Visually-Impaired Version 
A week ago, more than five thousand people attended the ceremonial initiation of first-year students at Maqsut Narikbayev University. Our photo report captures how this major annual event took place.
On 27 November, the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace transformed into an arena for a vibrant and intense competition: the four Schools entered their traditional contest for the championship title. The theme of the evening, Arman Iesi. Think. Create. Lead, challenged students to think boldly, create fearlessly, and lead confidently in an era of rapidly evolving technologies. The student performances explored the development of artificial intelligence, the future of professions, and the role of human agency in a world shaped by data and algorithms.
The initiation traditions at MNU are truly unique. While evening lights illuminated the city, the brightest spot was the palace stage. Anticipation and excitement filled the air as spectators took their seats. Screens glowed, spotlights swept across the stands, and moments later the hall was nearly full, buzzing with expectation.
A key organiser of the event was Teaching Professor Rufat Gakhramanov, known as the “Chief Hater of Chaos and Sigma-Boy of Perfectionism”. Having witnessed the very first championship between the Schools back in the late 1990s, he returned now as the ceremony’s director. His work was supported by Kamila Kulbayeva, Head of the Student Affairs Department, and Vice-Provost Zharas Assylbayev, whose coordinated efforts turned 2.5 months of preparation into a seamless production.
The evening opened with the MNU choir and orchestra. Their energetic performance set an uplifting tone, followed by a solemn moment as the largest flag of Kazakhstan slowly unfolded above the arena. Accompanied by the song Atameken performed by alumnus and current lecturer Nurken Aimenov, the atmosphere was filled with a powerful sense of national pride and unity.
The student theatre troupe Ümit added a particularly heartfelt note to the ceremony. Their short performance, shaped by nostalgic motifs, became a genuine journey through time for the audience. Gentle melodies and familiar stage images filled the hall, creating a moment of warm memories and lyrical reflection. At that point, the formal solemnity of the ceremony gave way to an intimate, chamber-like atmosphere.
Suddenly, to epic music, the championship cup descended onto the stage—a gleaming symbol of the competition to come. Representatives of each School formed a ceremonial parade around the stage, signalling that the contest would be not only a display of skill, but also of unity and spirit.
The Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, delivered a keynote speech. He emphasised the University’s role as a leader of educational reform and publicly outlined future directions for development. He also announced that the University would be connected to the ChatGPT EDU platform, aligning national priorities with the ceremony’s themes of innovation and tradition.
A symbolic moment followed: Provost Anar Ibrayeva entered the stage accompanied by the mascots of the four Schools—Fox, Lion, Phoenix, and Dragon. Their procession embodied unity within diversity. They were soon joined by first-year students, who took the formal oath to uphold the honour and principles of MNU.
Just as the national flag represented pride and belonging, it was only the first element of a powerful visual sequence. The largest MNU flag—a burgundy banner with the University emblem—was unfolded next, followed by the flag of the narrative Zań men tärtіp. Together, these symbols conveyed a hierarchy of values: service to the nation, loyalty to the Alma Mater, and personal responsibility to society.
The competitive programme then began. A panel of 15 judges—including representatives of charitable and civil society organisations and alumni—evaluated the performances. The first round featured presentations of social projects from the Schools. These were not business plans, but sincere, thoughtful initiatives addressing pressing social issues. Their emotional impact left many in the audience touched.
A dynamic shift in the atmosphere followed as popular singer Yenlik took the stage. Her bold interpretation of national music, infectious energy, and powerful vocals turned the ceremony into a festive celebration, merging academic dignity with youthful spirit.
The second round featured artistic performances centred on one of the most relevant themes of our time—artificial intelligence. Each School presented innovative and visually striking shows: a dancing robot, a reimagined Qara zhorga infused with digital motifs, and breathtaking light and projection effects. Mentors and staff performed alongside students, highlighting unity and shared ambition.
A historic moment came when the legendary ensemble Dos-Muqasan appeared on stage. Having begun their musical journey as students in the 1960s, they now stood before a new generation of learners. Their performance bridged decades, reminding everyone that true art transcends time.
At last, the most anticipated moment arrived—the announcement of the competition results. After the votes were tallied, the special prize from Talgat Narikbayev, Chair of the Executive Board of MNU—an honorary statuette and 1 million tenge—was awarded to the International School of Journalism for their creativity and outstanding performance. However, the champions of 2025 were the International School of Economics. The hall erupted in applause as representatives of the School rushed onto the stage. Their victory marked their eighth championship title and became a wonderful gift for the School’s 20th anniversary.
In total, Maqsut Narikbayev University officially welcomed more than 1,800 first-year students into its community. The performances, competition, and headline acts will undoubtedly remain topics of conversation for a long time. Most importantly, the initiation ceremony once again became an evening of pride, unity, and lasting memories for every student.
