Education - The Times Of Central Asia

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Education

Kazakhstan Joins OpenAI’s Education for Countries Initiative

Kazakhstan has joined OpenAI’s Education for Countries program, becoming one of the first nations selected for the global initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into national education systems. The program, launched by U.S.-based AI research and deployment company OpenAI, developer of ChatGPT, is part of the broader OpenAI for Countries framework. Kazakhstan joins the inaugural cohort alongside Estonia, Greece, Italy’s Conference of University Rectors, Jordan, Slovakia, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates. Kazakhstan’s participation marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout of ChatGPT Edu, OpenAI’s education-focused AI platform. According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the initiative is considered strategically important for Kazakhstan’s long-term education policy. Amid global debates over AI’s role in education, Kazakh officials stress that artificial intelligence is not intended to replace teachers, but to support them by reducing administrative burdens, enhancing teaching capacity, and enabling personalized instruction. The introduction of ChatGPT Edu is expected to streamline lesson planning, improve assessment processes, and support individualized learning. The project is being implemented under agreements reached during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the United States in November 2025. The key agreement was signed by OpenAI, Inc., Freedom Holding Corp., and Bilim Group. Crucially, the initiative is fully financed through private funding, with no allocations from the state budget or international grants. Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev noted that Kazakhstan’s inclusion in the first cohort coincides with the country declaring 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization. “We view ChatGPT Edu as a practical tool to support educators and strengthen the research environment,” Madiyev said, adding that the initiative reflects the government’s systematic approach to AI deployment in priority sectors. As part of the national rollout, 165,000 free ChatGPT Edu licenses will be distributed, including: 100,000 licenses for teachers in preschool, secondary, technical, and vocational education 62,800 licenses for university faculty and administrative staff 2,200 licenses for participants in the Astana Hub technology ecosystem ChatGPT Edu will enable educators to prepare materials, tests, and assignments in Kazakh, Russian, and English, with content tailored to students’ academic levels. Beginning in January 2026, nationwide training programs will be launched in cooperation with OpenAI specialists, focusing on the practical use of AI in teaching, administration, and research. Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek called the partnership with OpenAI a foundational step in shaping the future of Kazakhstan’s education system. “Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for humans. When used critically and responsibly, it enhances thinking,” Nurbek said. “In education and science, AI accelerates material preparation, improves feedback quality, and opens new research opportunities. Kazakhstan is not training users of artificial intelligence we are training its creators.” Kazakhstan currently leads Central Asia in AI adoption. According to Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute report Global AI Adoption in 2025 - A Widening Digital Divide, Kazakhstan ranked 72nd out of 147 countries, with 13.7% of its working-age population using AI tools by the end of 2025. By comparison: Kyrgyzstan ranked 117th (8.2%) Uzbekistan 141st (6.3%)...

Opinion: Kazakhstan Bets Big on AI to Power Local and Global Growth

A bold vision for Kazakhstan’s future In his recent State of the Nation address, the President of Kazakhstan articulated a bold and ambitious future for the country. He presented a new vision, central to which was the announcement of artificial intelligence adoption and digitization as new national priorities, positioning them as essential for the country’s economic modernization and long-term competitiveness. The speech marked a significant moment for the government. Historically, much of its policy focus has been on managing risk and navigating regulatory uncertainty. Now, the administration is pivoting to focus instead on high-growth, innovation-led initiatives to build a more competitive and resilient Kazakhstan that can thrive in a rapidly changing global economy. In his address, President Tokayev announced the creation of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. Its initial mandate is to develop the Digital Code, a comprehensive framework that will set out how every sector of the economy, from finance and energy to education and healthcare, will integrate AI and digital tools in a structured and sustainable way. Leapfrogging into the digital economy Kazakhstan is embracing leapfrog innovation to harness tools such as AI and blockchain technologies to help accelerate economic growth and diversify its economy. This bet will ensure that the nation remains competitive for generations to come in a digital-led global landscape where technology leadership increasingly defines prosperity. Central to the project’s long-term success is the evolution of Kazakhstan’s educational system, and the country has recently approved its first national framework for integrating AI into its curriculum, signaling a major shift toward future-ready learning. This initiative covers areas including ethics, legal regulation, personal data protection, and academic integrity. Kazakhstan is now one of the first countries to adopt its own national approach in this field, having drawn on the recommendations of UNESCO, OECD, and the EU’s work to ensure global best practices. Building tomorrow’s AI leaders today From the 2025–2026 academic year, AI is being integrated throughout the curriculum with the aim of converting classrooms into technology-literate talent pipelines. Students will benefit from new online courses, while teachers will be supported with professional development programs (with over 11,000 teachers already trained and more to follow). Globally, the adoption of AI in education is surging. According to AllAboutAI, in 2025, 86% of students worldwide use AI in their studies, and half of all teachers will leverage AI for lesson planning. The market for AI in education is projected to reach over $2.7 trillion by 2033, having been valued at $177 billion in 2023. With nearly 30% of Kazakhstan’s population under the age of 15 and a median age of just 29, the country is well placed to transform its students into a new generation of professionals ready to contribute to the country’s technological evolution and global competitiveness. Universities such as the Astana IT University (AITU), International Information Technology University, and the Kazakh-British Technical University, all part of the NNEF ecosystem, are at the forefront of integrating AI across their curricula, ensuring that students gain the skills they need for the digital economy and innovation-driven...

Science

Meet Nurxat Nuraje, One of Kazakhstan’s Most Impressive Scientists

Nurxat Nuraje is a Kazakh scientist who is now well known in the global scientific community. He has spent more than two decades studying and conducting research in the United States. Drawn to science from an early age, he earned his PhD in chemistry from the City University of New York in 2008, successfully launching his research career. His main field of research is nanotechnology and its applications. At a time when nanoscience was still emerging, his bold approach to the subject quickly gained recognition. His first major publication was in the Journal of the American Chemical Society – one of the world’s leading chemistry journals. The paper introduced innovative ideas about nanocircuit fabrication, methods and challenges in their development, computational power, and potential applications. This paper was considered a major contribution to the field at the time. Soon after, he joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the world’s foremost technology universities, as a postdoctoral researcher. There, he succeeded in finding ways to increase computer storage capacity, which is a crucial question for modern computing. His research on the development and application of specific nanoparticles was published in Advanced Materials, once again establishing his name in global science. His work was later awarded a silver medal at the International Materials Research Society conference in San Francisco. “Science doesn’t deliver results overnight. It evolves gradually,” says Nuraje. “The true mission of a scientist is to reshape the world’s thinking through discovery. In the future, we must move from oil to hydrogen energy. That is the energy of tomorrow.” Since 2013, Nuraje has worked as a research scientist at MIT. He is also credited with developing conductive polymer nanoparticles, which are now widely used. Together with his students, he continues to design and create practical, everyday-use technologies. In 2015 he received the Joseph Award for his outstanding contribution to nanotechnology. He became the first Kazakh scientist to win this American honor. Why did MIT invite him to join their team? The answer lies in his PhD dissertation, which was recognized by experts as one of the best in the field. Harvard University, the University of California, and MIT each offered him postdoctoral positions. One of Nuraje's remarkable achievements was the development of anti-fogging materials – the kind used on smartphone screens today. Working with MIT professor Angela Belcher, he co-created a new type of photocatalytic material through genetic engineering of the M13 virus. This groundbreaking work was published in Advanced Materials in 2012 and resulted in five international patents. This is a true testament to the Kazakh proverb: “Knowledge conquers all.” In 2015, he joined Texas Tech University as a professor of chemical engineering, where he established his own research laboratory, The Nurxat Nuraje Lab. There, his team developed solar-powered water-splitting technology to produce hydrogen. His breakthroughs in conductive polymers earned him the American Chemical Society’s Petroleum Research Award in 2016. In the following years, he was named “Most Distinguished Scientist” at Texas Tech University, and in 2018, the...

Education

Uzbek Students Invited to First International PROD Software Engineering Competition

High school students in Uzbekistan are now eligible to participate in the inaugural international PROD software engineering competition, the organizers confirmed to The Times of Central Asia. The Olympiad is open to English-speaking students in grades 8–12 from any country and is designed to introduce participants to the principles of large-scale software development. It offers hands-on experience that reflects workflows used by leading global IT companies. Participants will work on real business cases, study automation in modern organizations, and develop digital solutions aimed at improving efficiency and streamlining operations. The format focuses on teamwork, analytical thinking, and cross-border collaboration. While most stages will take place online, finalists will be invited to Moscow for the team-based final stage, with accommodation and meals covered by the organizers. The competition is organized by major Russian institutions, with mentorship provided by experienced IT professionals who will guide students through the challenges and methodologies of contemporary digital product development. Registration is open until December 2 on the official PROD website. No prior programming experience is required, but participants should have a basic understanding of computer science and strong logical reasoning skills. This is the first time the competition is being held internationally, with parallel tracks in both English and Russian.

TCA Interviews

Universities Join Kazakhstan’s Global Education Vision: An Interview with Minister of Education Sayasat Nurbek

At the invitation of President Trump, on November 5-6, the Presidents of the five Central Asia Republics arrived in Washington, D.C. to celebrate and sign deals on the 10th anniversary of C5+1. They were accompanied by cabinet ministers and business leaders. The Times of Central Asia presents a wide-ranging interview with Kazakhstan's Minister of Education, Sayasat Nurbek. Minister Nurbek sat down with our Washington Correspondent, Javier M. Piedra, to discuss Kazakhstan’s education strategy. The interview offers U.S. academic and technical institutions a glimpse into Minister Nurbek’s educational philosophy and his plans to advance Kazakhstan’s higher education through new partnerships with U.S. universities, AI platforms, and private sector innovators—positioning Kazakhstan as a regional educational hub. Nurbek shared his insights on his understanding of traditional values, the human person, AI’s potential and risks, critical thinking, and building mutually beneficial partnerships in the context of education. (His responses have been edited for length and flow.) TCA: The tenth anniversary of C5+1 was a landmark event, bringing together the Presidents of all five Central Asian nations at the White House. Kazakhstan President Tokayev has tasked you with transforming Kazakhstan into a fully digital nation within three years. In the last two days, you secured six key partnerships with U.S. universities and tech firms across education, testing, mining, and engineering. Minister, with that in mind, how is Central Asia important to the United States? Nurbek: My message to American academic institutions is straightforward. Kazakhstan has a lot to offer, and we are keen on deeper engagement with the outside world. Also, the timing to deepen U.S.-Kazakhstan relations is perfect given that the world is changing. Avenues are open for new relationships and business opportunities. America and Kazakhstan can have a great future as long as we work together to achieve that future. America should not miss this moment in history; the importance of Eurasia and of Central Asia in particular. Besides the education aspects – most important to me – academic and technical partnerships can serve as platforms to maintain U.S. influence, share values, and promote ideas, benefiting both the United States and Kazakhstan as friends in a non-geopolitical sense. TCA: In our earlier conversation, you referenced Sir Halford Mackinder, the early 20th-century British academic who emphasized geography’s role in geopolitics. Can you comment on the sensitivity of mixing education and geopolitics? Nurbek: In The Geographical Pivot of History in 1904, Halford Mackinder argued that control of Eurasia’s central “Heartland,” particularly Eastern Europe and Central Asia, could secure global influence. Mackinder’s theory stressed land power’s dominance over naval power in an increasingly rail-connected world in the early 20th century. Central Asia mattered then and still does today—but why do I mention Mackinder in the context of education? President Tokayev has been clear, especially in the sphere of education, that Kazakhstan seeks great gain, not a “Great Game” – the rivalry between Great Powers for influence and control in Central Asia. In other words, the main way to produce great gains in Kazakhstan and across the...

Education

UK-Based Really English Partners with Tajikistan’s Education Ministry

Tajikistan is deepening its educational cooperation with the United Kingdom through a new agreement between the Ministry of Education and Science and British digital learning firm Really English. The partnership aims to roll out English language and digital education programs across Tajikistan’s universities. First Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Homid Khoshimzoda, held talks in Dushanbe with Nigel Killick, head of Really English, to define the cooperation framework. The two sides explored ways to broaden English instruction, adopt modern pedagogical methods, and deploy innovative digital learning tools. Khoshimzoda welcomed the British initiative, saying that English proficiency remains a top priority in Tajikistan’s educational policy as it broadens students’ access to global academic and professional opportunities. Killick thanked the ministry for its support and affirmed Really English’s commitment to designing interactive English courses, boosting teacher training, and building university partnerships in Tajikistan. Founded in London in 1999, Really English creates digital tools for learning English—from foundational courses to test preparation. The company works with more than 1,000 corporate clients and over 300 educational institutions worldwide, offering academic, business, and conversational English courses, as well as tailored university programs. Advancing Tajik-British Educational Cooperation The agreement marks another milestone in Tajikistan’s broader push to internationalize its education system. In recent years, Dushanbe has actively built academic partnerships with British institutions. On May 31, representatives of the State Agency “Center for International Programs” met with officials from the University of Greenwich to discuss Tajik students’ access to international programs, scholarships, and internships, particularly in economics, finance, and management. British university representatives reaffirmed their support for joint initiatives and expressed readiness to expand academic exchanges and scholarship offerings for Tajik students. British Support for Innovation and Teacher Development The UK has increased its educational engagement across Central Asia in recent years. In 2022, the British Council resumed operations in Tajikistan with a focus on improving teacher training and English language instruction. Joint initiatives with the Ministry of Education and Science have helped modernize curricula and expand STEM and digital education. With UK support, robotics and programming courses have been introduced for schoolchildren, and Tajik universities, including the Tajik National University (TNU), have launched partnerships with British institutions such as the University of Central Lancashire. The UK is also strengthening educational cooperation in other Central Asian states. In Turkmenistan, British experts are working on teacher training and curriculum development, and Chevening Scholarships continue to be available to Turkmen students. In May 2025, Turkmenistan participated in the World Education Forum in London, where global education trends were discussed.