By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

 

The Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, paid a working visit to the Republic of Korea on September 10-11, 2025, further strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, education, and innovation, with particular emphasis on university partnerships and technological collaboration.

 

 

While in Seoul, Minister Nurbek held a series of high-level meetings with key Korean officials and academic leaders.

 

During the meeting with H.E. Mr. Bae Kyung-hoon, Minister of Science and ICT, Minister Nurbek shared his views on further advancing parnership in science, technology, and innovations. They agreed to continue efforts to elevate the cooperation to the next level.

 

 

At the talks with Ms. Choi Eun-ok, Acting Minister of Education, the main topic was expanding cooperation based on the success story of AI School established by Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) in Kazakhstan at Korkyt Ata University. They were of the common view on the need to advance student exchanges between universities of the two countries.

 

With Mr. Ji-Beom Yoo, President of Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Minister Nurbek focused on agreements with Satbayev University to develop dual-degree programs, further expanding opportunities for Kazakh students. They exchanged ideas to further promote SKKU’s ties with Kazakh universities.

 

 

Cooperation with Seoul Cyber University (SCU) reached a new milestone. The two sides agreed to establish cooperation with Q University. As part of the visit, the Kazakh delegation visited the campus, where they paid tribute to the bust of Abai and attended a Kazakh room, symbolizing the closeness of the two cultures. The parties also signed a memorandum of understanding.

 

At the meeting with Mr. Kwang Hyung Lee, President of KAIST, Minister Nurbek discussed expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, robotics, and start-up incubation, with a focus on developing joint laboratories and academic exchanges. The sides highlighted the promising areas of cooperation in building Kazakhstan’s capacity for advanced technology development.

 

 

At a meeting with Mr. Daehi Lee, CEO of Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC), Minister Nurbek explored ways to attract Korean venture capital to Kazakhstan’s innovation ecosystem, highlighting opportunities for co-investment and collaboration in supporting start-ups.

 

He also met with Mr. Dong Hwan Kim, President of Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech), to discuss opening opportunities for advanced cooperation.

 

 

At the World Knowledge Forum, organized by Maekyung Media Group, Minister Nurbek delivered a speech highlighting the importance of global cooperation in education and science in the era of rapid technological transformation.

 

This visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Kazakhstan and Korea to foster innovation, academic exchange, and technological cooperation.