Dr. Miras Daulenov, President of Coventry University Kazakhstan, has published an op-ed on The PIE News platform outlining Kazakhstan’s strategic ambitions in the fields of education and innovation.
The author referenced President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s description of Kazakhstan as a "nation of winners," a statement made during the August conference in Astana. According to Dr. Daulenov, this vision reflect a growing conviction that Kazakhstan’s future will depend on its ability to develop talent, strengthen education and turn knowledge into innovation. This commitment, which is a strategic national priority for our country, is also reflected in the new Constitution, adopted on 15 March 2026.
Dr Miras Daulenov noted that Kazakhstan is now home to more than seven million children. Together with young people, they account for almost half of the country’s population. Their potential is increasingly visible on the international stage. This year, for example, Kazakhstani school students competed in 44 international Olympiads and science competitions, winning more than 1,000 medals, including over 200 golds.
An article focuses on the internationalization of higher education. Currently, Kazakhstan hosts over 35,000 international students from 88 countries, and the government intends to increase this figure to 100,000 within the next five years. Dr. Daulenov highlighted more than 40 active partnerships with foreign higher education institutions (HEIs) and the growing number of international branch campuses, including Coventry University’s own campus in Astana.
The article also places substantial emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The author argues that the strategic focus is not merely on AI technology itself, but on the emerging professions and competencies it demands—ranging from data science specialists to technology ethics experts. Citing the World Economic Forum, Dr. Daulenov underscored that as technology becomes more sophisticated, the value of uniquely human attributes such as critical thinking, creativity, and empathy continues to rise.
The concluding section addresses the evolution of universities.Dr. Miras Daulenov states that it is no longer sufficient for institutions to simply "offer an AI course." Instead, technology must be integrated into the entire pedagogical framework, and universities must foster closer alignment with industry and the labor market. The author believes that Kazakhstan, positioned at the crossroads of East and West offers the ability to bring together different academic traditions, educational models and ways of thinking.
