In a major move to strengthen educational ties between Kazakhstan and South Korea, Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, led a delegation of university presidents to the Global Education and Innovation Summit 2024 in South Korea. The event, which also marked the launch of the Global Education and Innovation Alliance, served as a key platform for building international collaborations in education and research.
At the summit, several significant agreements were signed, highlighting the growing partnership between Kazakhstan and South Korea. A notable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. Bagdaulet Kenzhaliev, Director of the Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation at Satbayev University, and Dr. Sangmok Lee, President of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology. The agreement is set to foster joint research and innovation in metallurgy and industrial technology.
In a bid to further boost academic collaboration, Minister Nurbek signed an MoU with Dr. Kwang Hyung Lee, President of KAIST, and Mr. Yerlan Belispayev, Chairman of QAIST. This agreement is expected to strengthen research partnerships and academic exchanges between Kazakhstan and South Korea, particularly in science and technology. Additionally, another key MoU was signed by Prof. Saule Sagyntayeva, President of Karagandy Technical University, and Dr. Kyeongho Lim, President of Kongju National University, aimed at enhancing cooperation in engineering education and research, benefiting both institutions.
During the visit, Mr. Meiram Begentayev, President of Satbayev University (SU), engaged in productive discussions with Dr. Ji-Beom Yoo, President of Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU). They signed an MoU outlining a new educational program, including the "3+1+1.5" model and a Dual Degree Program in Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Additionally, Dr. Beibitkul Karimova, President of Korkyt Ata University, had a successful meeting with Dr. Dong Hwan Kim, President of SeoulTech, which is anticipated to lead to future collaborative initiatives.
Minister Nurbek and Mr. Nurken Halykbergen, President of Miras University, explored partnership opportunities with President of Seoul Cyber University, Dr. Eun Joo Lee. In addition, the Minister and Mr. Zhumakan Utenov, Director General of Soft-Line Educational Center, discussed potential cooperation with Dr. Lee Nam Sik, President of JEI University, focusing on educational innovation and digital learning.
A key moment of the visit was the highly productive discussions between Minister Nurbek and South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Lee Ju-Ho. The leaders evaluated the current state of educational collaboration and pinpointed key areas for future development. They particularly highlighted the successful establishment of an AI School at Korkyt Ata University, developed in partnership with SeoulTech, as an exemplary model of effective collaboration.
The visit also witnessed the signing of an Agreement on double degree programs in mechanical engineering between Dr. Seitbek Kuanyshbayev, President of Kostanay University, and Dr. Soo-Whan Han, President of Dong-Eui University. This agreement, signed in the presence of both ministers, is expected to provide students with valuable international experience and enhance their career prospects.
At the end of the visit, an MoU was signed between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Education of South Korea, further cementing the educational relationship between the two countries. Minister Sayasat Nurbek’s trip to South Korea has significantly enhanced educational cooperation, establishing a solid foundation for future collaboration and mutual development. This visit not only reinforced existing partnerships but also created new opportunities for academic and research exchanges between Kazakhstan and South Korea.
