By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

In a significant step towards enhancing educational collaboration between Kazakhstan and South Korea, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, H.E. Sayasat Nurbek, led a strong delegation of Kazakh university presidents to participate in the Global Education and Innovation Summit 2024, held on August 27-28 in South Korea. The summit, which marked the launch of the Global Education and Innovation Alliance, provided a platform for fostering international partnerships in education and research.

During the summit, several key agreements were signed, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations. On August 27th, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Prof. Bagdaulet Kenzhaliev, Director of the Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Benefication at Satbayev University, and Dr. Sangmok Lee, President of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology. This agreement aims to promote joint research and innovation in the fields of metallurgy and industrial technology.

In a move to further strengthen academic collaboration, Minister Nurbek also signed an MoU alongside the President of KAIST, Dr. Kwang Hyung Lee, and the Chairman of QAIST, Mr. Yerlan Belispayev. This agreement is expected to enhance research collaboration and academic exchange between Kazakhstan and South Korea, particularly in the fields of science and technology.

Another significant MoU was signed between Prof. Saule Sagyntayeva, President of Karagandy Technical University, and Dr. Kyeongho Lim, President of Kongju National University. This partnership is set to advance cooperation in engineering education and research, benefiting both institutions.

The visit also saw Mr. Meiram Begentayev, President of Satbayev University (SU), engaging in fruitful discussions with  Dr. Ji-Beom Yoo, President of Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) and signing an MOU on educational programs between SU and SKKU (educational program “3+1+1.5”; Dual Degree Program in the areas of Engineering, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences). Similarly, Dr. Beibitkul Karimova, President of Korkyt Ata University, held a successful meeting with Dr. Dong Hwan Kim, President of SeoulTech, which is expected to pave the way for future joint initiatives.

On August 28th, 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 highlight of the visit was the highly successful talks between Minister Nurbek and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of South Korea, H.E. Lee Ju-Ho. During these discussions, the two leaders reviewed the current state of educational cooperation and identified key areas for future growth. They particularly emphasized the successful establishment of an AI School at Korkyt Ata University in collaboration with SeoulTech as a model of productive partnership.

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.

Concluding 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 solidifying the educational ties between the two nations.

Overall, Minister Sayasat Nurbek’s visit to South Korea has provided a powerful boost to the educational cooperation between Kazakhstan and Korea, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration and mutual growth. This visit not only strengthened existing partnerships but also opened new avenues for academic and research exchange between the two countries.