On January 30, 2025, Satbayev University, Kazakhstan’s largest technical university, hosted a unique seminar for digital vice-rectors titled “Artificial Intelligence: New Horizons for the Digital Transformation of Universities”, DKnews.kz reports.
The event aimed to enhance the education system by implementing digitalization and AI technologies while promoting best practices. Experts discussed theoretical and practical aspects of AI, its role in academic processes, and strategic steps toward building a modern digital ecosystem in universities.
The seminar opened with a speech from Dinara Shcheglova, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, who emphasized the importance of AI and digital technology in higher education. She stated:
"Without training specialists and preparing the next generation, digitalization risks remaining just an initiative. That’s why the Ministry is focusing on equipping students with innovative AI-driven educational programs" Dinara Shcheglova, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan
The seminar featured leading experts in digital technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, foresight, and IT entrepreneurship. They shared insights on the digital transformation of education, practical experiences, and various approaches to AI integration into the academic environment.
Shahib Rahman, Chief AI Advisor at Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, presented on AI industry trends, application development, the creation of a unified teaching and research platform, and the integration of AI models into education. He noted:
"AI is increasingly multi-purpose, with applications across various industries. However, its most critical use lies in education. Our company’s strategic goal is to empower the next generation of specialists capable of tackling complex challenges and driving science and technology forward. Investing in programming and innovation among Kazakhstani students is the future of our industry" Shahib Rahman, Chief AI Advisor at Huawei Middle East and Central Asia
In 2024, Huawei partnered with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan to localize Huawei AI courses for Kazakh-speaking students. This initiative allows students to learn cutting-edge AI technologies in their native language, improving access to knowledge and strengthening the country’s talent pool.
Continuing the discussion, IT entrepreneur and ChatGPT course author Nick McFly provided an overview of global AI trends, emphasizing AI’s shift from an exclusive tool for large corporations to a widely accessible resource for small and medium-sized businesses. He highlighted how AI is reshaping markets and creating new business opportunities.
A key focus of the seminar was the development of local AI technologies. Professor Huseyin Atakan Varol, a robotics expert at Nazarbayev University, presented the achievements of the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI), which is actively working on large language models for the Kazakh language.
He introduced KAZ-LLM, the first Kazakh-language AI model, as well as the Oylan Language Vision Model, a multimodal AI capable of processing text, images, and speech. Varol emphasized that localizing and adapting AI to the national context is crucial for Kazakhstan’s technological advancement and global positioning in AI research.
Raissa Uskenbayeva, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Satbayev University, highlighted the importance of AI in higher education:
"Artificial intelligence is not just a tool—it is a key factor in transforming universities. Our mission is to train specialists who will not only master AI technologies but also apply them in science, industry, and business" Raissa Uskenbayeva, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Satbayev University
The seminar served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and discussions on integrating AI into education. Participants stressed the importance of continued collaboration between universities, government institutions, and tech companies to prepare future professionals for the challenges of the digital era.
