In a bid to strengthen educational bonds between South Korea and Kazakhstan, a memorandum of understanding has been signed for the establishment of a branch of Woosong University in Turkestan, as announced by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. This agreement, inked during Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek's visit to South Korea, highlights the increasing cooperation in higher education between the two nations.
The memorandum, signed between the Turkestan region's Akimat (city administration) and the management of Woosong University, sets the stage for the branch's creation within an existing university in Turkestan. Additionally, the Akimat has committed to providing essential infrastructure support, including accommodation facilities, and other technical aid to ensure the smooth operation of the branch.
Minister Nurbek underscored the rapid progress in finalizing the agreement, noting that discussions for the branch's establishment had commenced during a delegation visit from Woosong University to Kazakhstan earlier in February 2024. He emphasized the Ministry of Science and Higher Education's continuous endeavours to strengthen connections with Korean universities, citing recent initiatives such as the establishment of the SeulTech Higher School of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics in Kyzylorda, and plans for a branch of KAIST, a prestigious technical university, in Kazakhstan.
During his visit to South Korea, Minister Nurbek engaged with various academic institutions to explore further avenues for collaboration. He held discussions with the rector of Jei University, renowned for its proficiency in IT, engineering, and drone manufacturing. The talks centred on facilitating the enrollment of Kazakhstani students at Jei University and advancing higher education development in both countries.
