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Today, on April 8, a meeting took place at Astana International University between the university leadership and Ms. Yoko Sekiguchi, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Kazakhstan, representing the department of culture, education, information, and consular affairs.

During the meeting, concrete directions for cooperation were discussed. Ms. Sekiguchi expressed her willingness to support the establishment of partnerships between Japanese and Kazakhstani universities, particularly in the areas of international relations, Japanese language teaching, exchange programs, and academic research.

🔹 The discussion touched on possible collaboration between Japanese universities and AIU.
🔹 Special attention was given to student exchange programs, joint educational projects, and faculty internships.
🔹 Ms. Sekiguchi noted Japanese students’ growing interest in learning the Russian language and considered AIU as a potential alternative to Russian universities.
🔹 Prospects for organizing events dedicated to Japanese culture and expanding academic connections were also reviewed.

AIU expressed its interest in establishing direct ties with leading universities in Japan, including an initiative to invite Japanese professors and researchers for lectures and workshops.

🤝 It is essential for students to gain more international experience, and we are glad that such meetings help make it possible.

On March 26-27, the Higher School of Natural Sciences of Astana International University hosted an exciting Olympiad in Natural Sciences, which was attended by students of the educational program "Recreational Geography and Tourism". A total of 24 participants were announced.

The Olympiad consisted of two rounds:

«The first round» was testing, where students demonstrated their knowledge in the fields of soil science, earth science, geology, geomorphology, tourism, landscape science, hydrology, cartography. 

«The second round» is the protection of tourist projects on the lakes of Kazakhstan. The participants selected a lake from the suggested list and presented their creative ideas for the development of tourism and the protection of these unique natural sites.

The projects were not only fascinating, but also original, and raised important issues of nature conservation and sustainable tourism. In their work, the students took into account the UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as the protection and restoration of ecosystems, sustainable consumption and production, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, as well as the promotion of eco-tourism as an important element in maintaining ecological balance. As a result of two rounds, the winners among the 1st year students were: 1st place – Sarybai Nairiyat, 2nd place - Timur Bashirov, 3rd place - Temirlan Battalov. Among the sophomores, the winners were: Kaparova Albina - 1st place, Bolat Amir-2nd place, Asilbek Nuray – 3rd place.

Students, you are real researchers, ready not only to study, but also to contribute to the development of tourism and environmental protection of our country! Keep moving forward, your ideas can change the future!

On April 5, 2025, Astana International University, based at the Higher School of Economics, hosted the Demo Day marking the conclusion of the 5th incubation program "AIU BUSINESS INNOVATION."

The event brought together 18 teams who presented their projects across various fields — from the development of domestic tourism to the creation of digital tools and applications. Participants showcased the results of their work to invited experts, receiving valuable feedback and recommendations for further development.

Among the guests and experts who supported the aspiring entrepreneurs were: Chairman of the Management Board of JSC "NADI QazInnovations" Akanov S.Zh., Director of the consulting company "MG First" Pirmanova M.G., Head of the ALE "Association for Business Support and Development 'ORDA BUSINESS'" Akhmetova N.S.,PhD from Politecnico di Milano, author of the "School of Akims" program Kazhenov S.G. and co-founder of "AI Pradavan," artificial intelligence expert Maukenov B.

At the end of the presentations, all participants were awarded certificates enabling them to apply for grant funding of up to 20 million tenge from JSC "NARI QazInnovations."

We express our sincere gratitude to everyone who took part in the program and supported the final event. The teams continue to work on their projects and prepare for new stages of development. We wish all graduates of the program good luck and success in realizing their business ideas!

On April 10, 2025, at 15:00, at Akyn Sara 11, 208, a meeting will be held with employers and partners — key participants in the educational process of the Higher School of Economics. The focus will be on updating educational programs, synchronizing with the needs of the labor market, and developing practice-oriented training.

Questions for discussion:

- What competencies are in demand among graduates today and in the future?

- How can employers influence the content of programs?

- What formats of interaction between business and the university are the most effective?

We are confident that only in close dialogue with the professional community is it possible to create relevant educational programs and graduate sought-after specialists.

On April 4, 2025, the III International Scientific and Practical Conference titled "Personal Development in the Educational Process: Theoretical and Practical Aspects" was held at Astana International University (AIU). This significant event brought together leading scientists, educators, students, and experts in the field of education, providing a platform for productive discussions and knowledge exchange.

The conference was held in a hybrid format – participants could attend in person at AIU or join online via ZOOM. Thanks to this, the event attracted over 300 participants from different countries, demonstrating the high level of interest in the topics discussed.

Key Conference Topics:

✔️ The educational environment as a factor in personal development.
✔️ Psychological and pedagogical aspects of inclusive education.
✔️ Digital technologies and their impact on the educational process.
✔️ Modern methods and approaches to personal development in education.

Conference Program:

🔹 10:00 – 12:30 The plenary session featured presentations by leading scholars and experts on contemporary trends and challenges in pedagogy and psychology.
🔹 14:00 – 16:30 In four thematic sections, participants shared their research findings, discussed advanced teaching methods, and explored digital innovations.
🔹 17:00 The conference concluded in a formal setting, recognizing the contributions of each participant to the advancement of educational science.

Organizing Committee and Key Figures:

📌 Anar Bazarovna Myrzagaliyeva – First Vice President of AIU, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor.
📌 Zhanna Kuanyshevna Akhmediyeva – Director of the Pedagogical Institute of AIU, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor.
📌 Zaida Yefimovna Zhumabayeva – Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor at AIU.
📌 Gulim Sailaubekovna Karimova – PhD, Deputy Director of the Pedagogical Institute of AIU.
📌 Gulnaz Ukmetbekovna Turarova – Head of the Pedagogy and Psychology Department at AIU.
📌 Tattigul Bekbaltinovna Kenzhebaeva – PhD, Associate Professor at AIU.
📌 Nazgul Abilbekovna Kudarova – PhD, Associate Professor at AIU.
… and other leading AIU specialists.

Conclusions and Future Prospects

The conference showcased a high level of scientific research and a strong commitment to improving the educational process. AIU expresses its gratitude to all participants for their active engagement, valuable ideas, and contributions to the advancement of educational science!

📌 See you at the next AIU conference!

On April 3, 2025, as part of practice-oriented learning, first-year students of the School of Natural Sciences met with specialists from GeoStock.
✅ The company's representatives conducted a hands-on master class on:

• using a total station in the field;

• working with GPS receivers;

• collecting and processing geodata in practice.

The students gained valuable knowledge and practical skills that will support their future professional work in geodesy and tourism.

On March 26-27, 2025, the International Scientific and Practical Seminar "Abai’s Teaching on the 'Perfect Man' – The Spiritual Guiding Principle of the Kazakh Nation" was held at the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University, dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the great thinker and poet Abai Kunanbaiuly.

The seminar brought together scholars from the Y. Altynsarin National Academy of Education, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nazarbayev University, Suleyman Demirel University, and Astana International University, as well as specialists from the Methodological Center of the Akimat of Astana. Additionally, Kazakh language and literature teachers from Gymnasium No. 87 named after Abai Kunanbaiuly (Astana), Secondary School No. 16 named after Toleubai Amanov (Semey, Abai Region), and the Republican Specialized Boarding School named after Abai with an in-depth study of the Kazakh language and literature (Almaty) actively participated in the discussions.

During the seminar, participants explored topics such as "Abai’s Teaching and the National School Model: A Modern Perspective," "Abai’s Poetic Mastery," and "The Theory and Practice of Teaching Abai’s Heritage." The discussions focused on innovative methods and approaches for teaching Abai’s works, as well as ways to integrate national spiritual values into the educational process based on Abai’s philosophy of the "Perfect Man."

The seminar was initiated and organized by Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor G.K. Rezuanova, together with the team of the Pedagogical Institute. At the conclusion of the event, the organizers expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the importance of studying Abai’s heritage for the spiritual development of society.

Exploring Abai’s legacy is a crucial step towards the spiritual renewal of the nation!

On April 1, 2025, Astana International University (AIU) hosted a Round Table on the topic: "The Importance of Migratory Birds for the Environment". The event was held both in person and online (via Zoom) and was organized with the support of AIU. The moderator was PhD in Biology, Associate Professor of the Biology OP, Bulat Zulkharnaevich Zhumadilov.

The round table brought together a variety of participants, including representatives of the Kazakhstan Girls' Gymnasium No. 25 in Ekibastuz, schoolchildren, scientists from Kazakhstan and neighboring countries, as well as AIU specialists and students. An important aspect of the event was the involvement of all interested listeners, which created a platform for a broad discussion of the role of migratory birds in ecosystems.

The discussion focused on the ecological significance of migratory birds, their impact on the environment and the importance of preserving biodiversity. Participants emphasized the need for further research and increased efforts to protect these birds, which play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance.

The event was a significant contribution to the dissemination of knowledge about conservation initiatives and the importance of preserving ecosystems for future generations.

A third-year student of the educational program 6B04122 "International Business" is currently participating in an academic mobility program in Poland at Adam Mickiewicz University. According to Dinara, her experience at the university has been overwhelmingly positive. She highlights the high professionalism of the teaching staff, the diversity and engagement of the courses, and the friendly and open atmosphere. The professors actively encourage student initiative, which fosters creative approaches and deep engagement with the subject matter. The modern campuses of the university provide a comfortable environment for effective learning.

Additionally, during her studies, Dinara actively collaborates with Polish students and participates in joint events, such as the celebration of Nowruz. She expresses her gratitude to the university for providing the opportunity to take part in the academic mobility program, which has contributed to broadening her international experience and professional horizons.

Second and third-year students of the Higher School of Economics at the Astana International University (Anastasia Adamovich, Daria Barbasova, Jasmin Muratkhanova, Nurilya Sembai), enrolled in the educational programs 6B04102 "Finance", 6B04111 "Marketing", 6B04114 "Management", participate in the academic mobility program at the National Research University "Higher School of Economics" from January 9 to June 30, 2025.

The academic mobility program provides students with a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with advanced teaching methods and deepen their knowledge in their respective fields. Participation in academic mobility enhances international connections, increases students' competitiveness in the global labor market, and opens new opportunities for career growth. The program also contributes to the development of intercultural skills, which is a vital aspect for successful professional activity in the context of globalization. We are grateful to the university for providing this opportunity!

On April 3, 2025, Astana International University (AIU) hosted an international scientific and methodological seminar titled "Languages for Special Purposes in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: History, Problems, Methods, Perspectives." The event brought together leading domestic and international experts in linguistics, digital technologies, and education, providing a platform to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching languages for professional purposes.

Opening of the Seminar

In his opening remarks, AIU Vice President Kairat Amangeldyuly Abdrakhmanov emphasized the relevance and importance of the topic. According to him, the rapid development of digital technologies is introducing new changes to language teaching methodologies, making such scientific gatherings an essential platform for experience exchange.

Scientific Reports and Discussions

During the seminar, several experts presented their research. Aigerim Serikzhanova, Head of the Digital Transformation Department at the Til-Qazyna National Scientific and Practical Center, introduced a project focused on developing electronic resources for the analysis of the Kazakh language. Meanwhile, Aigul Baidibekkyzy, Head of the Lexicology Department at the A. Baitursynuly Institute of Linguistics, PhD in Philology, and Associate Professor, presented an innovative tool for studying the formation processes of Kazakh words.

Dr. Tatia Johnson from the University of Cambridge and EdTech expert Natia Akhvlediani led a discussion titled "Paper Homework is a Thing of the Past. What’s Next?", engaging the audience in an active debate. Within this discussion, Dr. Aigerim Beketovna from Astana International University shared insights into the evolving language policies in higher education.

Practical Sessions and Experience Exchange

The seminar's practical section featured:

• A presentation by Associate Professor of Astana IT University, PhD in Philology, Sabira Minataevna, who shared her experience in motivating IT students to learn the Kazakh language;

• A lecture by Madina Kaidagalieva, a lecturer at Astana International University and Master of Pedagogical Sciences, who demonstrated the effectiveness of using artificial intelligence in grammar instruction through the Guided Discovery method;

• A presentation by Gulzat Tungyshbaevna, a lecturer at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and Master of Philological Sciences, who introduced the results of analyzing functional-prosodic markers in legal discourse using artificial intelligence.

Seminar Outcomes and Future Plans

The seminar concluded with participants recognizing that artificial intelligence not only transforms language learning methods but also elevates the entire teaching process to a new level. Berikhan Iisbekuly, a leading expert from the Language Policy Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan, highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on language policy and its growing significance in the future.

The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants and speakers, reaffirming their commitment to further research and collaboration at the intersection of artificial intelligence and linguistics. This seminar has become a significant part of the scientific discourse on the influence of artificial intelligence on the linguistic environment.