June 3rd 2026, the International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI) announced the recipients of the 1st IETI Global Leadership Award. The awardees are: Michael E. Auer (Germany/Austria), Kostas Gouliamos (Greece/Cyprus), Daniel Lai (Hong Kong, China), and Afzal Haque (Pakistan).
The IETI Global Leadership Award aims to recognize outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, influence, and contributions in academia, education, science, technology, industry, and international cooperation. The selection and evaluation process adheres to the principles of fairness, professionalism, inclusiveness, global perspective, and credibility, with emphasis on comprehensive impact, visionary leadership, and social contribution.
Expert Biographies
Michael E. Auer
Born in Weimar, Germany, in 1948, Michael E. Auer obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Technische University Dresden (TU Dresden), Germany, in 1975.
Past Roles: He has served as Vice Rector of the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (Austria), President of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES), and Secretary-General of the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy (IGIP).
Current Roles: He is currently the Lifelong Honorary President of IGIP, Founding President of the International Association of Online Engineering (IAOE), President of the International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI), President of the International Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Society (IDSAI), and an IETI Fellow.
Notable Contributions: He is the General Chair of the 55th IGIP International Conference on Engineering Pedagogy in 2026 and has sponsored the establishment of the IETI Michael E. Auer Youth Scientist Award.
Kostas Gouliamos
Born in Kalamata, Greece, in 1955, Kostas Gouliamos graduated with a Ph.D. from the Department of Public Administration at Panteion University, Greece, in 1988.
Past Roles & Honors: He is a recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, an Academician of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, and the former Rector of European University Cyprus.
Current Roles: He currently serves as President of the International Research Institute for Economics and Management (IRIEM), Head of the Cyprus (Region) of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, and an IETI Distinguished Fellow.
Notable Contributions: He has established the IRIEM Kostas Gouliamos Doctoral Scholar Award under his name.
Daniel Lai
Born in Hong Kong, China, in 1947, Daniel Lai obtained his Master’s degree in Technology Management from Griffith University, Australia, in 1995.
Past Roles & Honors: He is a Justice of the Peace (JP) and a recipient of the Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) in Hong Kong. He has previously served as Vice President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Government Chief Information Officer (GCIO) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Head of Information Technology at MTR Corporation, and President of the Hong Kong Computer Society.
Current Roles: He is currently the Director of AI Education at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Vice President of the International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI), and an IETI Distinguished Fellow.
Notable Contributions: Recently, he delivered a keynote speech at the 5th International Conference on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Educational Transformation (2026), jointly organized by IETI and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and presented certificates to the award winners.
Afzal Haque
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1954, Afzal Haque graduated with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester, UK, in 1983.
Past Roles: He served as Vice Chancellor of the NED University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan (2013–2017), Vice Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan (2017–2019), and Vice Chancellor of DHA Suffa University, Pakistan (2019–2024).
Current Roles: Since 2025, he has returned to serve as Vice Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology. He is an Academician of the Pakistan Academy of Engineering, as well as an IETI Fellow.
Notable Contributions: He spearheaded the joint establishment of the China-Pakistan International Institute of Artificial Intelligence, collaborating with Pakistani counterparts, including the Pakistan Academy of Engineering and universities, and IETI.