The University’s Press Office announces the appointment of Arman Zhumazhanov as the Rector of SDU University.

With over 15 years of experience in higher education leadership, university governance, institutional strategy, and international cooperation, Mr. Zhumazhanov brings extensive executive expertise and a strong commitment to academic excellence and sustainable institutional development.

Below is an overview of his professional background and academic achievements.

Arman Zhumazhanov is the Rector of SDU University. He is an experienced higher education executive with more than 15 years of leadership in university governance, institutional strategy, internationalization, and higher education policy.

Prior to joining SDU University, Mr. Zhumazhanov held a number of executive and leadership positions at Nazarbayev University, including Chief of Staff to the President, Director of International Cooperation, and Acting Director of Strategy and Analysis. Throughout his career, he has contributed to institutional transformation initiatives, governance reforms, strategic planning, international partnerships, and executive decision-making, working closely with university leadership, governing boards, government authorities, international organizations, and strategic partners. He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Zhubanov University.

Mr. Zhumazhanov was awarded the prestigious International Bolashak Scholarship to pursue doctoral studies in Higher Education Administration at Indiana University Bloomington (USA). He holds a Master of Public Administration from Nazarbayev University, a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University Pueblo (USA), and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Selçuk University (Türkiye). His academic and professional interests focus on higher education governance, institutional effectiveness, university leadership, public policy, and strategic management.

In addition to his executive leadership experience, Mr. Zhumazhanov has contributed to international higher education research and policy. He co-authored a research report published by the TIAA Institute examining the role of philanthropic giving in expanding student access to higher education and promoting social mobility. He also contributed to national higher education research initiatives in the United States through the American Council on Education, supporting the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Mr. Zhumazhanov is an active member of the international higher education community. He is a member of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (USA) and the Association for Institutional Research (USA), where he regularly engages with scholars, researchers, and university leaders on issues related to higher education policy, governance, leadership, and institutional research.

As Rector of SDU University, Mr. Zhumazhanov is committed to advancing SDU’s position as a trendsetting and contemporary university in Central Asia. His leadership focuses on strengthening academic excellence, student-centered education, applied research and innovation, international engagement, effective governance, and sustainable institutional development while preparing graduates who will contribute meaningfully to Kazakhstan and the global community.

The SDU University community expresses its sincere gratitude to the University’s former Rector, Alimzhan Igenbayev, for his valuable contribution to the University’s development and wishes him every success in his future endeavors. The community also wishes Mr. Zhumazhanov every success in his new role as Rector and looks forward to the continued growth and achievements of SDU University under his leadership.

A ceremonial event dedicated to the Day of Mass Media Workers was held at the Cardiff University Kazakhstan campus in Astana. During the ceremony, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, presented departmental awards to media professionals for their contribution to the development of science, higher education, and the state language.

Among the award recipients was Bagdat Sultankyzy, a second-year master’s student in the Media Studies and Journalism program at SDU University and a journalist at the Ana tili newspaper. She was awarded the “For Contribution to the Development of the Native Language” departmental medal of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In his remarks, Minister Sayasat Nurbek highlighted the essential role of journalists in promoting science and education, showcasing the achievements of young researchers, and expanding the use of the state language.

Receiving the award, Bagdat Sultankyzy described it as a great honor and responsibility, emphasizing that it inspires her to continue contributing to the development of the Kazakh language and to the promotion of education and science.

Currently, she is pursuing her master’s degree at SDU University, where her research focuses on the representation of socially significant issues in contemporary Kazakh media, as well as the analysis of media framing and discourse.

The SDU University community congratulates Bagdat Sultankyzy on this distinguished recognition and wishes her continued success in her academic and professional endeavors.

SDU University is proud to announce an improvement in its performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026, strengthening its position among higher education institutions worldwide.

This year, the university achieved an overall score of 58.5 out of 100 and was ranked in the 801–1000 band globally. This marks a significant improvement compared to 2025, when SDU University was placed in the 1001–1500 range.

The THE Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2026, SDU University was evaluated across 10 Sustainable Development Goals.

The university’s key results are as follows:

• SDG 1 – No Poverty: 601–800
• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: 1001+
• SDG 4 – Quality Education: 601–800
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: 401–600
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: 601–800
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: 601–800
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: 401–600
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: 601–800
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: 401–600
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: 401–600

This achievement reflects SDU University’s commitment to enhancing educational quality, promoting social responsibility, supporting research activities, and systematically integrating sustainable development principles into all aspects of the university’s operations.

As part of the Academic Integrity League initiative, the Science Department of SDU University organized a round table discussion titled “The Role of Research Ethics Committees in Scientific Research: Policy, Practice, and Responsibility.”

The event brought together representatives of research ethics committees, researchers, and members of the academic community to discuss current issues related to ethical standards in research and to exchange professional experiences.

During the discussion, participants shared institutional practices for organizing the work of research ethics committees and explored contemporary approaches to ethical oversight in scientific research. Particular attention was given to fostering a culture of responsible research, strengthening research integrity, and addressing current challenges and opportunities in maintaining high ethical standards.

The round table served as a platform for open and meaningful dialogue, promoting inter-institutional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the dissemination of best practices in research ethics.

At the conclusion of the event, participants emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in advancing the principles of research integrity and ethical responsibility.

SDU University extends its sincere appreciation to all colleagues and experts who contributed to the discussion by sharing their valuable experience and professional insights.

On June 16, 2026, the 5th Annual IT Law Forum, organized by SDU University, was successfully held at Almaty Hub. Co-organized by Almaty Hub and Narxoz University, the forum brought together leading experts in law, technology, and artificial intelligence, as well as representatives of government agencies, the business community, and academia.

The event was held within the framework of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State. It focused on key issues related to the development of digital law in Kazakhstan, the legal regulation of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, personal data protection, digital entrepreneurship, and the advancement of the LegalTech ecosystem.

The forum opened with a keynote address by Mazhilis Deputy of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ekaterina Smyshlyayeva, titled “The Law of the Future: AI, the Digital Code, and Kazakhstan’s New Digital Architecture.” In her speech, she shared her vision for strengthening the legal foundations of the country’s ongoing digital transformation.

The forum featured discussions across four key thematic areas:
• legal regulation of artificial intelligence and digital policy;
• cybersecurity and data protection;
• legal support for digital business;
• LegalTech and the automation of legal practice.

Speakers included representatives of government institutions, international law firms, the IT industry, and leading technology organizations, who shared their expertise and insights on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

As part of the event, the LegalTech Expo showcased innovative technological solutions for the legal industry. Participants explored new products and services in electronic document management, AI-powered legal services, and information security.

One of the forum’s highlights was the presentation of the Kazakhstan’s Legal AI Benchmark study. For the first time, the research provided a comprehensive comparison of artificial intelligence models’ performance in working with Kazakhstan’s legislation, identifying new opportunities for the digital transformation of the legal sector.

In addition, the LegalTech Showcase competition provided a platform for startups and technology companies to present their innovative projects and receive evaluations from industry experts.

The 5th Annual IT Law Forum once again reaffirmed its status as a respected international platform that fosters professional dialogue at the intersection of law and technology, promotes research and innovation, advances digital law, and contributes to the development of Kazakhstan’s LegalTech ecosystem.

SDU Library organized a Storytelling event to promote reading among children and encourage a culture of reading.

During the event, children were introduced to The Little Prince, a masterpiece of world literature, through an engaging and interactive presentation tailored to their age group. Participants became acquainted with the book’s main characters and discussed important values such as kindness, friendship, and responsibility.

As part of the program, a quiz based on the book was held, allowing children to actively participate and demonstrate their knowledge and creativity.

In addition, a buffet was arranged for the participants, and an entertainment program featuring animators was organized. This helped create a joyful atmosphere and increased the children’s engagement throughout the event.

A total of 55 children took part in the event. At the end of the program, all participants received certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts.

The event contributed to fostering children’s interest in reading, broadening their horizons, and developing their creative and communication skills.

SDU University hosted the International Emerging Scholars Conference 2026, an international academic event that brought together students, young researchers, and early-career scholars from diverse fields. The conference provided participants with an opportunity to present their research findings and engage in discussions on contemporary academic issues.

This year’s conference focused on the theme “Research Ethics in the Contemporary Academic Environment,” reflecting the growing importance of ethical principles in modern research. Participants presented original research across a wide range of disciplines, exchanged ideas with leading experts, and explored the values and standards that underpin responsible academic practice.

The conference served as an important platform for the professional development of emerging scholars. Participants enhanced their research presentation skills, received constructive feedback from experienced academics, and strengthened connections within the international research community.

International Emerging Scholars Conference 2026 fostered meaningful academic dialogue and knowledge exchange while promoting the principles of research integrity, academic responsibility, and ethical scholarship.

SDU University extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, speakers, reviewers, and organizers whose contributions helped make the conference a meaningful and inspiring academic event.