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Is the Education Sector Ready for Future Challenges? Experts Discuss at Narxoz Alumni Networking Night

On December 18, 2024, a new meeting was held at Narxoz University as part of the collaborative efforts of the Narxoz Alumni Association and the Narxoz Networking project. The main theme was the panel discussion "Future-proof Education – readiness of education for future challenges," featuring Aibek Kuatbayev, CEO of Bugin Holding, Maksat Khalyk, head of Sana Business Academy, Kymbat Tukeeva, Talent Acquisition Supervisor at KPMG CCA, Asan Zholdasov, founder and director of Pifagor schools, and Kanat Kozhakhmet, president of Narxoz University.
Experts discussed the educational trends of 2024. They agreed that artificial intelligence technologies have firmly entered our lives.
"The application of AI is a significant technological breakthrough, but we must pay attention to the moral and ethical side of the issue to ensure technology is used for good. This depends on the ideology and value system in society. An educated and well-mannered person will use artificial intelligence for the benefit of all," said Aibek Kuatbayev.
Kymbat Tukeeva also highlighted the potential drawbacks of excessive technology use. Asan Zholdasov emphasized that the range of opportunities for gaining knowledge has expanded, with priorities becoming a part of motivation and self-motivation. However, the deep relationships between parents and children remain a vital and timeless issue.
"A very important trend is the development of the Kazakh-speaking business sector and the growth of Kazakh-speaking entrepreneurs who need education and professional knowledge," noted Maksat Khalyk. "Our task is to provide this opportunity, specifically through the launch of an MBA program in Kazakh at Narxoz University next year."
Kanat Kozhakhmet pointed out that artificial intelligence has "devalued" the acquisition of knowledge: "The value is shifting from how much you know to how well you can ask the right questions."
Each expert presented their forecast for 2025. Aibek Kuatbayev stressed the importance of continuous learning and improvement. Maksat Khalyk believes that attention should be paid to the development of science and its use for the benefit of the country.
Kymbat Tukeeva focused on the development of soft skills, personal skills, and additional competencies beyond a fundamental educational background, as employers value the versatility and multifunctionality of employees.
"It would be great if children learned how to search for information," said Asan Zholdasov. "Unfortunately, they currently get content easily through technology and social networks, but the skill of searching and asking questions remains very important and unrealized."
The president of Narxoz University added that in 2024, we should leave behind the notion that everything will remain the same: "All knowledge and all working approaches can become obsolete in an instant. We are entering a race where no one can afford the luxury of not changing."
This is especially true when the educational product itself is undergoing transformation. The business community, government agencies, and academic institutions must closely collaborate to overcome challenges. Attracting investors and exploring new promising directions is also crucial. Interestingly, alumni can become an important link between the university and society, and business. What role can the alumni community play?
"In the context of the sustainability and maturity of the educational product, working with alumni is very important. Alumni have a certain loyalty to the university and can highlight opportunities, relevant market demands, and needs, and act as investors. Any joint collaborations allow new products to emerge, even in times of crisis," noted Kanat Kozhakhmet.
Maksat Khalyk added that besides interaction and sustainable connections, process improvement is crucial to offer products to different sectors, not just business and economics. He cited cultural or sports workers as an example, who have experience, achievements, and talent but do not have an MBA degree.
"Narxoz overall provides an excellent product. It's very important to implement more practical cases and build a bridge between the university and business in the form of alumni. They can serve as navigators for their professors on the overall development direction of disciplines, where to place more emphasis so that in the future, more talented people have the opportunity to work in large international companies," said Kymbat Tukeeva.
In addition to the panel discussion at Narxoz Networking Alumni Night, there was a presentation of the Alumni Association's 2025 Work Plan by Aigerim Raimzhanova, Vice President for Development and International Cooperation.
As part of the "reboot" of the Alumni Club, several points of contact and possible cooperation between the university and alumni have been developed. For example, any Narxoz graduate can contact the Career Center, create a named scholarship, implement an author's project, join a club at the university, or participate in scientific research collaborations, including international ones.
Aigerim Raimzhanova also shared the alma mater's achievements for hundreds of thousands of graduates – Narxoz climbed 200 positions in the QS ASIA rankings, and the MBA program took first place.
"The university's transformation continues. In addition to the new Narxoz Business School building and the improvement of academic programs, we are working towards maximum synergy for the personal growth of our graduates, the development of the country, and the region. The doors of Narxoz are always open," concluded Aigerim Raimzhanova.
Parallel to the presentation of the Alumni Club and the panel discussion, a student organization and creator fair was held at the Narxoz hub, concluding with a quiz, raffle of memorable gifts, and a performance by students.
2024-12-25 09:48