Heriot-Watt University to open its branch in Kazakhstan
It will offer this year some 300 grants
Heriot-Watt University, one of the world's leading universities, will open its branch at the ground of the Kudaibergen Zhubanov Regional University in Aktobe, Kazinform reports. It will offer this year some 300 grants.
In 2022 Governor of Aktobe region Yeraly Tugzhanov and Mark Biggs, the Vice-Principal and Provost at Heriot-Watt University, agreed on opening the Heriot-Watt University’s branch in Kazakhstan. The first 300 applicants may apply for oil and gas business, electric power engineering, and computer engineering. The graduates will receive dual degrees.
The Kazakh Science and Higher Education Ministry, the Heriot-Watt University, and Kudaibergen Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University signed a trilateral memorandum of cooperation in the UK in February.
Earlier Kazakh Science and Higher Education Minister Saysat Nurbek said 12 foreign universities will open their branches in Kazakhstan by 2029.
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Actor and film director Assanali Ashimov passed away at the age of 88
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Kazakh theater and film actor Assanali Ashimov died on December 21 at the age of 88, Qazinform News Agency learned from the press service of the Auezov Drama Theater.
Assanali Ashimov was born on May 8, 1937, in the Zhambyl Region. After graduating from a theater institute, he started his career at the Auezov Kazakh Drama Theater and starred in numerous landmark films, including The End of the Ataman and Trans-Siberian Express. In 2017, he was awarded the title of Labor Hero of Kazakhstan
Ashimov left an indelible mark on Kazakh theater and cinema. He made his film debut as a student in Botagoz (1958), based on a novel by Sabit Mukanov, playing the role of Kenzhetai. His screen partner was Gulfairus Ismailova, who later became a renowned theater actress.
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Snow and blizzards to batter Kazakhstan Dec 21
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A northwestern cyclone and its associated atmospheric frontal systems will continue to affect most of Kazakhstan’s territory on December 21, Qazinform News Agency reports citing Kazhydromet.
Snow with blizzards is forecast across much of the country, with heavy snowfall expected in the east as well as in the mountainous areas of the south and southeast.
In the southwest and southeast, rain and snow are expected in the daytime.
Fog, icy road conditions, and strong winds are forecast nationwide.
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Kazakhstan to establish six new forest nurseries in 2026
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Kazakhstan will establish six new forest nurseries in five regions at the beginning of 2026, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev announced at a year‑end briefing, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The Head of State's directive to plant 15 million trees in populated areas has been fully implemented.
Nyssanbayev said the work will continue in cooperation with regional akimats, with priority given to greening district centres, rural settlements, and creating green belts around major towns.
According to him, the implementation of the President's initiative to plant 2 billion seedlings is also underway. Between 2021 and 2025, 1.5 billion seedlings were planted, and more than 208 million seedlings are scheduled for planting next year.
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International Conference on Countering Online Scams Held in Bangkok
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Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Thailand, Margulan Baimukhan, took part in the International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams, held on 17–18 December 2025 in Bangkok, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The conference was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The event brought together ministers, deputy ministers, ambassadors, and senior representatives of governments, international organizations, law enforcement agencies, as well as the private sector and civil society, to discuss coordinated international measures to combat online scams, cybercrime, and related transnational threats.
During the high-level segment, keynote addresses were delivered by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, India, and Indonesia, along with representatives of other states and international organizations. Participants exchanged national experiences and approaches to countering online scams, strengthening international cooperation, protecting the rights of victims, and disrupting financial flows used by transnational criminal groups.
The thematic sessions focused on effective investigation and prosecution of online scam-related crimes, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, applying advanced digital technologies, and developing public–private partnerships in the field of cybersecurity.
As a result of the conference, a Joint Statement of the Global Partnership against Online Scams was adopted, containing recommendations on further strengthening international coordination and developing coordinated responses to emerging cyber threats. The co-sponsors of the statement included the Republic of Peru, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and the company TikTok.
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Kazakhstan introduces official insurance and registration for e-scooters
Senate deputies have approved in two readings the law on the prevention of offenses and related amendments to Kazakhstan’s Administrative Offenses Code, Qazinform News Agency reports.
One of the law’s key provisions is stricter requirements for the operation of electric scooters offered for rent.
To ensure the safety of road users, electric scooters are now classified as vehicles requiring mandatory civil liability insurance for owners of rental scooters, including both legal entities and individual entrepreneurs.
In addition, legal entities and individual entrepreneurs renting out electric scooters must comply with several obligations.
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Aiman Mussakhajayeva Performs in Vienna
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A unique concert by the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra "Qazaq concert" and a solo of the People's Artist of Kazakhstan, outstanding violinist Aiman Mussakhajayeva, who played works of world and Kazakh classical music on the legendary Antonio Stradivari violin, took place in the historic Minorite Church, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Accompanied by a chamber ensemble in one of Austria's most iconic churches, works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Almas Serkebayev filled the space with lively emotional power and deep artistic expression. The lyrical and dramatic fragments of Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, and the compositions of Almas Serkebayev revealed the unique mastery of the soloist and the rich timbre of the rare instrument, combining the purity of sound and the special expressiveness of Stradivari's style.
The concert attracted great interest from representatives of the diplomatic corps, the media, business and cultural circles in Austria, as well as members of the Kazakh diaspora living in Vienna.
The audience warmly welcomed each piece, and Vivaldi's final piece received a thunderous and prolonged applause. A.Mussakhajayeva's performance at the Minoritenkirche was a true cultural event, giving the audience an evening of inspiration, high artistry, and authentic musical beauty.
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