Today, Malik Otarbayev, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with active students of Abai University. The main goal of the meeting was to explain the key points of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Address to the Nation, “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Current Issues and Their Solutions through Deep Digital Transformation,” and to promote the strategic directions outlined in it. The meeting took place in a warm and engaging atmosphere.

The Presidential Adviser plans to visit almost all universities in Kazakhstan by the end of the year. Starting this series of meetings from the country’s very first university holds symbolic meaning. Established in 1928, Abai University became the first higher educational institution in Kazakhstan and remains a leading pedagogical university in both Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Graduates of this honored institution play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the nation. “I was once a student too. Being a student of such a value-based university as Abai University is a great honor,” said Malik Nurzhanuly.

Speaking about the opportunities the Address offers to young people, Mr. Otarbayev emphasized the President’s words: “I have set an important strategic goal — within three years, Kazakhstan must become a fully digital nation. We must modernize the economy through large-scale digitalization and the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.” According to him, these words reflect a major strategic step for the country’s development.

Today, discussions about artificial intelligence often create uncertainty and mixed opinions in society. The Adviser reassured the audience that AI is merely a tool designed to serve people. This sparked great interest among students, who, as future educators, asked whether AI could ever compete with human teachers. In response, Mr. Otarbayev noted: “A modern teacher must, of course, possess high qualifications and digital literacy, but no artificial intelligence can ever replace the human wisdom and empathy of a real educator.”

The students freely expressed their thoughts, received clear and practical answers, and thanked Presidential Adviser Malik Otarbayev and Chairman of the Board — Rector of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Bolat Tilep, for an inspiring and meaningful discussion. The meeting provided valuable insights and left students deeply motivated.

Press Service

Оf Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University