On 15-16 September 2026, as part of the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea and the first Central Asia – Republic of Korea Summit, representatives of AlmaU took part in a series of meetings and events aimed at advancing international academic cooperation.
The first Central Asia – Republic of Korea Summit was held in Seoul with the participation of the leaders of the Central Asian countries. During the visit, Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea also expanded cooperation in science, higher education, and human capital development. A number of intergovernmental, interinstitutional, and inter-university documents were signed under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
AlmaU was represented at the events by Rector Timur Buldybayev and Vice-Rector for Science and Commercialization Renata Kudaibergenova.
As part of the ceremony, AlmaU Rector Timur Buldybayev signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tongmyong University. The document was signed on behalf of the Korean university by Prof. Joo Sang Woo, Vice President for Global Engagement.
The agreement provides for cooperation in student and faculty mobility, exchange of experience, and the implementation of joint educational initiatives.
Another important outcome of the visit was the signing of an Execution Contract with BBB Korea, aimed at further developing the Korean Center at AlmaU. The document was signed on behalf of BBB Korea by President Dr. Hee Soo Lee.
The cooperation with BBB Korea continues the development of the KT&G Scholarship Foundation Korean Center at AlmaU, established to promote the Korean language and culture and strengthen educational and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea.
Continuation of the Visit in Busan
On 16 September, the AlmaU delegation continued its visit in Busan, where meetings were held with representatives of AlmaU’s partner universities — Youngsan University and Tongmyong University.
At Youngsan University, the delegation met with the university’s leadership and participated in the signing ceremony of a student exchange agreement. The parties discussed further development of academic mobility and international exchange, as well as opportunities for AlmaU students to participate in educational programmes at the university.
The delegation then visited Tongmyong University, where a meeting with university representatives focused on practical mechanisms for implementing the signed agreement. Particular attention was paid to student academic mobility, faculty exchange, and the development of joint educational programmes.
During the visit, AlmaU representatives also had the opportunity to explore the university’s campus and educational infrastructure.
Overall, the AlmaU visit to the Republic of Korea provided an opportunity not only to strengthen existing partnerships but also to translate the agreements reached into concrete educational opportunities for students and faculty members.
The agreements signed with Tongmyong University and BBB Korea, together with the meetings held in Busan, open up new opportunities for the development of academic mobility, educational projects, and cooperation in the field of Korean language and culture.