CityUHK strengthens collaboration in Kazakhstan: high-level ministerial meetings and MoU with Satbayev University on AI and digital development
03 Jun 2026
The high-level university delegation led by Professor the Honourable Michael Ngai, Council Chairman of City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), continued its visit to Kazakhstan, with important meetings with Ms Kobenova Gulzat Izbasarovna, Vice-Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Mr Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice-Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan. These exchanges focused on the synergy between artificial intelligence, digital development, and higher education, while exploring avenues for future strategic cooperation to advance digital transformation and innovative scientific research.
The delegation also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Satbayev University to jointly explore and develop executive education programmes related to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital development. Under the framework of the MoU, CityUHK and Satbayev University will jointly explore the launch of executive education programmes, short courses, workshops and seminars in AI and digital development. The two institutions will engage in in-depth exchanges on AI, digital transformation, executive learning and innovation ecosystems, while also exploring opportunities to engage governments, industry and other stakeholders.
The MoU was signed by Professor Li Wen Jung, Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy) of CityUHK, and Mr Sapar Shalabayev, Vice-Rector of Satbayev University, and was witnessed by Professor Ngai, Mr Abay Rakhmet, Acting Chairman of the Board of JSC ‘Center for International Programs’ under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Professor Meiram Begentayev, Rector of Satbayev University.
The CityUHK visit specially aligns with the itinerary of the delegation led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), aiming to leverage the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s higher education and build bridges for innovation, technology, and talent between Hong Kong and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.
Satbayev University, one of Kazakhstan’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, is committed to advancing emerging technologies and digital transformation. Rector Begentayev expressed his hope that both institutions will further strengthen collaboration across multiple areas, integrating respective strengths and resources to promote knowledge sharing and professional development.
Since signing their first cooperation agreement in 2023, CityUHK and Satbayev University have continued to deepen their partnership, including the establishment of the CityUHK Institute for Research and Innovation at Satbayev University. The institute focuses on interdisciplinary research, leveraging the strengths of both institutions to deliver innovative solutions to global challenges.
Following the signing ceremony, Professor Ngai and Rector Begentayev attended a luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), where they exchanged views with representatives from various sectors, further strengthening ties between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan in innovation, technology, trade, and economic development.
CityUHK remains committed to fostering academic and scientific collaboration through strategic partnerships with leading universities and organisations worldwide. For more information about CityUHK’s global alliances, please visit the thematic website.