Astana to Host International Denis Ten Memorial Tournament
ASTANA—The Kazakh capital will host the Denis Ten Memorial Challenge 2024, a fifth international figure skating tournament, at the Barys Arena from Oct.3 to 5. The tournament commemorates Denis Ten, a celebrated Kazakh figure skater who tragically died in July 2018. More than 120 athletes from 31 countries will participate in the event, including Kazakh…
Kazakh AI Startup Poised to Transform Immune Health Assessment
ASTANA—Kazakh startup ImmuniGuide launched an artificial intelligence (AI) – powered platform on Sept. 23 to revolutionize immune health assessment. The platform analyzes blood tests with a 98.7% accuracy, detecting hidden infections and monitoring the body’s response to diseases, vaccinations, physical activity and stress. According to Astana Hub, the innovation holds great potential for advancing healthcare.…
Kazakh Foreign Minister Addresses Multilateral Cooperation at UN Summit
ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu addressed global challenges such as climate change, nuclear security and digital transformation, highlighting the significance of multilateral cooperation, UN reforms and global efforts during the Summit of the Future on Sept. 22-23. “Kazakhstan is here today to join forces with all UN member states…
First Deputy PM, China Datang Corporation Discuss Energy Projects in Kazakhstan
ASTANA — First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar met with Zou Lei, chairman of China Datang Corporation Ltd., one of China’s largest electricity producers, to discuss expanding energy cooperation and attracting investments into Kazakhstan’s power sector on Sept.23. According to the Prime Minister’s press service, during the meeting, Sklyar outlined the Kazakh government’s efforts to…
President Tokayev Approves Simplified Customs Corridor for Turkic Countries
ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law ratifying the agreement to create a simplified customs corridor between member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on Sept.23. The move aims to boost trade and enhance economic integration among Turkic countries. “The ratification of the agreement will contribute to the development of trade…
UMC Launches First Cardiac Arrhythmia Treatment Technology in CIS
ASTANA—Specialists at the University Medical Center’s (UMC) Heart Center have introduced Farapulse electro-pulse ablation technology, a groundbreaking method for treating cardiac arrhythmia. This marks the first use of the technology in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). According to the UMC’s press service, the Farapulse technology offers greater efficiency, improved safety, and…
Kazakh Creator Introduces Nomad Yurt to Lego Fans
ASTANA — Kazakh creator Ainur Polatova and her team have designed a Lego model of the traditional Nomadic yurt to introduce a global audience to the essence of nomadic life. The Lego Corporation offers designers a unique opportunity by hosting a platform where users can upload and showcase their models. Models that garner 10,000 public…
Turkic States Revive Latin-Based Alphabet to Preserve Linguistic Heritage
ASTANA—The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) approved a 34-letter Latin-based common alphabet on Sept. 11 to foster linguistic unity among Turkic nations. This historic decision revives a decades-old initiative to unify Turkic languages, enhance cultural ties, and simplify written communication across member nations. The Turkic Academy, which coordinated the Latin-based Common Turkic Alphabet project, published…
Almaty Day Celebrations Highlight City’s Cultural Heritage, Growth
ASTANA — Almaty, the biggest city in Kazakhstan, celebrated its birthday on Sept. 15, in what was a vibrant celebration of the city’s history and growth. The festivities attracted residents and tourists to the blend of traditional and modern festivities. Almaty celebrates its birthday every year on the third Sunday of September, which fell on…
Hungarian, Kazakh Historical Heritage Meets at World Nomad Games
ASTANA — The Hungarian-Kazakh Cultural Organization’s assyk team from Hungary, led by Zhanargul Bakhtygereikyzy, secured a remarkable bronze medal at the fifth World Nomad Games (WNG). In an interview with The Astana Times, Bakhtygereikyzy and her team recounted their journey to the WNG. Despite being newcomers to the sport, they brought a piece of Kazakh…
World’s Strongest Men Compete in Powerful Nomad Contest
ASTANA — The fifth World Nomad Games (WNG) showcased a stunning display of strength at the powerful nomad competition on Sept. 11 in Astana. Athletes from across the globe tested their limits in an intense series of challenges designed to push their physical strength and agility. Sixteen athletes from 16 countries, including Armenia, Belarus, China,…
Great Steppe Gathering: World Nomad Games Commence with Spectacular Opening Ceremony
ASTANA—The fifth World Nomad Games (WNG) kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at Astana Arena, celebrating the rich heritage and enduring spirit of nomadic peoples on Sept. 8. The event brought together over 89 countries, with athletes and cultural ambassadors showcasing traditional clothing and waving their national flags. Representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic opened…
Bridging Digital Divide: Asia-Pacific Nations Convene in Astana
ASTANA—The first Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation, uniting delegations from over 30 countries, commenced in Astana on Sept. 3. The three-day conference aims to foster more inclusive digital economies and societies across the Asia-Pacific region, enhance cooperation to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital connectivity, trust and security. The conference, organized…
Kazakhstan Hosts Workshop to Strengthen Cooperation between Nuclear-Free Zones
ASTANA—Kazakhstan hosted a pivotal workshop that kicked off on Aug. 27, gathering experts and officials from around the world to revitalize the five existing nuclear-weapons-free zones (NWFZs) and enhance cooperation among them. The event, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, is held ahead of the International Day against Nuclear Tests…
Engineering Camps in Rural Schools Empower Students in STEAM
ASTANA — American Corners in Kazakhstan reported that they finished their pilot project titled Regional Ambassadors of Makerspace. This project of creative labs aims to promote knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) disciplines in rural areas. The program was developed to provide hands-on, creative ways for schoolchildren to design, experiment,…
Astana Hosts International Conference on Chess in Education
ASTANA—Astana hosted the second international conference dedicated to chess in education that kicked off on Aug. 21. Over 200 participants, including global chess experts and educators from Kazakhstan, attended the conference, which focused on integrating chess into educational systems, particularly in the digital age and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speakers from Spain,…
Kazakhstan’s Economic Performance: Key Sectors Drive Growth
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s economy demonstrated stable growth during the first seven months of the year despite some challenges in foreign trade. According to the Bureau of National Statistics (QazStat), the composite economic indicator (CEI) increased by 4.1% as of July 7, with significant contributions from the communications, construction, and transport sectors. The communications sector recorded…
Mastering Saddle: Art and Sport of Horseback Wrestling
ASTANA—Horseback wrestling, known as Audaryspak in Kazakh, is a time-honored equestrian competition that challenges the strength and stability of horseback riders. Rooted in the training practices of nomadic warriors, Audaryspak has evolved into a celebrated tradition, showcasing its participants’ courage, agility and exceptional horse-riding skills. Held at festivals and competitions, horseback wrestling is not just…
From Africa to Kazakhstan: World Nomad Games to Include Ovari Game
ASTANA—The fifth World Nomad Games in Astana will showcase not only sporting events but also intellectual disciplines. This year’s program includes exotic sports such as mas-wrestling, the national sport of Yakutia; Ovari, an intellectual game from West Africa; and Mangala, a strategic game from Türkiye. Kazakh teams will compete in each of these events. Ovari,…
Kazakh Scientists Develop Database of Ancient Dog Breeds
ASTANA—The ethno-zooarchaeological study on the role of the wolf and the dog in Kazakhstan’s ancient and modern culture, conducted by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) scientists, resulted in the creation of a database of ancient dog breeds. According to the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education press service, the studies were conducted on the…
Promising New Treatment: Kazakhstan’s Cancer Drug Passes Initial Clinical Trials
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s cancer drug developed by a team of scientists led by Dos Sarbassov, a Kazakh-American biologist and Nazarbayev University (NU) professor, passed the first stage of clinical trials. Sarbassov hosted a press briefing and a laboratory tour on Aug. 14 in Astana to discuss the progress of the drug development project, the results…
Aktau Prepares to Become Cultural Capital of Turkic World in 2025
ASTANA—Aktau will be designated the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2025, marking a significant milestone for the city and its residents. This new status is expected to bring numerous cultural and developmental opportunities. What events will be held, and how will this impact the city’s growth? According to Tengrinews, which inquired with the…
Kazakhstan’s Uranium Industry: Sites and Production
ASTANA—Kazakhstan, one of the world’s largest exporters of uranium, maintains active and decommissioned reserves. According to the Kazakh Ministry of Energy, Kazatomprom National Atomic Company produces uranium at 26 sites in 13 deposits of Turkistan, Kyzylorda and the North Kazakhstan Regions. It holds a controlling stake in uranium mining companies in eight out of 14…
Kazakh PM Discusses Investment Opportunities with JBIC Chairman
ASTANA—Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Chairman Hayashi Nobumitsu to discuss expanding financial cooperation and advancing joint investment projects on Aug.9. According to the Prime Minister’s press service, Japan is one of Kazakhstan’s major partners in East Asia and ranks among the country’s top 10 most prominent investors.…
Magnus Carlsen Leads WR Chess to Blitz Victory at FIDE Championships in Astana
ASTANA — The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2024 concluded in Astana. Last year’s World Rapid winners, the WR Chess Team, led by Magnus Carlsen, claimed victory in Blitz on Aug. 5. This year’s event marked the debut of The World Blitz Team Championship alongside the World Rapid. The intense one-day event featured…
