At the Belarusian National Technical University, significant attention is paid not only to students' theoretical training but also to their familiarization with the real economy and cutting-edge technologies. For example, students majoring in Customs regularly participate in off-site training and meetings with representatives of leading companies. One striking example of this was an event organized in March 2026 by Elena Golubtsova, a lecturer in the Customs Department, as part of the course "Technical Means of Customs Control": a presentation by Regula, a global manufacturer of document authentication equipment, was held for third-year students.
The students learned about the history of Regula, a company founded in 1992 (one of its founders is a BNTU graduate). Having begun developing a device for detecting magnetic security features in banknotes, the company created the first full-page document reader just two years later. Today, Regula products are sold in more than 175 countries worldwide, and 85 distributors ensure its presence internationally – from Europe and America to New Zealand and Australia. The key goal of the visit was to provide future customs officers with practical training in the equipment they will use in their professional work.
Furthermore, company employees not only gave a lecture but also conducted a master class. The future specialists were shown how modern document readers can verify passport or ID card holder data in seconds. These devices automatically compare the received information against an extensive online database of document templates and display the verification results on the screen in the form of simple and clear indicators.
The highlight of the practical part was a demonstration of counterfeit VIN detection. A company specialist demonstrated how to detect plate alterations in just one minute using magneto-optical equipment. The students were also introduced to the principles of using an information and reference system containing samples of passports, visas, and driver's licenses from 226 countries and territories. This database allows border and customs officers to quickly compare the security features of the documents being inspected with reference ones and identify counterfeits.
An important part of the meeting included discussions with representatives of the marketing and sales department, who explained the specifics of working at a high-tech company. The students learned that Regula not only manufactures equipment but also provides specialized training for its partners and clients worldwide, combining theoretical lectures with intensive practical training.
It was especially noted that the company maintains close ties with its alma mater. As part of its charitable activities, Regula assists BNTU with the repair, maintenance, and adjustment of equipment used in the educational process. This allows students to acquire professional skills using well-maintained and modern equipment.
The meeting with company representatives strengthened ties between the university and the real economy, broadened students' professional horizons, and allowed future specialists to become familiar with modern technologies used in customs control.
Regula is currently the largest manufacturer of expert products for verifying the authenticity of documents, banknotes, and securities, whose developments make an invaluable contribution to customs and border services. Such practical, hands-on training allows BNTU students not only to reinforce lecture material but also to see real-world applications of their knowledge and be inspired by the examples of successful graduates of their university.
