The Times Of Central Asia

10 Dec 2025

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Face Pay, Palm Scans, and AI Cameras: Inside Kazakhstan’s Digital Transformation

December 10, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Daily life in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, increasingly resembles scenes from a futuristic film. Subway fares can be paid with a glance, schoolchildren enter campuses by scanning their palms, and traffic flows are monitored by an expansive video surveillance system. With just a smartphone, citizens can apply for a marriage license, open a business, or access official documents within seconds.

Kazakhstan has embraced rapid digitalization, positioning itself as a regional leader in GovTech and fintech. Authorities promote this trajectory as a means to create a secure and efficient environment, and the public has largely welcomed it. The country now boasts one of the world’s highest penetration rates for cashless payments and digital services.

Yet the swift adoption of emerging technologies has brought new challenges. The digital infrastructure is evolving faster than the country’s legal frameworks can adapt, raising concerns among experts about how to balance technological convenience, public safety, and the right to privacy.

Biometric Security or Overreach?

Kazakhstan’s biometric systems are being integrated into a growing ecosystem of everyday services. A prominent example is the Alaqan system in schools, which replaces traditional entry cards with palm-scanning technology. Currently in a pilot phase at nearly 300 schools, the government plans to expand the system nationwide within the next two to three years, should it prove to be successful.

Supporters argue this enhances child safety by preventing unauthorized access. Critics, however, warn that it also involves building a vast biometric database of minors, requiring unprecedented security protocols.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Digital Development is rolling out a national video surveillance network powered by artificial intelligence. The system, which integrates citywide cameras into a unified platform, will enable real-time facial and license plate recognition and detect incidents such as fights, large gatherings, or abandoned items. Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev described the system as a tool to monitor public safety 24/7.

Equipment Dependence and Strategic Risk

Much of Kazakhstan’s surveillance infrastructure relies on equipment from major Chinese companies such as Hikvision and Dahua. Their products are favored for their cost-effectiveness, but concerns have been raised internationally over cybersecurity vulnerabilities and potential data access “backdoors.” Several U.S. and EU countries have imposed restrictions on these firms for national security reasons.

In Kazakhstan, which pursues a multi-vector foreign policy, the issue is viewed more as technical than political. Experts recommend diversifying suppliers and enforcing strict data encryption protocols, regardless of the origin of the equipment.

Kazakhstan’s exposure to cybersecurity risks became clear in February 2024, when a leak involving the Chinese firm iSoon compromised databases belonging to local telecom operators and targeted government institutions, including the Unified Pension Fund. The incident prompted an urgent reassessment of data security practices. Centralized data hubs, experts noted, can only function securely if accompanied by significant investment in cybersecurity infrastructure.

Legislation Lagging Behind

While Kazakhstan has a law on personal data, experts argue it is outdated, particularly given the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into public systems. Recent legislative amendments now allow biometric identification to be used for public safety and crime prevention. However, civil society groups are calling for clearer protocols outlining who can access biometric data, under what conditions, and with what level of oversight.

A promising development is the drafting of a new Digital Code intended to unify existing regulations and bring Kazakhstan closer to international standards on data protection.

The Road Ahead

Kazakhstan is now widely recognized as Central Asia’s digital hub, showcasing how technology can streamline government services and enhance everyday life. But digital leadership also comes with heightened responsibility. Public trust hinges on the state’s ability to safeguard the personal data it collects and establish transparent legal mechanisms for its use.

The challenge for Kazakhstan is clear: to demonstrate that digital security and personal privacy can and must coexist.

10 Dec 2025

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Uzbekistan Home, Uzbekistan Life & Culture

Rare Antonov An-124 Cargo Plane Makes Brief Stop in Tashkent

December 10, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

A rare sight drew the attention of aviation enthusiasts in Tashkent this week as an Antonov An-124-100M Ruslan, one of the world’s largest serially produced cargo aircraft, landed at Islam Karimov International Airport. According to Tashkent Sky News, the aircraft arrived from Urumqi and was registered as UR-82027. Notably, it bore the inscription “Be brave like Kharkiv”, a tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian city under Russia’s invasion.

The An-124 remains a global leader in transporting oversized and heavy cargo. Capable of carrying between 120 and 150 tons, it features a cargo hold with a volume of approximately 1,050 cubic meters. The aircraft is equipped with both nose and tail cargo doors, each with built-in ramps, allowing simultaneous loading and unloading from either end, an advantage for complex logistics operations involving large or irregularly shaped equipment.

Its robust design includes heavy-duty, multi-wheel landing gear, enabling it to land on less-developed airstrips. This operational flexibility makes the An-124 especially valuable in situations where access to major international airports is limited.

Members of the Uzbekistan Spotters Team gathered at the airport to capture images of the aircraft during its brief stay. For local aviation enthusiasts, the visit offered a rare opportunity to photograph an iconic aircraft and share the experience with the global spotting community.

10 Dec 2025

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Home, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Business & Economy

Wallet in Telegram Launches in Uzbekistan, Expanding Crypto Access to Millions

December 10, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Wallet in Telegram, a global digital asset service integrated directly into the Telegram messaging app, officially launched in Uzbekistan on December 9, opening up crypto access to more than 27 million local users. The move marks a major expansion of Telegram’s financial ecosystem and reinforces Uzbekistan’s role as a regional leader in regulated digital finance.

The service allows users to buy, store, and transfer cryptocurrencies without needing to install additional applications. Registration takes only seconds, and transactions can be completed using local payment systems such as Humo, Visa, and Mastercard. Wallet currently supports Bitcoin, Toncoin, USDT, and over 200 other digital assets.

According to the company, the goal is to make crypto transactions as seamless as sending a message, an especially relevant approach in Uzbekistan, where Telegram usage exceeds 88% of the internet-connected population. By embedding financial tools into an everyday platform, Wallet aims to normalize digital asset use and broaden access to global financial technologies.

The technical infrastructure for Wallet’s Uzbekistan launch is provided by Asterium, the country’s largest crypto ecosystem and a key fintech player. Asterium is responsible for ensuring secure transactions, identity verification, and data protection. “Our mission at Asterium is to make working with crypto assets simple and accessible for everyone. Wallet in Telegram reflects our product philosophy: it is convenient, transparent, and secure, meaning it is genuinely useful for people,” said Komilhodja Sultonov, CEO of Asterium.

The service was licensed by Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP), the regulatory body overseeing the digital asset sector. Uzbekistan has developed one of Central Asia’s most comprehensive legal frameworks for crypto, with a strong focus on user protection and structured innovation.

In response to questions from The Times of Central Asia, NAPP clarified how Wallet aligns with current regulations. Askarjon Zakirov, Head of the Crypto-Assets Turnover Sphere Development Department, emphasized that Uzbekistan legally distinguishes crypto assets from fiat currency. “Firstly, we say that a crypto asset is not a means of payment or a monetary equivalent,” he said.

@TCA/Sadokat Jalolova

Zakirov explained that crypto is treated as a form of property under Uzbek law. As such, transferring cryptocurrency is regarded as a transfer of property rights rather than a financial transaction with monetary obligations.

Pavel Khristolubov, COO of Fintech and Web3 at Wallet in Telegram, also underscored the platform’s commitment to regulatory compliance. “It’s very important for us to operate within the framework of our license. This means we don’t compete with local payment systems,” he said. Khristolubov added that Wallet users can choose between custodial services and non-custodial, on-chain options, offering varying degrees of freedom and security.

Andrew Rogozov, CEO of The Open Platform (TOP), the technology company behind Wallet, described Uzbekistan as one of the world’s most dynamic digital markets. “By combining Telegram’s scale with regulatory clarity and high mobile adoption, we see Uzbekistan as a model for how emerging markets can leapfrog into convenient, technology-driven finance,” he said.

Globally, Wallet in Telegram has over 150 million registered users. Its launch in Uzbekistan follows its U.S. debut in July 2025, with expansion planned in at least 15 more countries over the next two years.

One of the most promising opportunities for Uzbekistan may be the integration of Wallet into Telegram’s broader digital economy. Irina Chuchkina, Chief Growth Officer at Wallet in Telegram, noted that the platform enables monetization tools for creators, media channels, and online communities. “Some blockchain supports the Telegram economy in general. It’s not localized to a particular country or market,” she said, describing crypto wallets as “a fundamental pillar of our super app strategy.”

Chuchkina also highlighted future features such as Ton Connect, a blockchain-based tool for digital service authorization. While not all services will be available in Uzbekistan from the outset, she said these examples illustrate the platform’s long-term potential.

Uzbekistan has positioned itself as a transparent, well-regulated digital asset hub. The arrival of Wallet in Telegram reinforces this status and introduces a major global player into the country’s fast-growing fintech landscape.

10 Dec 2025

Home, Central Asia, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Home

Almaty Scientists Develop Innovative Method to Extract Valuable Materials from Agricultural Waste

December 10, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Researchers at Satbayev University in Almaty have unveiled an innovative technology that extracts high-value materials from sugar beet pulp, the primary byproduct of sugar production, accounting for up to 80% of all biomass.

Under the guidance of Associate Professor Sana Kabdrakhmanova, postdoctoral researcher Faisal Kholiya and PhD student Meruert Imanbek employed advanced hydrothermal synthesis techniques to derive high-quality pectin suitable for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, cellulose with a yield of approximately 35%, and photoluminescent carbon quantum dots ranging from 8 to 14 nanometres, all from sugar beet waste.

The extracted materials have diverse applications, including product shelf-life extension technologies, drug delivery systems, modern diagnostic medicine, and various nanotechnology solutions.

“Our project is a striking example of the transformation of agricultural waste into high-quality, premium materials,” said Kabdrakhmanova, who leads the project.

The research was conducted at the International R&D Center for Advanced Functional Materials and Composites, part of the Department of Chemical Processes and Industrial Ecology at the Omirkhan Baikonurov Institute of Mining and Metallurgy at Satbayev University.

The findings underscore the potential of agricultural waste processing as both a sustainable and economically viable approach.

Particular attention has been given to the photoluminescent carbon quantum dots produced through the project. These nanoscale particles are used in medical diagnostics, biological sensors for cellular research, LED components in electronics, and nanodevices in photonics.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakh scientists are actively pursuing other innovative recycling technologies. One such project, led by the Kazakh Road Research Institute, involves developing methods to restore worn asphalt for reuse in road repair and construction.

10 Dec 2025

Cultural Heritage, Central Asia, Home, Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Home

Kyrgyzstan Secures Exclusive Rights to World Nomad Games Brand

December 10, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

On December 9, Kyrgyzstan officially received the exclusive rights to the World Nomad Games trademark in a formal handover ceremony attended by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev.

Over the years, the Games have evolved into a major international festival showcasing Central Asia’s rich cultural traditions through events featuring birds of prey, equestrian sports, traditional wrestling, archery, and displays of physical skill and endurance.

The rights were transferred by Askhat Akibayev, the founder of the World Nomad Games and former Plenipotentiary Representative of the Kyrgyz Government in the Issyk-Kul region.

Kasymaliev praised Akibayev’s foundational role in developing the Games into a globally recognized cultural and sporting event. “Over the past decade, the World Nomad Games have become one of the largest global platforms for promoting ethnic culture, the values of nomadic civilization, and traditional sports,” he said. “Today, this project is a true national brand for Kyrgyzstan, the flagship of our state’s cultural diplomacy, and an important symbol of our international authority.”

Launched by Kyrgyzstan in 2012, the World Nomad Games aim to revive and preserve the cultural heritage of nomadic civilizations. The inaugural Games were held in September 2014 in the resort town of Cholpon-Ata on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Kyrgyzstan also hosted the second and third editions in 2016 and 2018. The 2022 Games were held in Turkey, and the 2024 edition took place in Kazakhstan.

Kyrgyzstan will host the sixth World Nomad Games from August 31 to September 6, 2026.

10 Dec 2025

Central Asia, Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

South Korea Sees Surge in Tourist Interest in Kazakhstan

December 10, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan is emerging as a leading travel destination in Central Asia for South Korean tourists, with interest surging by 295% from January to October 2025, according to data from the digital tourism platform Agoda.

Kazakh Tourism, the national tourism company, said that the data reflects a sharp rise not only in actual visits, measured through accommodation bookings but also in search queries for travel to Kazakhstan. The increased availability of direct flights between the two countries has played a significant role in this growth. Agoda reports that the launch of the Incheon-Almaty route by Eastar Jet boosted interest in Almaty, with search activity jumping by 348%.

Shymkent, located in southern Kazakhstan, also saw an 89% rise in interest from South Korean travelers. This increase coincides with the May launch of a direct Incheon-Shymkent flight by SCAT Airlines. Meanwhile, Air Astana has expanded its services with more frequent flights from Seoul to both Almaty and Astana.

“We are seeing a clear increase in interest among South Korean travelers in destinations that combine adventure, culture, and authenticity, with Central Asia standing out as a region of growing interest,” said Jay Lee, Agoda’s regional director for North Asia.

Interest from South Korea is part of a broader regional trend. Agoda reported a 225% rise in search activity for the four main Central Asian destinations, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, compared to the same period last year.

Kazakh Tourism noted that it has been actively promoting the country’s tourism potential in South Korea through B2B meetings and information tours aimed at fostering cooperation between leading tour operators.

While Agoda’s figures highlight a significant uptick in online interest, Kazakh Tourism’s own data shows more moderate growth in actual tourist arrivals. From January to September 2025, the number of South Korean visitors to Kazakhstan rose by 25% year-on-year, reaching over 41,300 people. This made South Korea the fifth-largest source of tourists to Kazakhstan, following China (693,000 visitors, up 42%), India (113,000), Turkey (over 103,000), and Germany (more than 81,000).

According to the Border Service, Kazakhstan welcomed more than 12.2 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of 2025, 730,000 more than during the same period in 2024.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan has also taken the regional lead in medical tourism this year, surpassing its Eurasian neighbors in growth and infrastructure development.