The event was organized by the Center for Global and Regional Governance (CEGREG) at MNU in collaboration with the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (Netherlands) and the analytical center MIND. The platform convened representatives of government bodies, academia, and industry experts to discuss the region’s growing role in the global economy. Participants emphasized the increasing strategic importance of Central Asia amid rising global demand for resources and ongoing transformations in the world economy.

During the workshop, experts exchanged views on public policy, connectivity and security, geoeconomics, and legal regulation. Special attention was given to the development of the critical minerals sector in Kazakhstan, the country’s role as a transit hub, and the competition among global powers for access to resources. Participants also highlighted the impact of the energy transition on the reconfiguration of supply chains and stressed the need for a balanced policy that takes into account national interests and the principles of sustainable development.

It should be noted that CEGREG specializes in research in the field of international relations, with a focus on global and regional governance.

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Nariman Mukushev provided valuable advice on personal effectiveness, habit formation, and the importance of consistency in achieving goals. According to him, great results are built through small daily actions. He also explained goal-setting using the SMART methodology and emphasized the importance of maintaining balance.

Nariman Mukushev has 20 years of experience in banking, IT, and public service. A separate part of the lecture focused on digitalization and the development of Halyk Bank’s ecosystem. The speaker also spoke about the company’s transformation into a technology platform.

It is worth noting that Halyk Bank is the largest commercial bank in Kazakhstan.

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The MNU team took first place at the third Young Logisticians Forum, themed “The New Generation of Central Asia.” The event was organized by the Kazakhstan branch of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) with support from Coventry University Kazakhstan and Doscar Group. The platform brought together future specialists and industry leaders in logistics and transport across Central Asia.

During the forum’s competition, which featured over 100 participants from 12 regional universities, students Alikhan Saiyn, Ayazhan Oraztaeva, and Aitemir Tusupkanov presented a conceptual model for a green logistics hub and an AI-driven platform. They also successfully defended their project during a Q&A session with the jury. Following their performance, the team was awarded a cash prize certificate and invited to join a paid internship at Status Management Group, a major logistics firm.

In addition, students Almas Zhakanov, Dilyara Almakhyn, and Nurzhigit Kairullayev became silver prize-winners of the “Stock Pitch Competition.” The tournament was organized by Nazarbayev University in partnership with the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange and investment firms Global Ventures and Atlas Capital. As part of the competition, the students conducted an investment research project on the multinational holding company Meta, focusing on valuation, key investment drivers, and long-term risks.

Furthermore, student Akzhanibek Tolegen secured second place at the national Big4 case championship. Presenting before “Big Four” professionals, he provided a comprehensive market analysis, built financial models, and proposed various strategic solutions. The competition took place at KIMEP University with more than 300 participants.

Additionally, MNU students participated in the Integrity Case Championship, held during the annual Integrity Forum at Nazarbayev University. The tournament involved 35 student teams who presented initiatives aimed at strengthening a culture of care within the university environment. The MNU team earned the bronze prize in the championship.

It is worth noting that earlier, MNU students also achieved a historic result at the world’s premier international law competition.

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During the lecture, Talgat Aldazharov, co-founder and managing partner of Aitas Agro, and Togzhan Tynyshbayeva, Head of Recruitment and Professional Development, introduced students to the company’s work and career opportunities in the agro-industrial sector. They also discussed cooperation between business and universities, the company’s social projects, and the development of practice-oriented education.

The representatives of the agroholding also presented the educational project Talent School, aimed at identifying and developing future managers among university students. As part of the project, a case championship, educational initiatives, and mentoring meetings with business leaders and experts will take place before the end of the year. The project will conclude with the selection of two students from the MNU International School of Economics who will receive educational grants.

AITAS brings together more than 15 companies operating in crop production, poultry production and processing, and distribution. Over its 30 years of operation, the holding has become one of the leaders in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector.

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The educational programs of the International School of Economics at Maqsut Narikbayev University have once again confirmed their compliance with the standards of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). The university has been granted the status of a Training Partner for 2026.

The reaccreditation confirms that the university’s educational programs meet the strict international standards of financial education. Students enrolled in the Business Administration in Accounting and Business Administration in Finance programs are eligible for exemptions from 15 ICAEW certificate-level exams. This allows them to use their academic achievements to receive credit for modules that are recognized by employers in more than 150 countries worldwide.

ICAEW is one of the most authoritative global organizations, bringing together more than 170,000 professionals and students in finance, accounting, and business education. It should also be noted that MNU’s educational programs are accredited by prestigious international agencies such as QAA, FIBAA, CIMA, ACCA, CIM, HRCI, GARP, CFA, and CEEMAN.

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PhD in Political Science and Deputy Dean of the International School of Economics at MNU, Assem Kalkamanova, presented the key findings of the research to the deputies. The researchers analyzed the socio-demographic profile of voucher recipients, access and coverage across the city’s districts, the distribution of service providers, the additional impact of the program on children’s development, as well as the quality of services and parents’ satisfaction. The study may serve as a basis for further improvement of the program’s implementation mechanism and for increasing its effectiveness.

Members of the maslikhat proposed conducting a comprehensive analysis covering a three-year period and establishing a permanent working group. They also emphasized the need to support researchers in obtaining anonymized data from information systems to calculate efficiency indicators. Following the discussion, the deputies noted the relevance of the study for improving the city’s social policy and expressed interest in continued expert support from the university.

It should be noted that the pilot voucher financing model is currently being implemented in six regions of Kazakhstan. Under the new system, each child receives an electronic voucher that allows them to attend one extracurricular club or section free of charge. In addition, funding is provided only after the service has been delivered — once the parent confirms the child’s attendance through a digital platform.

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The three-day case championship brought together 25 students from MNU and Nazarbayev University. Participants developed their strategic analysis skills and practical approaches to solving business challenges. In addition, McKinsey & Company consultants conducted a series of workshops and practical sessions focused on case structuring methodology, hypothesis building, and developing well-grounded managerial solutions.

The competition program was designed to fully immerse students in the format of real-life consulting. Participants analyzed data, developed strategies, and prepared presentations. The case championship enabled students to gain a systematic foundation in case-solving and better understand the specifics of working at an international consulting firm.

It is worth noting that the Astana Case Championship is held annually with the aim of developing students’ analytical, strategic, and presentation skills, as well as fostering interest in professional careers in management consulting.

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Students of Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) have won the Kazakhstan round of the CFA Institute Research Challenge 2026, the world’s largest student investment competition. The team has earned the right to represent the country at the sub-regional stage of the prestigious contest.

MNU has been participating in the competition since 2016. This year’s national round brought together 14 student teams from universities across Kazakhstan. Over the course of three months, participants conducted an in-depth valuation of the American company Freshworks Inc. and presented their research to CFA charterholders.

Two MNU teams advanced to the final round, alongside teams from Narxoz University, KBTU, and KIMEP University. MNU students secured first place and also shared second place with their competitors from KBTU. The winning team consisted of students from the International School of Economics: Aiyum Omarova, Aigerim Orazalina, Dilnaz Tolegenova, Nurzhigit Kairullayev, and Zarina Ualitkhanova.

This achievement allows the MNU team to represent Kazakhstan at the sub-regional stage in March. The sub-regional competition includes participants from 46 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The best teams will advance to the regional semifinals.

The CFA Institute Research Challenge has been held for more than 20 years and is widely regarded as the most prestigious student competition in Finance. During the challenge, participants gain practical experience in financial analysis, learn to prepare financial reports in line with global corporate standards, and develop presentation skills in English for senior professionals from leading international financial institutions. The global final will take place on May 12 in Hong Kong.

The CFA Institute is an international non-profit association of investment professionals that sets ethical and professional standards in the financial industry. The organization is best known for awarding the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, considered the gold standard for analysts, portfolio managers, and investment professionals worldwide. MNU’s Finance programs are part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, and their curricula cover at least 70 percent of the CFA Candidate Body of Knowledge.

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The launch of the new minor took place within the framework of a memorandum between the Financial Monitoring Agency and the MNU International School of Economics. The program combines fundamental knowledge in accounting, finance, and data management, as well as an understanding of compliance and financial intelligence. Students will gain insight into the specifics of detecting and preventing financial crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion, and the financing of criminal activities.

The “Financial Intelligence and Financial Security” minor also includes an internship component and offers strong employment prospects. In addition, MNU serves as a core university for training specialists for the Financial Monitoring Agency. Previously, the university also launched a joint minor program with the Agency focused on the investigation of economic crimes.

It is worth noting that a minor allows students to develop new skills and acquire additional knowledge in areas beyond their main field of study, thereby broadening their academic and professional experience. Currently, MNU offers around 40 minor programs.

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During the meeting, students learned about career pathways and opportunities within an international consulting firm. Representatives of McKinsey & Company shared their professional experience in consulting and outlined the key competencies expected of candidates, including responsibility, genuine interest in one’s work, the ability to approach complex problems systematically, team leadership skills, and the capacity to build professional and trust-based relationships with clients.

A key highlight of the event was the announcement of the launch of the Astana Case Championship selection process. Twenty-five students will advance to the final stage of the competition. It is worth noting that last year, MNU student Dilyara Almakhyn was among the winners of the case championship.

McKinsey & Company is a leading international management consulting firm and a member of the prestigious Big Three.

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