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Kazakhstan Considers Restrictions on AI Use by Students

Kazakh Member of Parliament Magerram Magerramov has proposed limiting the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools by schoolchildren. According to Magerramov, these technologies can complete school assignments, write essays, and summarize texts, which undermines students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “We risk raising a generation that cannot make quick decisions in complex situations. This threatens the intellectual potential of the country,” the MP warned. Magerramov highlighted global efforts to regulate artificial intelligence as potential models. The European Parliament recently passed legislation to control AI usage, while Australia and some U.S. states have implemented age restrictions for social networks. “Digital technologies should foster development, not hinder it. Thoughtful regulation is essential,” he stated, urging limits on generative AI in schools to mitigate negative impacts. Globally, nations are grappling with the integration of AI in education. UNESCO has called on governments to train teachers in the responsible use of generative AI and issued guidelines for its application in schools. In China, strict internet censorship laws limit access to ChatGPT, effectively restricting its use in education. Meanwhile, Russia is exploring pedagogical, linguistic, and psychological frameworks for regulating AI in higher education. In Australia and parts of the U.S., age restrictions on social media may indirectly influence students’ access to AI tools.

Russia Tourism Legislation Digitalization visas Digital Service

Citizens of Turkmenistan Can Apply for Simplified Entry to Russia

Citizens of Turkmenistan are now eligible to apply for a single-entry electronic visa (e-visa) to travel to Russia. This opportunity became available following an order by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, which expanded the list of countries eligible for simplified entry. The list now includes 64 countries, with Turkmenistan among the latest additions. The e-visa allows entry to Russia for purposes such as tourism, business, humanitarian activities, or visiting relatives and friends. The application process is conducted online through the official portal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Notably, applicants are not required to provide invitations, hotel bookings, or additional documentation justifying the purpose of their travel.

Finance Currency Digitalization National Bank Digital Service

Kyrgyzstan Eyes Digital Currency to Modernize Financial System

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) has announced plans to launch a digital national currency, the digital som. The financial regulator expects the initiative to bolster the country’s financial sector and enhance public administration. New Opportunities The NBKR envisions the digital som transforming Kyrgyzstan’s financial landscape and increasing cashless transactions. One major advantage is improved control over budget spending. Additionally, the digital currency will allow payments even in areas without Internet access - crucial for remote regions with limited connectivity. Using simple technologies such as QR codes and mobile applications, citizens will be able to make quick and convenient payments for goods and services. “The monopoly of central banks to issue money is already ending. Anyone with a computer can create cryptocurrencies and various coins. We are keeping pace with this trend,” noted Akylbek Japarov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. He added that the Ministry of Finance plans to issue digital currency by 2025, allocating up to 27 billion KGS ($314 million) for digital bonds, treasury bills, and gold-backed coins. Under the government’s plan, the digital som will coexist with traditional cash and non-cash currencies. Authorities have devised mechanisms to facilitate its integration into the financial market. Commercial banks connected to the system will receive digital soms in their digital wallets, while equivalent amounts will be debited from their accounts with the National Bank. Transfers of digital soms between individuals will occur via existing banking infrastructure. Digital Stability The NBKR aims to integrate the digital som into the financial system by the end of 2026, with prototype testing scheduled for early 2025. Experts highlight the potential benefits despite some challenges. Economist Nurgul Akimova explained to Times of Central Asia that the Central Bank’s digital currency will feature robust security measures, including advanced cryptography to prevent fraud and ensure confidentiality. State control over issuance will ensure stability and reliability, distinguishing it from electronic money, which can be vulnerable to bank bankruptcies. Digital currency also offers new opportunities for public administration, particularly in taxation. Akimova noted that programmable features could automate tax deductions and other payments to the state, fostering trust and simplifying interactions between citizens and the government. “For the digital som to succeed, it must be widely accessible and easy to use, complementing existing financial instruments,” Akimova added. “Drawing on global experience and our unique national context, digital currency could become a universal means of payment for everyone. This marks a step toward a more modern, inclusive, and sustainable financial system in Kyrgyzstan.” Challenges Ahead However, certain hurdles remain. Akimova pointed out that introducing the digital som to international markets could pose difficulties, as cross-border payments in digital currencies will require the approval of other states.

Legislation Digital Service Digital Technologies Digitization Digitalization Government

Kazakhstan Tops Central Asia in Global E-Governance Rankings

Kazakhstan has risen to 24th place out of 193 countries in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index, up from 28th in 2022. This achievement reaffirms Kazakhstan’s position as the regional leader in e-governance, surpassing its Central Asian neighbors. Globally, Denmark, Estonia, and Singapore secured the top three spots. Legislative Advances in Digital Transformation To further bolster its digital transformation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a landmark law on July 5, focusing on digitizing statistics and improving data management systems. This legislation is set to reduce statistical reporting requirements by 40-50% through amendments to various laws concerning state control, statistics, and data management. Regional Comparisons Other Central Asian countries also demonstrated progress in e-governance, albeit at different rates: • Uzbekistan rose to 63rd place from 69th, exceeding the 2025 targets outlined in its “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy, according to Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov. • Kyrgyzstan improved to 78th place from 81st. • Tajikistan made significant strides, climbing from 141st to 123rd place. • Turkmenistan, however, experienced a decline, dropping to 145th place from 137th in 2022.

Education Digitalization Science Digital Service Digital Technologies Digitization

Kazakhstan’s Evolving IT Sector and the Rise of AI

Kazakhstan is witnessing a surge in IT talent as specialists from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus flock to the country. While this has intensified competition for local professionals, many Kazakh IT specialists are also seeking opportunities abroad. To better understand the current landscape, The Times of Central Asia spoke with Mazhit Berniyazov, founder of the travel startup Mego.tours, about the development of Kazakhstan’s IT industry. TCA: How long have you been working in IT, and how in-demand is this sector in Kazakhstan? Mazhit Berniyazov: My 16 years of experience in IT and related fields has given me a front-row seat to the sector's rapid development and transformation. I’ve worked in both dynamic startups and large companies, experiencing the benefits and challenges of each. Globally, IT is one of the most sought-after sectors, and its popularity continues to grow. In Kazakhstan, the demand for IT professionals has surged in recent years, driven by several factors. First, IT offers a wide range of career paths, making it appealing to people with diverse skills and interests—whether it’s software development, web design, cybersecurity, or data analytics. Second, training opportunities have expanded significantly, with numerous online courses, schools, and academies offering accessible and high-quality education, often bypassing the need for traditional higher education. Third, the IT industry’s dynamic and ever-evolving nature ensures constant demand for skilled professionals, adding to its appeal. The COVID-19 pandemic has also transformed the IT market. The rise of hybrid work models—combining remote and in-office work—has given professionals greater flexibility and freedom. This shift has broadened hiring pools, enabling Kazakh companies to recruit international talent, which, in turn, has heightened competition in the local labor market. TCA: What steps are needed to further develop Kazakhstan’s IT industry? Mazhit Berniyazov: Over the past two years, Kazakhstan has seen a significant influx of IT professionals from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. While many bring high levels of expertise, this migration has intensified competition for local specialists. Additionally, some migrant professionals accept lower salaries due to their circumstances, creating further challenges for Kazakh IT workers. This influx has a dual impact: it raises the overall level of the IT industry in Kazakhstan while also pushing local specialists to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving landscape. Government support is crucial for the growth of the IT sector, yet Kazakhstan still lacks a clear strategy for leveraging its potential, especially in areas like artificial intelligence (AI). While initiatives exist to support IT development, there is no comprehensive roadmap for AI integration or sufficiently effective programs to attract investment and nurture startups in this field. Globally, AI is advancing rapidly, transforming industries such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and marketing. However, Kazakhstan is still in the early stages of crafting a national AI strategy. Challenges include limited public investment, a shortage of qualified specialists, and the absence of a robust regulatory framework. To compete internationally, Kazakhstan must implement a targeted program for AI development, including: • Encouraging scientific research and innovation • Supporting education and training initiatives •...

Trade Trade & Markets Digital Technologies Digital Service Market economy

Kazakhstan Launches New Online Marketplace

A new domestic online marketplace, Teez, has commenced operations in Karaganda, the central city of Kazakhstan’s Karaganda region. The platform, offering next-day delivery, has opened pick-up points in 24 cities nationwide. On November 29, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, visited the marketplace's main warehouse. Teez co-founder Linar Khusnullin informed the minister that the platform currently operates 40 pick-up points and plans to expand this network to 127. The marketplace offers 50,000 product types, and its customer application has already been downloaded by 170,000 users. The company’s warehouse spans 25,000 square meters, but by 2030, it aims to expand to a 120,000-square-meter facility. Teez aspires to become Kazakhstan’s leading e-commerce platform. Shakkaliyev highlighted the rapid growth of e-commerce in Kazakhstan, noting a 20% increase in electronic trade volume from January to October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. He emphasized that Karaganda, with its central location and developed infrastructure, has the potential to become a vital trade and logistics hub not just for Kazakhstan but for the entire Central Asian region. The Times of Central Asia reported that in 2023, the volume of e-commerce in Kazakhstan exceeded 2.2 trillion KZT ($4.8 billion), accounting for 13% of all retail trade, a 0.5% increase from the previous year. The country aims to raise its share of e-commerce to 20% by 2030.