On 26 September 2026, the First Kazakhstan-Malaysia University Forum was held in Astana, bringing together representatives of leading higher education institutions and organizations from both countries. Hosted by Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), the Forum provided a platform for strengthening direct inter-university ties, expanding academic and research cooperation, and discussing new areas for joint initiatives.
Sholpan Tazabek, Vice-Rector for Global Partnerships at AlmaU, took part in the Forum, representing the University at this important platform for international dialogue in higher education.
One of the key outcomes of AlmaU’s participation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), one of Malaysia’s leading universities.
The MoU opens up new opportunities for cooperation between AlmaU and UNIMAS in academic mobility, joint educational initiatives, research activities, and the exchange of academic and professional expertise.
The agreement is particularly significant as AlmaU was the only Kazakhstani university to sign a separate Memorandum of Understanding directly with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) during the Forum.
The Forum also provided an opportunity to discuss prospects for strengthening Kazakhstan–Malaysia cooperation in higher education. Key areas included joint research projects, the development of educational programs, expanded academic mobility for students and faculty, as well as cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, engineering, innovation, and human capital development.
According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, more than 80 cooperation agreements have been concluded between over 40 Kazakhstani and more than 30 Malaysian universities. In 2026, more than 50 Kazakhstani students participated in academic mobility programs at Malaysian universities.
For AlmaU, participation in the Forum marks another important step in the University’s ongoing development of international partnerships with Malaysia. The new MoU with UNIMAS creates a foundation for expanding academic ties and developing new opportunities for students and faculty.