On October 7–8, a delegation from Nazarbayev University (NU), led by President Waqar Ahmad, visited East Kazakhstan Region. During the visit, the delegation met with regional leadership and visited two local universities and the metallurgical company Kazzinc. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation in research, education and innovation, while fostering closer ties between universities and industrial enterprises in the region.
During a meeting with Nurymbet Saktaganov, Akim of East Kazakhstan Region, the parties discussed opportunities for joint research, training specialists to meet the needs of regional industries, and strengthening inter-university cooperation. Particular attention was given to research on rare and rare-earth metals.
At Amanzholov University, the delegation toured the Shygys-BASTAU Technopark, research laboratories and the DANA BALA Center for Inclusive Education. NU representatives were introduced to developments in water purification, advanced materials, biotechnology and agriculture. The discussions focused on opportunities for joint research, commercialization of research outcomes, academic mobility and knowledge exchange.
At D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU), the delegation visited several research and engineering facilities, including the SMART ENGINEERING Center, the Center for Protective and Functional Coatings, the international Lu Ban Workshop and the Smart Driving Technology Center. Discussions focused on joint research projects, the development of digital technologies and the use of university research capabilities to address challenges faced by industrial enterprises in the region.
The visit to Kazzinc included an overview of the company’s operations and technological priorities, as well as discussions on potential cooperation in applied research, digitalization and industrial automation, occupational safety and environmental technologies. NU and Kazzinc already cooperate in workforce development, with NU students undertaking industrial internships at the company. Both parties agreed to expand this area of
cooperation.
Bringing together NU’s research expertise, the research capabilities of regional universities and the practical experience of industrial enterprises creates new opportunities to advance applied research, develop skilled professionals and introduce innovations into Kazakhstan’s economy.
Photos courtesy of the press offices of Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University and Kazzinc LLP.
