The Day the Union Disappeared

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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December 25, 1991, is a significant moment in the history of Russia and the entire post-Soviet space. This day marked the end of the Soviet Union, which for more than seven decades had exerted significant influence on global politics, economics, and culture. Mikhail Gorbachev's departure from the presidency of the USSR marked the final point in the history of a great power that once occupied one-sixth of the world's landmass.

The events of that day unfolded rapidly. At 7:35 PM, a symbolic event occurred over the Kremlin in Moscow: the USSR flag, which had embodied the unity and power of the Soviet state, was replaced by the tricolor of the Russian Federation. This moment was not only an act of symbolic change but also a reflection of the profound changes taking place in the country. The flag change marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new stage in the lives of millions of people living in a country that no longer existed.

The policies of glasnost and perestroika, implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev to modernize Soviet society, had tragic consequences. Instead of the expected economic growth and strengthening, the country plunged into crisis. National movements in the republics, economic hardship, and political instability became integral features of the final years of the USSR.

Despite all the negative factors, 78% of Soviet citizens were against the country's dissolution, as they stated in a referendum held on March 17, 1991. However, their opinion was unable to change the situation.

The resignation of President Mikhail Gorbachev symbolized not only his personal defeat, but also the collapse of an entire system that was unable to adapt to new conditions.

Russia, the successor to the USSR, faced the need to build a new national identity. Questions about how to develop the country, reform the economy, and improve relations with the former republics came to the fore. The transition to a market economy, which began in the 1990s, was difficult and painful. Many people lost their savings and jobs, and their standard of living declined significantly.

And yet, despite all the difficulties, our country was able to embark on a path of development, adapt to new conditions, and begin building a new society. Memories of the Soviet Union still live in people's hearts; according to periodic sociological surveys, more than half of Russians still regret the country's collapse.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 25, 2025.

25 декабря 1991 года является знаковым моментом в истории России и всего постсоветского пространства. Этот день ознаменовал окончание существования Советского Союза,…” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/Последний-декабрь-Союза_1200х800-2.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b4%d0%b5%d0%bd%d1%8c-%d0%ba%d0%be%d0%b3%d0%b4%d0%b0-%d1%81%d0%be%d1%8e%d0%b7-%d0%b8%d1%81%d1%87%d0%b5%d0%b7/”>

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: 12/25/2025, 18:40 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range for assessing market risks for the RU000A0JWV89 (Akron B1P1) security were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 25, 2025

18:40

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the National Credit Center (JSC) on December 25, 2025, 18:40 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 97.72) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1021.54 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 10.0%) for security RU000A0JWV89 (Akron B1P1) were changed.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: On December 26, 2025, JSC KAVKAZ.RF will hold a deposit auction.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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Parameters;

The deposit auction date is December 26, 2025. Placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 500,000,000. Placement period, days – 134. Date of depositing funds is December 29, 2025. Date of return of funds is May 12, 2026. Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 15.5. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 500,000,000. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open).

The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Preliminary bids from 10:00 to 10:10. Competitive bids from 10:10 to 10:15. The cutoff percentage may be set or the auction may be declared void by 10:25. Additional terms and conditions.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: On changing the timing of the placement of series 003P-09R bonds of PJSC Segezha Group from December 26, 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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We inform you that in accordance with the Rules for conducting trading on the stock market, deposit market and loan market of PJSC Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS, approved by the decision of the Supervisory Board of PJSC Moscow Exchange on August 1, 2025 (Minutes No. 4), in connection with receiving a letter from PJSC Segezha Group about changing the time of placement of exchange-traded interest-bearing book-entry non-convertible bonds of series 003P-09R of PJSC Segezha Group (registration number of the issue – 4B02-09-87154-H-003P dated 17.12.2025, ISIN – RU000A10DY76) (hereinafter referred to as the Bonds), changes have been made to the procedure for collecting applications and concluding transactions when placing Bonds during the period other than the start date of placement in Chinese yuan:

Trading hours for placement from 24.12.2025 to 25.12.2025 in Chinese yuan

Time for collecting applications and concluding transactions: 10:00 – 13:00.

Contact information for media: 7 (495) 363-3232PR@moex.com

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: 12/25/2025, 6:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Moscow time) the upper limit of the price corridor and the market risk assessment range for the RU000A0ZYLU6 security (DOM.RF1P1R) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 25, 2025

18:16

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the NCC (JSC) on December 25, 2025, 18-16 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 104.61) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1080.06 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) for the security RU000A0ZYLU6 (DOM.RF1P1R) were changed.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

December 25, 2025: New Danube Cruise Dates. Three countries in one cruise for New Year's and Christmas 2026/2027. New Year's holidays with Sozvezdie on the Danube on cruises aboard the Arena. Maximum early booking benefit: 10%.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Infoflot Cruise Center – Infoflot Cruise Center –

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Dear friends,

A true New Year's fairytale awaits you on the Danube in the winter of 2026/2027. Our general partner, the cruise company "Sozvezdie," is offering three holiday cruises, coinciding with New Year's, Catholic Christmas, and Orthodox Christmas.

From the chic and elegant city of Vienna, to the cozy Christmas markets of Bratislava, to the bright lights of Budapest, experience the magical holiday spirit by visiting three countries – Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia – in one trip.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable New Year's holiday on a cruise on the Arena, where new discoveries in the cities along the route are harmoniously combined with the comfort and friendly atmosphere on board.

The cruise program is specially designed to facilitate obtaining a Schengen visa to Hungary.

The cruise begins and ends in Vienna, one of Europe's most beautiful and significant cities. There are convenient flights from Moscow to the Austrian capital with a transfer in Istanbul.

Winter cruises on the Danube are another highlight of the "Discovering the World with Sozvezdie" project:

Full charter – during the 2026/2027 New Year's cruises, the Arena will be exclusively available to guests of Sozvezdie Cruise Line. An all-inclusive package tour with a maximum of services – a cruise with accommodation in a cabin of your choice and full board meals, excursions along the route, port fees and tips, transfers, medical insurance, and visa support (if necessary); support, care, and attention from the Sozvezdie group leader and accompanying staff throughout the entire itinerary – an informational chat with preparation before the cruise, meeting tourists at Vienna Airport, support throughout the tour program until departure, and assistance with any questions onboard; fully Russian-language service – excursions, onboard newspaper in Russian.

During the 8 days of New Year's holidays you will visit:

Vienna, the magnificent capital of Austria, blends imperial grandeur with modern comfort. Bratislava, one of the smallest and most intimate European capitals, exudes a blend of Slovak, Hungarian, and Austrian influences. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is often called the "Pearl of the Danube" for its sumptuous architecture, bridges, and picturesque panoramas. Esztergom, or the "Hungarian Vatican," is one of Hungary's oldest cities and its spiritual center. Komárom/Győr is the starting point for a trip to charming Baroque Győr, a wonderful destination for those who want to experience the "real Hungary" and visit the medieval Pannonhalma Abbey.

Cruise program:

Day 1

Vienna (Austria)

Meeting at the airport of guests arriving on the recommended flight.*

Transfer from the airport to the Arena cruise ship dock. Accommodation on board.

You will spend your first evening having dinner on board, admiring the lights of the Austrian capital.

*Recommended flights will be announced later.

Day 2

Vienna (Austria)

Breakfast on board. First part of a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Vienna (4 hours). Return to the ship for lunch on board.

The second part of a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Vienna, a 4-hour stroll through the city's most picturesque spots. Return to the boat for dinner on board.

Day 3

Bratislava (Slovakia)

Breakfast on board. Walking tour of the Old Town: Bratislava Castle with a panoramic view of the Danube, the main square with its town hall and the enigmatic Roland Fountain, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin, and the famous Čumil, a bronze plumber tucked away on Venturská Street.

Return to the ship, lunch on board. Free time to explore the city on your own. Dinner on board.

Day 4

Budapest (Hungary)

Breakfast on board. A sightseeing tour of Buda, the western part of the city on the right bank of the Danube, includes a visit to the Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, and a walk across the Széchenyi Bridge (duration: 3 hours).

Return to the ship for lunch on board. Free time to explore the city on your own. Dinner on board.

Day 5

Budapest (Hungary)

Breakfast on board.

A sightseeing tour of Pest's eastern part, including the Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica, Váci Street, and the Central Market (4 hours). Return to the boat for lunch on board.

Free time to explore the city on your own. Dinner on board.

Day 6

Esztergom (Hungary)

Breakfast on board. A sightseeing tour of the city, including an external view of the Esztergom Basilica, Hungary's largest cathedral, and the Castle Museum.

Return to the ship, lunch on board.

Visit to Vyšehrad with a tour of the fortress and Solomon's Tower.

Day 7

Komárom/Győr (Hungary)

Breakfast on board. Bus excursion to Győr and Pannonhalma Abbey, Hungary's oldest monastery, perched on a hill above the valley.

Return to the ship. Lunch and dinner on board.

Day 8

Vienna (Austria)

Breakfast on board. Transfer to the recommended flight time:

Recommended flights will be announced later.

About the ship Arena:

This modern, comfortable ship, which underwent partial renovation in 2020, is ready to accommodate up to 196 guests.

Thanks to the Twin Cruiser's unique design, where the engine room is completely separate from the passenger compartment, you will enjoy an exceptionally comfortable and quiet cruise on the Danube.

On board, you will find: outside cabins with French balconies and innovative layouts, an open solarium on the sun deck, a panoramic lounge, a restaurant, a library, a sauna and a gym.

The restaurant's menu features European cuisine: breakfast is served buffet-style, and lunch and dinner are à la carte. At the end of the cruise, you'll enjoy a celebratory captain's dinner.

A valid Hungarian Schengen multiple-entry visa is required for cruise travel. Infoflot Cruise Center provides turnkey visa processing services.

The cost of obtaining a Schengen visa to Hungary is €125 per person. Read more

Accommodation in a cabin of your choice; three meals a day, including soft drinks (water, tea, coffee): buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner from a choice of menus. A five-course captain's gala dinner at the end of the cruise; all excursions as per the cruise itinerary; support from the cruise company "Sozvezdie"; comfortable bus transfers as per the itinerary; medical insurance for passengers up to and including 64 years of age (for Russian citizens only); an onboard newspaper in Russian.

Special conditions:

The maximum early booking benefit is 10% – when paying in full for the cruise by February 1, 2026; a 15% discount – for children 14 years and under (inclusive) when occupying standard berths in the same cabin with adults; cruises with installment plans: prepayment – 30% of the cost (the base price is fixed in euros), the rest – no later than 60 days before the start of the cruise or according to the seasonal discount period.

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

In Russia, they have begun designing the Transarctic Transport Framework.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

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VEB.RF and Rosatom have been commissioned to develop the project. Key elements include multimodal hubs on Siberian rivers and a separate investment fund with the participation of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

Russia has begun developing a comprehensive project for the development of the Arctic and the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor, TASS reports. Presidential Aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolai Patrushev announced this at a meeting of the Maritime Board.

According to Patrushev, in 2025, the board members held a series of on-site meetings in virtually all coastal regions of the Russian Federation to assess the situation on the ground. Together with the regional leaders, they discussed the specific outlines of the future Trans-Arctic Corridor. The focus is on organizing multimodal transportation in key river basins: the Ob-Irtysh, Angara-Yenisei, and Lena. At the same time, industrial and infrastructure projects are being developed, which should ultimately create a sustainable cargo base for the new route.

Rosatom State Corporation has been tasked with financial and economic modeling of the corridor. Another important element of the future system is the creation of an Arctic development investment fund, the concept for which, at the president's request, is to be developed by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Expert support and assistance in achieving national Arctic goals will be provided by a project office established within VEB.RF.

Patrushev proposed that these two development institutions—VEB.RF and Rosatom—be tasked with overall coordination of all participants and the preparation of the final comprehensive project. The head of the Maritime Board emphasized that projects of such scale and significance had never been implemented in Russia's recent history.

As a reminder, Russian authorities are considering creating a national insurance company for vessels transporting exported raw materials. The corresponding measure is included in the draft Strategy for the Development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor until 2050. LR

Read more:https://logirus.ru/nevs/infrastructure/in_Russia_they_started_to_design_the_transarctic_transport_framework.html

Publication date: 12/25/2025

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The rector of the State University of Management at a meeting of the State Council chaired by the President of Russia

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management, took part in the final meeting of the State Council, chaired by Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on December 25.

The President discussed with members of the State Council the training of personnel for the economy, paying particular attention to the modernization of the education system in the context of the development of artificial intelligence.

In his speech, Vladimir Putin recalled that 19 national projects with specific targets were launched in 2025, eight of which are aimed at ensuring Russia's technological leadership. The success of each project depends on the professionalism and competence of the people involved. At the same time, there is currently a high demand for skilled workers: unemployment has dropped to 2.2% overall and to 3.8% among young people.

The head of state emphasized that the next 10-15 years will see the largest technological breakthrough in world history, and we must approach it with full readiness:

"The very principles of training specialists and their subsequent career advancement are being radically transformed. The traditional trajectory of step-by-step career development—from education, to junior position, and on to management—will undoubtedly change… The entire paradigm of personnel training needs to be changed."

Accordingly, it is necessary to revise existing programs and teaching methods, develop new ones, and conduct mass retraining of teachers who will not only be oriented toward new technologies but also preserve the fundamental foundations of the education system, developing independent creative thinking in students and the ability to critically evaluate the proposals of artificial intelligence.

The President also recalled the national ranking of graduate employment prepared by the Ministry (recall that GUU took a leading position in it), based on which he proposed annually identifying the 100 educational institutions that demonstrated the worst results and working with them to improve their performance.

In addition, tasks were outlined to overcome imbalances in the labor market, optimize the sectoral structure of employment, and develop an infrastructure for career guidance for young people and additional vocational education.

Regarding higher education, the President called for attention to be paid to the development of universities that train personnel for key sectors: energy, transport, agriculture, construction, culture, and healthcare. New development programs for such universities should be discussed and developed in close collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Science, industry ministries, relevant enterprises, and businesses.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 25, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Media December: What are the media writing and showing about Polytechnic University?

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Polytechnic University continues to provide extensive coverage of its scientific and international activities, educational practices, athletic achievements, and cultural initiatives in federal and regional media. We strive to present each news story to a broad media pool to convey important messages to the widest possible audience.

Journalists often seek the authoritative opinions of Polytechnic University scientists on various issues, and the university's press service facilitates the inclusion of their expert commentary in popular science articles.

Thanks to this, Polytechnic University has a wide media presence, and we will share a selection of the most important and compelling materials.

On December 1, a batch of vehicles was handed over to the SVO zone at the Polytechnic University. The event generated significant attention and was covered by: TV channel "Russia – St. Petersburg", Saint Petersburg TV channel, "City ", St. Petersburg Diary.

The news item from December 3 received over 15,000 views. "Russia tests new 'repairman' of brain connections," published by RIA Novosti.

A lecture by Mikhail Kovalchuk, President of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute," also generated considerable interest. It was reported on December 10: "News", Channel Five, REN-TV.

The Polytechnic University's launch of a new nanosatellite into orbit was announced on December 17: TASS, Saint Petersburg TV channel, Ferra.ru, St. Petersburg Diary, 78.ru.

Izvestia published an article on its website on December 18 "Head-of-the-line device: a unique blood flow meter will help save stroke patients", which describes a device for monitoring brain blood flow in real time, developed jointly by specialists from the Almazov National Medical Research Center and Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

In the next issue "We'll Explain PRO" program on the Saint Petersburg channel on December 18 Alexey Borovkov, chief designer for the scientific and technological direction "System Digital Engineering," explained digital and systems engineering and presented Polytechnic University projects being implemented under the "Priority 2030" program.

A special place in the university's publicity is occupied by the newmultimedia longread "Slavic Horizons of the Polytechnic"A longread published in Rossiyskaya Gazeta on December 19th describes one of SPbPU's largest international projects, aimed at creating a community of leading universities promoting Russian education, science, and culture in the CIS. Using visualization tools, the longread draws the attention of the general public to the project's key goal: creating an educational outpost uniting universities from Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and other countries through the implementation of best Russian practices, a profound transformation of educational processes, and the strengthening of research potential.

As always, the media widely covered the main student event of the pre-New Year in St. Petersburg—the Governor's Ball at the Polytechnic University:

Channel OneSaint Petersburg TV channelSt. Petersburg Diary"City "

Dear Polytechnic students! Stay tuned for our publications. In the next issue of our media review: a story about the Polytechnic library, the "Omnivores" team that won the "Battle of the Robots," the opening of new laboratories, and much more.

Share stories of your achievements with us: tell us about new developments, interesting research, or exciting events in the life of the university. We'll help you bring these important news to a wider audience! We look forward to receiving your ideas and materials via email. mass media@spbstu.ru.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

A RUDN University student won an internship in the SOLLERS Orbit of Professionals competition.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Ilya Ivanov, a student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technologies at the RUDN University Engineering Academy, won the all-Russian "SOLLERS Orbit of Professionals" competition. He received a scholarship and a paid internship at a leading automotive company with a flexible schedule during his studies. The internship will be supervised by experienced mentors and experts in the automotive industry. It will provide the student with the opportunity to directly participate in the development and implementation of the company's projects.

The competition, which Ilya won, consisted of several stages: online testing, a practical case study, and an interview. At the in-person finals, attended by 200 of the best engineering students from across Russia, he presented his project to the company's expert committee, which received high praise for its innovation and practical relevance. We spoke with Ilya to learn more about the project that won him the competition and what he expects from his upcoming internship.

How did you prepare for the various stages of the competition—the online testing, the practical case? Share your secret to success.

My preparation was systematic. Before the online test, which covered both general automotive knowledge and technical topics (vehicle electrical equipment, metalworking, strength of materials), I reviewed key subjects from my final years—mechanical engineering technology, machine and mechanism theory, and cutting tools. When solving the practical case, the experience gained during my summer internship at the MAZ Moskvich plant, where I was fortunate to participate in the development of new production automation systems and immerse myself in the specifics of the domestic automotive industry, played a significant role. So there's no secret—it was simply a lot of time spent developing a deep understanding of the subject.

What knowledge did you gain at RUDN University helped you win? Are there any particular teachers you'd like to thank?

The objective of the competition case is to develop a mounting bracket for the ERA-GLONASS emergency call unit for a Sollers ST6 vehicle. This is a complex task: the development must take into account production volume, cost, labor intensity, and other factors affecting the final product. We discuss all these aspects in detail in our classes, so I would like to thank our department's instructors: Pavel Aleksandrovich Davydenko, Dmitry Gennadievich Allenov, and Vladimir Viktorovich Kopylov, for their high-quality and accessible presentation of these specialized subjects.

Which stage of the competition was the most difficult for you and why?

The development stage was the most challenging, as there were countless possible solutions. I chose the path of maximum functionality, emphasizing simplicity and low manufacturing cost, which ultimately led to victory.

What was innovative about your project and its practical significance for the automotive industry?

My project included not only the bracket itself, but also a proposal for organizing production, strength analysis results, cost calculations, and a corporate-style brochure outlining the advantages of the proposed solution.

How did you feel the moment you found out you were the winner? What was the first thing you thought about?

The competition organizers kept the suspense going until the very end. On the way to the awards ceremony, I expected to win a prize, but certainly not first place, because, as it seemed to me then, I hadn't done anything special—I'd simply applied the knowledge I'd gained in class. At the event, I met students from various universities in Moscow and the Moscow region, such as MIPT and Bauman Moscow State Technical University, including both master's and doctoral students. The organizers began presenting the awards: third place—not me, second—not me, first—again, not me. At that moment, I thought, "Oh well, I didn't win—it happens, I'll try next time." But then they announced, "Today, our guest is the person who took first place among all participants in Russia—RUDN University student Ilya Ivanov." At that moment, I was overjoyed and immediately ran onto the stage.

The grand prize is a paid internship at SOLLERS. What are your expectations for this job?

This is a very valuable award. What I'm looking forward to is immersing myself in real production processes. Theory and case studies are one thing, but a live factory with its challenges is a completely different and most valuable experience. I hope to contribute to the development of the domestic auto industry and learn from the best specialists in the industry.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.