Transparency, Partnership, and Development in Focus at the First Info-Breakfast

For the first time in the history of Kazakhstani universities, the Board of Directors of Kozybayev University organized an info-breakfast in the format of an open dialogue with representatives of business and the media. This marked an important step in developing the culture of transparency, openness, and accountability that the university has been systematically fostering since 2020.

That year saw the transformation of state universities in Kazakhstan into non-commercial joint-stock companies and the introduction of a new corporate governance model—the Boards of Directors. The key idea behind this decision was the separation of powers, responsibilities, and control functions. The sole shareholder is the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the Government of Kazakhstan as the founder. This allowed universities to become financially independent and sustainable, gain academic freedom, and advance on the international stage.

Boards of Directors have become a key element of this system—bodies that define strategy, ensure a balance of interests, and monitor the effectiveness of decisions.

“We built the corporate governance system from scratch: developing regulations, defining operational principles, and launching mechanisms for internal audit and compliance. Today, we can say that we have a fully functional, mature corporate governance model, in which every element—from the Board to independent directors—plays its role in ensuring sustainable development. Why did we decide to meet specifically with journalists and the business community? Because openness and partnership are the foundation of a modern university,” noted Galym Baytuk, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The event highlighted the Board’s work, the decisions made, and the university’s development over the past five years. Discussions focused on improving the quality of educational services, enhancing infrastructure, advancing regionally relevant research, increasing staff welfare, expanding the student body, and strengthening collaboration with partners.

“Raduga KDR has been cooperating with the university for a long time. This year, we want to build closer collaboration with departments in management and industry. We are already actively organizing student internships, with future managers and environmental specialists participating from the first to fourth year. We also have a student enrolled in a dual program. Currently, a major topic is collaboration on electronics and joint work with colleges. We have outlined a plan for the coming year,” shared Petr Sharapaev, Executive Director of Raduga LLP.

Regular meetings with business and media representatives will help strengthen trust and make collaboration more productive. Only through such formats can a true culture of transparency and accountability be fostered, which underpins the sustainable development of the university.