News

On January 25, 2025, the Forum of the National Congress of Historians of Kazakhstan was held in Astana. The event was attended by the State Advisor, Yerlan Karin. The gathering brought together 300 representatives of the country's scientific community, including research historians, university professors, public figures, and media representatives.

During the plenary session and seven working sections of the forum, participants discussed the analysis, systematization, and introduction of new data in archaeology, ethnography, ethnology, and historical geography into academic circulation. The forum also reviewed the results of research conducted by Kazakhstani scholars in foreign archives, museums, and library collections.

One of the key topics of the meeting was the discussion of progress in preparing the new academic publication "The History of Kazakhstan: From Antiquity to Modern Times." The project involves five research institutes and more than 250 scholars from across the country.

Representatives from the Astana International University were invited to participate in the forum, including Associate Professor, Candidate of Historical Sciences Gulmira Kabylanovna Asanova; Candidate of Historical Sciences Kundyzai Myrzashkyzy Yerimbetova; Senior Lecturer, PhD Adiet Kairken Baltagulovich; and Senior Lecturer Meruert Doktyrkhanovna Tlebaldiyeva. Candidate of Historical Sciences, PhD, and Associate Professor of the Higher School of Humanities and Natural Sciences, Gulmira Kabylankyzy Asanova, is the author of one of the chapters in Volume 7 (covering the independence period) of the new academic publication "The History of Kazakhstan from Ancient Times to the Present."

Participants delivered speeches praising the preparation of the multi-volume academic work dedicated to the history of Kazakhstan. They also emphasized the need to expand research on archaeological and historical-cultural monuments, develop archival studies and regional research, and improve textbooks and teaching methods in history.

The professional development course "Artificial Intelligence in Education" for the faculty of the Pedagogical Institute of the International University of Astana, held from January 8 to January 18, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, became an important step in mastering AI technologies.

The course program included the study of key aspects and practical approaches to applying AI technologies in education, as well as the analysis of relevant scientific and methodological literature. During the course, the following topics were covered:

·                     AI regulation issues – normative aspects and the concept of AI development in Kazakhstan and the world.

·                     UNESCO documents – recommendations on the use of AI in education.

·                     Methodological recommendations from the Academy of Education named after Y. Altynsarin – the Kazakhstani experience in integrating AI into educational practice.

·                     Scientific and methodological literature and international publications – analytical reports, research, and publications on AI in education.

·                     Neural networks – their basics and applications in education.

·                     AI-supported online services – tools for gamification and implementing a project-based approach in teaching.

·                     Basics of machine learning – practical work in the Orange Data Mining environment for data analysis and model building.

Survey results highlight the course's significance for professional activities. Almost 70% of the 60 faculty members who completed the "Artificial Intelligence in Education" course rated it as very useful for their work, while 27% found it useful. The course's organization also received attention: more than half of the participants noted that everything was excellently organized, and only 7% mentioned minor shortcomings in the organization.

The lectures were highly rated, with most participants describing them as very substantive and informative. The participants actively worked with AI-supported online services and mastered the basics of machine learning in the Orange Data Mining analytical environment. This demonstrates that the course provided not only theoretical knowledge but also practical tools that can be immediately applied in educational practice. Survey results show that 92.5% of participants assessed the tools studied as applicable in their teaching activities. Notably, almost 70% of participants acknowledged that the course significantly improved their knowledge and skills in the field of AI.

The survey results speak for themselves — 85% of participants are ready to recommend this course to their colleagues. The course was developed by the faculty of the Informatics program: Ph.D. in Pedagogy S.K. Damekova, senior lecturers Zh.L. Myrzayeva and P.N. Abilova.

We express our sincere gratitude to the university administration for their comprehensive support in implementing the "Artificial Intelligence in Education" course and are proud that our university is a leader in advancing educational innovations.

On January 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources under the chairmanship of the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources. The event was attended by representatives from the Zoology Institute, the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), Astana International University, and independent experts.

The meeting addressed issues related to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of the saiga population. Participants reviewed proposals from leading experts, advanced international practices, scientific research developments, and analytical reports from law enforcement agencies on combating illegal poaching.

Professor Murat Nurushev from the School of Natural Sciences presented a comprehensive report titled “Sustainable Development of the Kazakh Saiga Population: Current and Future Prospects” and proposed several measures to address the issue. The meeting was conducted at a high constructive level.

On January 22, 2025, a career guidance fair for students’ parents was held at School No. 92 in Astana. The event was organized to help parents and students choose a future profession and educational path.

At the fair, representatives of AIU presented our university’s educational programs, providing detailed information about study fields, admission requirements, academic mobility opportunities, and employment prospects.

Programs such as pedagogy, information technology, economics, and law garnered particular interest. Parents and high school students received personalized consultations and asked questions about entrance exams, grants, and scholarships.

We are delighted to be part of such important events that help students determine their future path and career direction.

We extend our gratitude to the leadership of School No. 92 for their warm welcome and cooperation! We look forward to seeing future applicants at our university!

On January 17, AIU hosted a fascinating and insightful lecture delivered by Jaap Ora, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Estonia to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event was organized in collaboration with the Astana Diplomatic Club and the AIU Center for International Cooperation and Sustainable Development.

The lecture, titled “Estonia in the World,” was designed for students majoring in International Relations and Translation Studies and addressed key issues in international relations that influence political and economic dynamics both regionally and globally.

🌐 Key topics covered in the lecture:

• Geopolitical prospects of the Republic of Moldova in the current international context.
• 💭 Economic and political consequences of conflicts in the Eurasian region.
• 🚢 Kazakhstan's cooperation with the Baltic States — prospects for exporting via the Baltic Sea and opportunities to develop air connections.
• ⚖️ International law in conflict resolution — lessons we can learn from current global events.

Ambassador Jaap Ora highlighted Estonia as a country that, despite its small size, exerts a significant influence on global politics. He emphasized the importance of international connections and the role of diplomats in addressing global challenges.

📚 Why was this lecture important?
Students left with a deeper understanding of how international processes and relations shape the future. It served as a reminder of the importance of being engaged in global issues and striving for change!

On January 17, the BLCU Kazakhstan campus at Astana International University hosted a significant visit by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Han Chunlin.

✔️ The delegation from the Chinese Embassy included Li Guangzuo, Director of the Department of Information and Public Diplomacy; Fan Chao, Head of Education Affairs; Zhou Huan, Secretary to the Ambassador; and Qian Moxin, Embassy Attaché.

🔻 From the very first moments of the visit, an atmosphere of inspiration and mutual respect was palpable on campus. The program began with a campus tour where the guests explored modern classrooms and language labs designed for learning Chinese and immersing in the rich culture of China.

🔹 During the meeting, key areas of educational cooperation were discussed:

• Providing additional scholarships for Kazakhstani students wishing to study in China;
• Developing educational programs aimed at training highly qualified specialists in technical, scientific, and engineering fields;
• Expanding exchange programs, internships, and research projects for students and faculty;
• Creating platforms for cultural interaction to strengthen mutual understanding between the two nations.

✨ Particular attention was drawn to the Ambassador’s speech, in which he highlighted Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative and emphasized the significance of the Chinese language for youth.
“China and Kazakhstan are not only geographically close but are also connected through educational and cultural initiatives. These ties create opportunities for learning, experience exchange, and strengthening the friendship between our peoples,” he stated.

🔹 Furthermore, the president of AIU proposed that members of the delegation conduct lectures for university students. This would provide students with a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge and be inspired by new ideas.

📕 The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the university for its contribution to the development of Sino-Kazakh cooperation in higher education and noted the historical significance of opening the BLCU branch in Kazakhstan, which has become a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and cultural values.

🔗 The visit became a landmark event for students and faculty, inspiring them to achieve new milestones and strengthen international ties. Graduates of BLCU Kazakhstan will combine the advantages of Chinese and Kazakhstani education, becoming ambassadors of friendship between nations and drivers of progress in education, science, and culture.

In line with the directive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, and the Sustainable Development Goal "Quality Education," professional development courses titled "Artificial Intelligence in Education" commenced at Astana International University on January 8, 2025, for the teaching staff.

The courses focus on training educators to use artificial intelligence technologies in the educational process. They will run until January 18, covering a total of 80 academic hours.

Additionally, a special module on artificial intelligence has been incorporated into the curriculum of several disciplines. This integration is a significant step toward developing digital competencies among students and educators in the context of educational transformation.

The first cohort consists of 70 educators. This initiative highlights the university's commitment to integrating innovations into the educational environment and enhancing the professional skills of its faculty.

The courses are led by Associate Professor, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Saule Kairolyovna Damekova from the Pedagogical Institute. Practical sessions are conducted by instructors from the "Informatics" educational program, who share their expertise and experience in applying artificial intelligence.

Participants will learn how to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of education. The acquired technologies and tools will deepen their understanding of the principles of artificial intelligence and its potential in educational activities.

By the end of the course, participants will gain new knowledge and skills that will enable them to effectively integrate artificial intelligence into the educational process, contributing to the modernization of teaching methods and the development of digital literacy.

We wish all participants success in their studies and look forward to seeing their newly acquired knowledge applied in practice!

On December 14, 2024, the city of Astana hosted the International Competition "Superstar Fest," which became a true celebration of music and creativity.

Students from the 6B01401 "Music Education" program at Astana International University, under the guidance of their teacher, Ayagoz Umyrtayevna Bazarova, showcased their achievements, mastery, and love for music. Their exceptional performances earned them unanimous recognition from the jury, securing top prizes:

• Mirzakhmetova Aida, a 2nd-year student, won the Grand Prix in the Piano category.
• Ermekova Aiym, a 3rd-year student, also won the Grand Prix in the Piano category.

The competition program was rich and diverse, featuring pieces by Kazakhstani composers in contemporary arrangements. The students amazed the audience not only with their technical skills but also with their emotional performances, infusing each note with a part of their soul.

For the students, this competition became a significant milestone, providing an opportunity to showcase their talents and earn valuable prizes. Members of the jury, educators, and guests highly praised the participants' performances.

This day will remain in the memory of everyone who attended as a magical moment filled with harmony and warmth.

On December 28, 2024, the Demo Day of the 4th "AIU BUSINESS INNOVATION" incubation program was held at the Higher School of Economics, organized by the business incubator. The program involved 20 startups, with 12 projects reaching the final. Over the course of a month, participants worked on generating business ideas, learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, financial models, business plan development, and pitching.

During the Demo Day, finalists presented their projects to experts, including representatives from "NARI QazInnovations" JSC, the "Atameken" National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and the business community of Astana. The projects covered various sectors, from producing healthy gluten-free food to developing mobile applications.

After the event, all participants received certificates, granting them the opportunity to apply for a grant funding competition of up to 20 million tenge to implement their business ideas. This is a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.

We wish our incubation program graduates the best of luck!

Annually, in accordance with the memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry

of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, PSA LLP, NCOC N.V., "KPO B.V." and

the "KAZENERGY" Association, a selection of candidates for tuition reimbursement

is held, funded through the North Caspian and Karachaganak projects.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the scholarship holders are the students of the

"Finance" educational program Nurtazina Laura Kuanyshbaevna and Akimbek

Nurikamal Janaydarkyzy, the "Management" educational program student

Abilkhanov Almas Abzalovich, and the "Economics" educational program student

Yerzhan Asylim Nurkenkyzy

(https://www.kazenergy.com/upload/document/education/list_2024.pdf).

Congratulations and wish you all continued success!