From October 24 to 28, 2022, NU hosted the International Youth Forum of the Asian Universities Alliance on the theme: “Building a Meta Silk Road: Integration of Asian Cultures in the Real and Virtual Universe.”
About 40 participants, students from NU, University of Tokyo, Chula University, IIT Bombay, UAEU, HKUST, Seoul National University, University Malaya, and University of Colombo (online) together attended scientific workshops and seminars. The program included a tour of Borovoe resort and the capital city’s sights.
During the week, students from AUA member universities exchanged knowledge, experiences, and cultural values. They discussed AI research, AR/XR/VR, blockchain, data analytics, and the Silk Road legacy with NU’s professors during workshops.
“A Chinese professor talked about the data, which he said resembled crude oil and that data is essential for fintech technology and business administration. He said that the China market does not have the infrastructure but has more data technology than the USA. It was super interesting as well as the blockchain things,” pointed out Kim Kyubin, student from Seoul National University.
NU Assistant Professor Paula Dupuy and her students’ lecture focused on preserving the Silk Road’s heritage. Guests learned how the route of the legendary road changed over centuries and that it was a network of roads connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.
On the closing day, students wore their national costumes, shared a piece of their culture with creative performances, and reflected on what they had learned about Kazakhstan.
Lim Flame, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
“What impressed me the most, especially during the city trip and also interacting with students here, I realized that it is a very different way of approaching the same subjects. The way they think is affected by their history. Also, the locals are very warm. They are proud of their history, which is not quite as evident where we come from. Hong Kong is a more industrialized area. Here, it is still developing, already trying to modernize more and preserve the country’s heritage. I am very impressed by this particular aspect. History has been quite near and a future as well.”
Kim Kyubin, Seoul National University.
“In Burabay, there was a stone like you can make a wish, and it was similar to Korea but a little bit different because we have a statue, so it was quite interesting. I went to the national museum yesterday and saw a golden man. The guide said the gold was super huge and heavy, but they were warriors and fought with other tribes. Gold was not showing their wealth but their social status at that time. That was interesting.”
Tang Hoi Man, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
“We watch news related to Kazakhstan, and, of course, we can search facts on the web, but it is very different to see it here in Kazakhstan. The culture and people surprised us. They are very welcoming. The architecture surprised me because it is very modern, and everything is well-designed and planned. And in terms of lectures, we had two interactive business lectures where we exchanged ideas quite a lot. Hong Kong is an international financial city, and the government is trying to convert it by investing more in different tech and markets. Nice to see how different countries react to the same thing. I enjoyed the technology class. It gave me a very impression of research and different areas. It is a very eye-opening experience.”
Satake Eri, University of Tokyo.
“I had a perfect time. It is the greatest time in my life because of three reasons. First, I am in Kazakhstan, which is far from Japan. And now I see many good people in Kazakhstan. NU impressed me because they welcomed us very warmly, the hotel accommodations were very good, and the classes were very insightful. Second, after the pandemic, we had a complicated time gathering in one place, so I am grateful to the people who gave me such a good chance to meet students from all over Asia in Kazakhstan. Third, I found friends here. Build good friendship.”
Chomcha Maria Timpika, Chulalongkorn University.
“I knew nothing about Kazakhstan before. University gave us information, educated us about culture, and gave us Kazakh food and performances. I started to know what Kazakhstan is. The food is different from my culture, what we eat in Thailand. Some people told me that I look like Kazakh, so something we Asians have in common is we can get along.”
Darmen Ilyas, NU.
“I love interacting with people, especially when such interesting people from all over the world gather. It gives a boost and, at the very least, motivation for any student and even a volunteer. I want a forum to be held annually so students can understand the importance of cultural exchange. It’s cool to know you have friends abroad. I feel very positive about that.”
Saeed Rashid Abaid Ibrahim Dhlea Alzaabi, United Arab Emirates University.
“This forum is a great way of connecting and learning about other people and cultural differences and how we view the world. NU is a good environment because it is so diverse and multi-international, and there is a lot to learn. I love the environment, and people are amicable. Everyone can share what they are thinking and talk about what is important to them because we all have many differences, but I love the feeling of community. Trip to Burabay was nice, especially seeing snow because, where I live, it does not snow a lot.”
Khyati Priya, Indian Institute of Technology.
“It was great to interact with people from different cultures and see their similarities and differences. I was very lucky to be nominated for this trip. I have never been to Kazakhstan. I liked the lectures and city tour. The trip to Burabay also was amazing. It is a very beautiful place. I got to see snowfall for the first time in my life.”
The Youth Forum is AUA’s annual flagship platform for exchanging views on a wide range of contemporary issues, opportunities for young people, and cultural and academic exchange.
NU is the only Central Asia region’s university in the Asian Universities Alliance, which was established at the initiative of Tsinghua University in 2017. The Alliance has 15 universities in Asia.
AUA Members: NU, King Saud University, United Arab Emirates University, Indian Institute of Technology, University of Colombo, University of Yangon, Chulalongkorn University, University of Malaya, National University of Singapore, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Seoul National University, University of Tokyo, University of Indonesia.
NU wishes AUA students a happy journey, new endeavors in their studies, and keeping in touch with friends in Kazakhstan.
