March 14, 2025 – The official opening ceremony of the KT&G Scholarship Foundation Korean Center took place at Almaty Management University (AlmaU).
The educational space is designed to serve as a platform for learning the Korean language, immersing in Korean culture, and expanding academic exchange and international cooperation with universities in South Korea.
The center has been established within the School of Transformative Humanities at AlmaU with the support and funding of the KT&G Scholarship Foundation. A key feature of the center is its openness to a wide audience—it is accessible not only to AlmaU students but also to anyone interested in Korean culture and language. This initiative aligns with AlmaU’s vision as a university open to the city, where educational and cultural projects extend beyond traditional academic programs and become accessible to the local community.
As economic, trade, and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and South Korea continue to strengthen, there is a growing demand for specialists who not only have proficiency in the Korean language but also possess a deep understanding of the country’s traditions and cultural characteristics. This initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing intercultural dialogue and creating new professional opportunities for Kazakhstanis aspiring to build careers in Korean companies or establish business connections with them.
Participants in the center’s programs will not only learn the Korean language and culture but will also have access to academic exchange opportunities, internships, and scholarship programs offered by the KT&G Scholarship Foundation.
Key Areas of the Center’s Activities:
- Educational Programs – Korean language courses for different proficiency levels, as well as specialized courses on Korean culture, including K-pop, Korean cinema, and business communication.
- Academic Research – Conducting studies on linguistic and cultural adaptation, along with publishing scientific and methodological materials.
- Cultural Events – Hosting festivals, workshops on Korean cuisine, calligraphy, traditional dance, and music.
- Partnership Programs – Collaborating with the KT&G Scholarship Foundation on internships, scholarships, and career opportunities, as well as establishing connections with Korean universities and businesses.
Expected Outcomes
The project is designed for a three-year period. By the third year, the center is expected to attract over 1,000 students and participants, becoming an integral part of the city’s academic and cultural landscape.
First Faculty Members of the Center:
- Oh Sang Ho – Advanced-level instructor
- Fariza Borantaeva – Beginner-level instructor
- Raushan Akimbek – Beginner-level instructor
The official opening ceremony was attended by representatives of KT&G, KT&G Scholarship Foundation, the NGO Friends, KT&G scholarship alumni, AlmaU top management, and distinguished guests from the academic and business communities:
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- Young-ah Shim – Head of ESG Management Department and Vice President of KT&G
- Hong Pil Ahn – Director of the KT&G Scholarship Foundation.
- Myung-rye Park – Director of NGO Friends and Director of the Korea Research Institute of Bio Science.
- Gulnara Kurenkeeva – Rector of Almaty Management University.
- Assylbek Kozhakhmetov – President and Founder of Almaty Management University.
- Georgy Vasilievich Kan – Member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan, Honored Scholar and Professor.
- Daniyar Anuaruly – Head of the ambitious KAIST Kazakhstan Project, Hanyang University graduate (2009–2011), KT&G Scholarship Foundation alumnus and others.
Background Information
KT&G Scholarship Foundation
The KT&G Scholarship Foundation is an international charitable initiative dedicated to supporting education, culture, and social projects worldwide. Established by KT&G, the foundation has been providing scholarships for 16 years through global educational programs, assisting both Korean and international students in realizing their academic and professional potential. Beyond education, the foundation also supports the arts and culture, funds startups and creative industries, and invests in social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. As part of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), the foundation actively participates in reforestation efforts in Kazakhstan, restoring forests affected by wildfires.
Over the years, the KT&G Scholarship Foundation has supported thousands of students and talented young individuals worldwide. Its mission is to create new opportunities for education, creativity, and international collaboration, uniting people through science, culture, and social initiatives.
NGO Friends
NGO Friends is a South Korean non-governmental organization based in Seoul, operating under the motto “Peace through Friendship.” According to their official website (hifriends.or.kr), the organization focuses on international exchange, humanitarian aid, and volunteer programs. NGO Friends aims to promote global citizenship, cultural interaction, and peace by engaging youth and citizens in international projects.
They implement educational, cultural, and social initiatives in collaboration with other NGOs, universities, and international organizations. Special emphasis is placed on youth leadership development, global solidarity, and volunteerism as tools for sustainable development. NGO Friends also actively participate in programs that invite international volunteers to Korea and send Korean volunteers abroad. Their approach is rooted in intercultural understanding and building bridges between countries through good deeds and social engagement.
Almaty Management University (AlmaU)
Almaty Management University (AlmaU) is the first private university in the post-Soviet region, renowned for its innovative approach to education and commitment to preparing future leaders. Established in 1988, AlmaU became Kazakhstan’s first business university, introducing international educational standards through prestigious global accreditations such as AMBA, CEEMAN IQA, and FIBAA. The university has also earned recognition in global rankings, including QS Rankings and Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Today, AlmaU integrates education, research, and entrepreneurship, creating an ecosystem that fosters professionals shaping a sustainable and innovative future.