HKUST (GZ) Sign Multiple Cooperation Agreements in Kazakhstan
From Sept 22 to 26, a joint delegation from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), led by Professor Lionel NI, President of HKUST(GZ), undertook a significant visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The visit aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Central Asia cooperation framework, focusing on innovative collaboration in education, science, and technology.
“Our five-day journey allowed us to engage closely with institutions in both countries, where we experienced a strong enthusiasm for collaboration with Chinese research universities.” Prof. NI remarks at the end of the visit, “We signed over 10 agreements, establishing broad consensus on future cooperation. Moving forward, the HKUST(GZ) will take practical steps to enhance faculty and student exchanges and jointly cultivate high-level innovative talent for Central Asia.”
One of the highlights was a dialogue with the Kazakhstan International Development Agency (KazAID), where President NI and Chairman Arken ARYSTANOV formalized a partnership agreement aimed at enhancing academic and research cooperation. The delegation also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and student exchange agreements with Nazarbayev University (NU), L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, reinforcing HKUST(GZ)’s commitment to educational collaboration in Central Asia.
Sept 22
The delegation visited Nazarbayev University, where they were warmly welcomed by President Waqar AHMAD and other university leaders. In the afternoon, two universities co-hosted the “China-Kazakhstan Higher Education Roundtable”. The forum brought together prominent leaders from academia, industry, and government. An MoU and student exchange agreement were signed on-site between HKUST(GZ) and NU.
During the event, President NI and President AHMAD delivered welcoming remarks, while Arken ARYSTANOV, Chairman of KazAID, provided a special address emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration between research universities in both countries.
Sept 23
In the morning, the delegation continued their visit to L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU). Rector Yerlan SYDYKOV, along with Prof. Aitmagambetov DUMAN, Vice-rector for strategic development and internationalization and other ENU leaders, warmly welcome the delegation. A MoU and student exchange agreement were signed between President NI and Rector SYDYKOV on behalf of two universities.
In the afternoon, the delegation met with representatives from the KazAID, where Chairman Arken ARYSTANOV expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, recalling his meeting with President NI in Beijing during an international forum the previous year. The dialogue focused on enhancing institutional cooperation and exploring opportunities for collaborative initiatives.
The delegation later traveled to Uzbekistan for a series of visits before returning to Kazakhstan on Sept 26.
Sept 26
In the morning, the delegation engaged with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Prof. Yerkin DUISSENOV, First Vice Rector of the university welcome the delegation on behalf of the rector. He noted the university’s active interactions with Chinese higher education institutions and agreed with President NI that both sides should identify key areas for collaboration as soon as possible, thereby advancing practical cooperation.
The five-day visit concluded with a meeting at Satbayev University, the leading engineering institution in Central Asia. Led by Professor Ricky LEE, Acting Vice President (Research) of HKUST(GZ), the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in information technology, management, and knowledge transfer. The consensus reached between Professor LEE and Prof. Yerzhan KULDEYEV, Vice-Rector for Science and Corporate Development promises to strengthen academic ties between the institutions and foster innovation in education throughout the region.
