Visually-Impaired Version 
As part of the Public Lecture project, Maqsut Narikbayev University hosted a public lecture by Assel Zhanasova, Chairman of the Board of Kazpost JSC. In her lecture on “Young Global Leaders: Qazpost case”, the speaker spoke about the company’s transformation, digitization of processes, business diversification and the development of cooperation with global marketplaces.
Assel Zhanassova, a graduate of the University of Cambridge, is ranked among the Top 25 Most Influential Women of Kazakhstan according to Forbes Woman and is the only representative from Central Asia on the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders list. She has held executive positions at ERG, the National Bank, the Zerde Holding, and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), and also served as Vice Minister of Trade and Integration. Since October 2022, she has been leading Kazpost JSC. Under her leadership, the national postal operator reported a net profit for the first time in five years and was ranked among the Top 50 best postal operators in the world.
According to the speaker, the most challenging aspect during her first year as Chairwoman of the Management Board was earning the trust of a team of 20,000 employees. She also shared with the audience a personal story about her return to Kazakhstan after studying and working in the United Kingdom.
«I had a good salary, I worked for a large company in London, but I didn’t feel satisfied. When I studied under the Bolashak program, I understood that the state had invested in me. I only have a mother, she works as a teacher, and it would be impossible for her to pay for her studies at Cambridge. I decided that I should return the favor and contribute to the development of the country.», – said Assel Zhanasova.
The head of Kazpost also met with Chairman of the Board of MNU Talgat Narikbayev and got acquainted with the university’s infrastructure.
«I often give lectures, but the audience at MNU was particularly engaged. It is clear that the students are perceptive and demonstrate a higher level of awareness. This is truly encouraging — we are raising a remarkable generation!»,shared Assel Zhanassova, reflecting on her meeting with MNU students.
MNU Public Lecture is a signature project of Maqsut Narikbayev University aimed at fostering dialogue between students and distinguished leaders from various sectors. The project features lectures delivered by heads of government agencies, business executives, renowned public figures, and international experts. Through these public lectures, students have the opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders, ask relevant questions, gain valuable insights, and draw inspiration from real-world experiences. The format of the MNU Public Lecture series also serves to strengthen collaboration between the public sector, the academic community, and the business world. Recordings of the project’s lectures are available on the MNU Public Lecture YouTube channel.
