The Rector of Baitursynuly University, Seitbek Kuanyshbayev, spoke at the expanded meeting of the Collegium of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan on the topic: "Training Specialists as the Foundation of a Competitive Economy and Sustainable Development: Innovations, Technologies, and Industry Collaboration."
PERSONNEL FOR THE REGION
In his speech, Seitbek Bekenovich raised the topic of "The Innovative Ecosystem of a Regional University."
He emphasized that Kostanay Region continues to play a crucial role in Kazakhstan’s economic growth, particularly in the agro-industrial sector and mechanical engineering.
Currently, the major industrial plants such as “Allur”, “KamLitKZ”, “Agromash”, and “Rostselmash” operate successfully in the region, with the KIA Qazaqstan plant set to open in 2024.
To support the training of highly qualified specialists, the university has implemented several initiatives:
This program was launched with 10 students, fully funded by the Kostanay Regional Administration. The students receive training from the leading professors at the University of Minnesota and take intensive English language courses.
10 students per year participate in academic mobility programs, with all tuition costs covered by Dong-Eui University.
10 students will enroll in 2025, fully funded by Baitursynuly University.
Dual Degree Program in Agronomy with Northwest A&F University (China) was launched in September 2024.
Our university also hosted 8 Master’s students from China for research training.
Additionally, Baitursynuly University collaborates with: Kazan Federal University (Russia) – Mechanical Engineering, Lodz University (Poland) – Philology, Vytautas Magnus University (Latvia) – Economics and Management
DUAL EDUCATION SYSTEM
The university has successfully implemented a dual education system, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in factories and enterprises, increasing their employment prospects.
Students train and work at major companies, including “Allur”, “KIA Qazaqstan”, “KamLitKZ”, “Agromash Holding”, and “Olzha Holding”.
To further accelerate the adaptation of young specialists, the university introduced an integrated "College-University" educational program:
The duration of 17 Bachelor's degree programs has been reduced by two years and the applied Bachelor's degree by 1.5 years.
In line with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to declare 2024 the "Year of Vocational Professions," technical students are now able to obtain additional professional qualifications during their industrial internships.
SCIENTIFIC POTENTIAL
Seitbek Bekenovich separately focused on the scientific component of the university's work.
- Kostanay region is a region with a priority area of agriculture. In this regard, the university sets itself the tasks of integrating education and science, developing research potential and improving the professional level of teachers.
Currently, 12 research projects are underway.
For the first time in 2024, the university tested Chinese-imported varieties of potatoes, wheat, rapeseed, and corn to identify crops best suited to the local climate.
These studies have unlocked new opportunities for soil fertility improvement and the adoption of scientific innovations in agriculture.
Collaboration with the University of Arizona (USA) is also underway to enhance grain quality. This project is being conducted in partnership with North Kazakhstan University, and Ualihanov University (Kokshetau)
Currently, work is underway to update the scientific and technical base of the university. On April 12, 2025 (the Day of Science), it is planned to open a new modern technopark.
It will ensure effective integration of scientific research and production processes and will give an impetus to the technological development of the region.
FUTURE INITIATIVES
In conclusion, Seitbek Bekenovich emphasized:
- The ecosystem of regional universities plays an important role in the process of agricultural and industrial development of the Kostanay region.
The launch of international educational programs, the introduction of a dual education system, and the implementation of research projects will help increase the region's human resources and accelerate technological progress.
Effective integration of science and production is aimed at strengthening the economic growth of the region, opening up new opportunities in the region's key industries (agriculture and mechanical engineering).
These initiatives will increase the innovative potential of Kostanay region and make it one of the leading regions in the field of higher education and research activities by creating a center for academic excellence.
HIGH RATING
The Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, highly appreciated the report of the Rector of Baitursynuly University on the innovation ecosystem of the regional university.
- Despite the fact that KRU is a small regional university, the opportunities provided by us are being wisely used here, - the minister noted. - They are switching to a dual form of education, which is a very interesting format. Students acquire professional skills during the period of industrial training.
The educational programs of the colleges of Kostanay region and the university have been harmonized, which made it possible to reduce the duration of studies to 2-1.5 years.
Dong-Eui University, which is a partner of KRU, is unique for the automotive industry. The joint educational program "Automotive Industry Engineering" is specially adapted to the requirements of the KIA Qazaqstan plant in a dual format.
Students enter the university and start working in production, harmoniously combining theoretical studies at the university and practical training in production.
