On September 16, Almaty Management University (AlmaU) welcomed representatives of Shanghai Normal University (SHNU), the UNESCO Teacher Education Centre (UNESCO TEC), and students from Shanghai Normal University. As part of the visit, an institutional meeting was held with AlmaU’s leadership to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation in education, joint research, and international academic initiatives.
The delegation included Dr. Ruimiao Li, representative of the Research Institute for International and Comparative Education at Shanghai Normal University; Ms. Zhuoyun Wang, International Affairs Secretary at UNESCO Teacher Education Centre; Ms. Jialei Cheng, representative of the UNESCO Almaty Office, as well as undergraduate and graduate students from Shanghai Normal University.
Representing AlmaU were Sholpan Tazabek, Vice-Rector for Global Partnerships; Aizhan Sapargaliyeva, Dean of the School of Transformative Humanities and Education; Azamat Auezkhanuly, Dean of the School of Management and Hospitality; Aigerim Yelibayeva, Director of the Department of Executive Education, Leadership & Consulting; Dayana Balgabekova, Director of the Institute of Education; Aigul Sarenova, Director of the TOLYQ ADAM Institute; Daniyar Medetov, Associate Dean for Research and Industry Relations at the Higher School of Business; and Zhaniya Khaibullina, Director of SDG Center.
Education and the Role of Teachers in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
One of the key topics of the institutional meeting was the transformation of education in the context of the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
The participants discussed the importance of preserving the central role of teachers and meaningful human interaction in the educational process as AI tools become increasingly widespread. Particular attention was given to the importance of direct interaction between teachers and students, mentoring, and individual support as essential elements of a quality learning environment. The participants emphasized the importance of using AI as a tool that supports and complements teaching and learning rather than replacing meaningful academic interaction.
The two sides also discussed opportunities for faculty exchange and academic mobility, the development of joint educational initiatives and programmes, and the implementation of collaborative research projects in education.
Another potential area of cooperation is the development of joint programmes and initiatives in teacher education and teacher training, as well as the creation of professional and research networks involving universities across Central Asia.
AlmaU Experience and the TOLYQ ADAM Programme
During the meeting, AlmaU representatives shared the university’s experience in developing an educational environment focused on the holistic development of students.
Particular attention was given to the TOLYQ ADAM programme, which focuses on the holistic development of students, the cultivation of values, and the development of competencies and skills necessary for personal and professional growth in contemporary society.
The participants discussed potential areas for further cooperation and opportunities to explore the TOLYQ ADAM experience through joint educational and research initiatives.
Guest Lectures for Shanghai Normal University Students
As part of the visit programme, AlmaU representatives delivered two guest lectures for students from Shanghai Normal University:
The lectures were followed by a student interaction and networking session, as well as a guided tour of the AlmaU campus.
About Shanghai Normal University
Shanghai Normal University (SHNU) is a higher education institution based in Shanghai, China. The university has strong academic expertise in teacher education, educational research, humanities, and social sciences. SHNU actively develops international cooperation and participates in educational and research projects with partners from around the world.
The visit of the SHNU and UNESCO TEC representatives to AlmaU provided an opportunity to further strengthen academic links between Kazakhstan and China and to explore new areas of cooperation in education.
Following the meeting, both sides expressed interest in further developing joint research, academic mobility, professional development programmes, and educational initiatives, as well as expanding cooperation through international academic networks across Central Asia.