On February 7, 2026, at the campus of SDU University, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the events “PROF FORUM 2026 – a forum for career guidance specialists” and SDU Open Day were successfully held.

The main objective of these events was to discuss key issues in the field of career guidance, highlight the role of teachers and career counselors in supporting students’ informed career choices, and analyze current changes and emerging trends in the educational landscape.

As part of SDU Open Day, the University presented its academic opportunities to school graduates and prospective students from various regions of the country. A total of 3,442 students registered for the Open Day, and more than 2,400 participants visited the SDU University campus in person, where they received comprehensive information about academic programs, scholarship opportunities, international partnerships, and student life. Campus tours and informal networking sessions were also organized.

The opening ceremony of SDU Open Day began with a welcoming address by
Alimzhan Bekezhanovich Igenbayev, Rector of SDU University. In his speech, the Rector emphasized that the University’s core mission is to provide high-quality education in line with international standards, foster strong personal values, and educate responsible and competitive citizens.

Within the framework of “PROF FORUM 2026”, more than 235 career guidance specialists and parents took part in discussions on pressing issues in career orientation. Leading experts and experienced professionals in the field of education delivered insightful presentations and shared practical experience with participants.

The main plenary session featured the following speakers:

• Alimzhan Bekezhanovich Igenbayev, Rector of SDU University — “A Global Citizen Shaped by Education and Values”;
• Ruslan Tokhtarbekovich Emelbayev, Adviser to the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan — “Changes in the Unified National Testing Format”;
• Aidos Zhumanazar, Career Guidance Specialist and Founder of the EDUSER project — “Career Guidance in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”;
• Omarbek Koshkimbayevich, PhD Doctoral Student at SDU University and Career Guidance Educator — “How to Choose the Right Profession and Secure a State Grant”.

In addition, SDU University Extension Center presented its professional retraining and continuing education programs during the forum.

The events concluded with a Q&A session and an open exchange of views, during which participants shared their experience in the field of career guidance.