LSCS) enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.