City University of Hong Kong (CityU) was honoured to host a delegation from Kazakhstan led by Mr Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, and Mr Almas Seitakynov, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong and Macao, on 17 August 2023. The delegation was warmly greeted and received by Mr Lester Garson Huang, Council Chairman of CityU, along with members of the senior management team.

CityU representatives introduced CityU’s rapid development and major achievements as a young university during the visit and the two parties engaged in fruitful discussions on cooperation in various fields.

“As we stand on the brink of a new era of global collaboration, we are thrilled and honoured for the novel opportunity to collaborate with institutions in Kazakhstan,” said Mr Huang, welcoming the delegation on behalf of the University.

“This cooperation will become a connection for institutional collaboration and will symbolise our shared commitment to knowledge, research, and mutual growth, thereby enhancing global recognition for both parties,” added Mr Huang.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by CityU and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan will foster institutional collaboration and promote academic exchange. This is the first of its kind that the Ministry has signed with a local university in Hong Kong. 

The MoU was signed by Professor Lee Chun-sing, Provost and Deputy President of CityU, and Mr Sayasat Nurbek, and witnessed by Mr Lester Garson Huang, and Mr Almas Seitakynov. 

Under the MoU, CityU and the Ministry will explore initiatives like the HK-KAZ Future Institute at CityU that will promote talent and institutional collaborations, enhance the exchange of knowledge, and foster cultural understanding between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. The CityU Research and Learning Institute will possibly be set up in Kazakhstan in the future. The MoU will also facilitate the exchange of academics, research personnel and administrative personnel for training activities, student exchange and recruitment, and will encourage scientific research collaboration in mutually interested projects. 

Professor Freddy Boey Yin Chiang, President of CityU, expressed his enthusiasm for the cooperation, stating, “This collaboration will create opportunities for academic and cultural exchange, as well as advance research collaboration between our institutions. We look forward to the positive outcomes that will arise from this cooperation.”

Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, said: “I am pleased to announce the establishment of this cooperation with CityU, in line with the strategic objectives and plans set by the Head of State of Kazakhstan in the field of higher education and science. The signing of the MoU signifies a major milestone in strengthening educational ties between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong. It aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences, foster research collaborations, and create new avenues for talent development.”

The Kazakhstan delegation comprised:

•  Mr Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, Republic of Kazakhstan
• Mr Almas Seitakynov, Consul General, Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong and Macao
• Mr Aibolat Abitbekov, Director, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Republic of Kazakhstan
• Mr Zhaslan Nurtazin, Consul, Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong and Macao

The CityU management who participated in the visit included: 

• Mr Lester Garson Huang, Council Chairman 
• Professor Lee Chun-sing, Provost and Deputy President 
• Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise)
• Professor Li Wen Jung, Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy)
• Professor Michael Tse Chi-kong, Associate Vice-President (Innovation)
• Professor Jennifer Lin Fen, Associate Vice-President (Global Strategy)
• Professor Steven Wang, Associate Vice President (Resources Planning)
• Professor Dai Lin, Director, Global Engagement Office
• Ms Shirley Chong, Director, Communications and Public Relations Office, and Institutional Research Office
• Ms Candy Chouk, Director, Cultural Exchange Oasis
• Ms Helen Lam, Deputy Director, Global Engagement Office

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Mandy Cheung, Communications and Public Relations Office, CityU (Tel: 3442 6806 or 6156 9602).