Contributing to the Digital Transformation of Armenia

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On November 15, 2023, the Career Services of the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted representatives of the Information System Agency of Armenia (ISAA). The meeting aimed at familiarizing the University community with the Agency’s mission, particularly in relation to the Young Professionals Program. The information piqued the interest of many students to join the ISAA team of professionals and make an impact on the future of automation in Armenia.

ISAA was established in April 2022 within the framework of the strategic partnership between the government and the Central Bank of Armenia to advance digital society and economic reforms in the country. The Agency serves as the national gateway of digital services; its critical areas of operation encompass digital identity, data governance and interoperability, and cybersecurity. ISAA also backstops the Information Systems Management Board of Armenia, which functions under the strategic leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister as Chief Information Officer. Currently, a number of AUA students and graduates are engaged in the ISAA team as senior and junior professionals in their respective fields. Among them are Srbuhi Hakobyan (MBA ’94), Arman Khachatryan (MBA ’97), Narek Babajanyan (BSCS ’18), Ruzanna Safaryan (MSE ’20), Anzhela Galstyan (BAB ’20, MSM ’23), Avo Alexanian (BSCS ’24), and Suren Petrosyan (BSCS ’24).

During the gathering, Taguhi Terteryan, HR advisor and business architect, presented the Young Professionals Program, fully describing this 6-month paid internship program open to both graduate and undergraduate students. Successful interns will have the opportunity to get full-time employment at ISAA and further advance their professional growth for service to the country. 

The meeting also featured an informative presentation about the ISAA vision, mission and goals. Head of UX and Service Delivery Harmick Azarian elaborated on their focus on delivering streamlined, personalized, and proactive digital services. He explained that the digital architecture of the Republic of Armenia seeks to enable all units of the state to serve citizens in a secure and convenient way; hence, it takes into consideration the needs of public as well as private sector organizations. By 2025, the Agency will have in place the e-Economy state monitoring system designed for more than one million potential users. In closing, he reassured that the platform will provide user-centric digital services with quick and streamlined access.

Shant Kassardjian and Narek Babajanyan (BSCS ’18) then expanded on Armenia’s cyber security topic underscoring the government’s commitment to support its growth through relevant policies, regulations, and initiatives. Particularly, they pointed to three important aspects: theft of personal data, disruption of operations at critical companies and institutions, and financial and physical damage. They also provided a few relevant illustrations from different countries. 

An active discussion followed the presentation with students seeking additional information on various topics. Audience feedback was positive, as many expressed that they felt proud at the prospect of AUA graduates and students engaging in such an important and beneficial initiative for Armenia. Besides being highly informative, the event also provided opportunities for networking and follow-on dialogue.     

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.