UNIST is actively advancing its international collaboration efforts by establishing a strong presence in Central Asia. As part of its initiative to build a sustainable global alumni network, the university is intensifying engagement with local universities, institutions, and industry partners across the region.
In preparation for the upcoming UNIST International Alumni Day in Almaty, Kazakhstan, scheduled for November 8, the International Affairs Team has been making strategic visits to deepen ties and foster collaborative opportunities. From late September to early October, the delegation traveled through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, engaging with academic institutions, government agencies, and alumni networks to lay a solid foundation for ongoing cooperation.
Dean Young-Bin Park of the Office of Public Relations and International Affairs accompanied the delegation on these missions. The meeting included discussions with leading figures from academia and industry in Almaty and Tashkent, the capitals of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan respectively, including the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Almaty. These engagements aimed to establish a sustainable exchange framework in Central Asia and explore avenues for future collaboration.
Highlights of the visits included discussions with key research and educational institutions in Almaty, a city emerging as a hub for industry and innovation. Notably, the delegation met with representatives of the Kazakhstan Advanced Science and Technology Institute (QAIST), a joint project between the Korean and Kazakh governments focused on research-centered higher education. The discussions centered on potential partnerships in managing research universities and fostering industry-academic cooperation.
UNIST delegation discussed collaboration strategies with representatives of KIMEP University in Almaty.
Additionally, alumni currently working as entrepreneurs in the region participated in the visits, underscoring the potential for expanding UNIST’s international educational influence.
The delegation also visited KIMEP University and Satbayev University—two of Almaty’s leading higher education institutions. KIMEP, renowned for its programs in management, social sciences, and law, has recently expanded into engineering and mathematics, and expressed strong interest in student exchanges and academic collaborations. Satbayev University, originating from a mining and metallurgical research institute, has evolved into a comprehensive, industry-focused university with a pragmatic research approach aligned with regional industrial needs. Both institutions proposed formal agreements (MOUs) to collaborate with UNIST on educational and research initiatives.
Dean Young-Bin Park of UNIST is discussing collaboration prospects with Ha Tae Wook, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Later, the delegation visited the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where they exchanged insights on the significance of the event and delivered official invitations. The Consulate General praised UNIST’s longstanding efforts to foster regional cooperation and expressed optimism that this event will further deepen bilateral relations.
Backed by strong alumni presence—over 160 graduates from Kazakhstan alone—UNIST aims to build a lasting network to support not just academic cooperation, but also innovation entrepreneurship in Central Asia.
UNIST delegation toured facilities at Central Asian University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The final stop of the tour was in Tashkent, where the delegation discussed potential partnerships with Central Asian University (CAU). Established by AKFA Group—often dubbed Uzbekistan’s Samsung—CAU is known for its innovative approach, including full English-language instruction and state-of-the-art facilities. The institutions are exploring joint research projects, educational exchanges, and the sharing of UNIST’s advanced educational models through collaborative outreach programs.
“Our visit has reaffirmed UNIST’s commitment to Central Asia as more than just a target region, as it is already part of our global community through our alumni and partners,” said Dean Young-Bin Park. “Our alumni abroad are invaluable ambassadors of UNIST, and we will continue to support their growth as partners in spreading our university’s brand and mission around the world.”
At the upcoming UNIST International Alumni Day in Almaty, alumni, partner institutions, and diplomatic representatives will convene to deepen this shared global network.
