The Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business (NUGSB) hosted the international residency module of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Executive MBA program delivered by the PBC School of Finance at Tsinghua University from July 2 to 6.
As part of the residency, participants met with the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek. Following the event, Minister Nurbek emphasized the broader significance of collaboration between Kazakhstan and leading international universities.
“For Kazakhstan, cooperation with leading universities such as Tsinghua is not limited to academic exchange. It is also about strengthening research capacity, developing centres of expertise, supporting the commercialization of scientific ideas, and preparing specialists for the new economy. I believe that deeper collaboration between Kazakhstani universities and Tsinghua University can open new opportunities for our students, researchers and young scientists. More importantly, it can contribute to a more connected, competitive and future-oriented education ecosystem in Central Asia.”
Opening the residency, NUGSB Dean Joep Konings welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of international academic partnerships in preparing leaders for an increasingly interconnected global economy.
“We are delighted to welcome this Executive MBA cohort to Nazarbayev University. International residencies like this create valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen academic partnerships, and provide business leaders with first-hand insights into the economic dynamics of Central Asia. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with leading universities and institutions across the region,” said Konings.
The residency brought together entrepreneurs and senior executives from Belt and Road partner countries for an intensive academic program focused on international finance, macroeconomics, cross-border business, and regional economic cooperation. Hosted in Astana, the module combined classroom learning with engagement with Kazakhstan’s academic and policy communities, providing participants with first-hand insights into the country’s business environment and its role as a bridge between Asia and Europe.
The academic program featured lectures and discussions led by NUGSB faculty, including a session on understanding Kazakhstan’s business culture and market environment. Participants also explored the country’s innovation ecosystem and opportunities for regional collaboration through meetings with representatives of government and higher education institutions.
Hosting the residency reflects NUGSB’s commitment to international executive education and to building long-term partnerships with leading universities worldwide. By bringing together academia, business, and policymakers, the program contributes to deeper dialogue and collaboration across the Belt and Road region while reinforcing Kazakhstan’s growing role in regional and global higher education.
