University of Toronto and the University of Central Asia sign an academic partnership agreement on education and research collaboration
The University of Toronto (UofT) and the University of Central Asia (UCA) signed a memorandum of understanding to build linkages through curriculum and faculty development, faculty and student mobility and joint research collaborations. The first initiative under this agreement foresees UofT’s Computer Science Department develop UCA’s undergraduate Computer Science curriculum to be delivered at its recently launched campus in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic.
The signing ceremony took place at the University of Toronto, Canada.
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http://ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1275
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ASIA (UCA)
UCA celebrates first graduates from Certificate Programme in Mining Policy and Sustainable Development
AKIPRESS.COM - The University of Central Asia’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration (UCA IPPA) celebrated the first graduates of its Certificate Programme in Mining Policy and Sustainable Development on December 19. The eight-week executive programme for civil servants, experts, and civil society representatives involved in extractive industries aimed to develop a pool of informed professionals who can improve the quality of public discussion within the mining sector, UCA said.
21 graduates received their certificates at a ceremony held in Bishkek attended by Robin Ord-Smith, British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Ulan Ryskulov, Deputy Chairman, State Committee of Industry, Energy and Subsoil Use of the Kyrgyz Republic, Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman, Board of Trustees, University of Central Asia and Dr Bohdan Krawchenko, UCA Director General and Dean of Graduate Studies.
Dr. Bohdan Krawchenko congratulated graduates and remarked the programme is essential in preserving and promoting knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices to the mining sector.
“The mining sector plays a pivotal role in Kyrgyzstan’s development, and this certificate programme equips future leaders with the tools and resources needed to understand the kinds of policies required for the sustainable development of this sector,” said Dr Krawchenko.
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http://akipress.com/news:586747/
AKIPRESS.COM - The University of Central Asia’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration (UCA IPPA) celebrated the first graduates of its Certificate Programme in Mining Policy and Sustainable Development on December 19. The eight-week executive programme for civil servants, experts, and civil society representatives involved in extractive industries aimed to develop a pool of informed professionals who can improve the quality of public discussion within the mining sector, UCA said.
21 graduates received their certificates at a ceremony held in Bishkek attended by Robin Ord-Smith, British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Ulan Ryskulov, Deputy Chairman, State Committee of Industry, Energy and Subsoil Use of the Kyrgyz Republic, Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman, Board of Trustees, University of Central Asia and Dr Bohdan Krawchenko, UCA Director General and Dean of Graduate Studies.
Dr. Bohdan Krawchenko congratulated graduates and remarked the programme is essential in preserving and promoting knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices to the mining sector.
“The mining sector plays a pivotal role in Kyrgyzstan’s development, and this certificate programme equips future leaders with the tools and resources needed to understand the kinds of policies required for the sustainable development of this sector,” said Dr Krawchenko.
More...
http://akipress.com/news:586747/
University of British Columbia and University of Central Asia Collaborate on Earth and Environmental Sciences
The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, and the University of Central Asia (UCA), whose central administrative office is located in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, signed an agreement to enable UBC to design curriculum for 22 courses that will be used by UCA faculty members to teach the Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme to UCA students.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the President of UBC, Professor Santa J. Ono, and Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UCA, in Vancouver last week. “I am excited by this initiative and the chance to partner with a new university in an often underserved part of the world,” said UBC President Santa Ono.
“This partnership will not only allow UBC to have critical input into the development of new academic programmes half a world away, but will also provide UBC instructors with the chance to reflect on their own courses and how they might be improved and adapted to different learning environments. I look forward to seeing how the relationship evolves going forward. I wish UCA success, as it seeks to serve the region’s mountain societies.”
“We are delighted at this partnership”, said Dr Kassim-Lakha. “It is my hope that in time the MOU we signed will enable our two institutions to also collaborate in other academic fields, conduct joint research projects, facilitate training of UCA post graduate fellows, and encourage faculty and student exchanges.”
http://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1295[/b]
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A classroom for the mountains
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part two of a three-part Devex series that examines the Aga Khan’s plan to create a new model for higher education in Central Asia, where the opportunity to achieve academic excellence is usually found somewhere else. Read part one here.
A world-class university town
https://www.devex.com/news/a-world-clas ... town-89014
Inside Ian Canlas’ science classroom, students are discussing their grades on a recent homework assignment.
One of them asks Canlas why he deducted points from an answer that seemed generally correct.
“Because you did not have a complete idea,” Canlas says.
The students are grouped around open tables, seated in lime green cushioned swivel chairs. A few of them have laptops open. Most are casually dressed in t-shirts and hoodies, except for one who wears a black suit. The tone is informal, familiar. They call Canlas by his first name, Ian, which rhymes with lion.
But for the jagged foothills of Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan mountains surging outside the window and the students’ non-native facility with English, this could be any freshman classroom at a well-equipped Western university. For many members of this class, however, their first months at the University of Central Asia have marked a dramatic transition from the rote memorization favored by their Soviet legacy high schools to a curriculum that demands they think critically, in English — and offer a “complete idea.”
While it is not unheard of for high-achieving — or well-connected — students from Central Asia’s rural regions to access top-notch universities, it usually requires their families send them to a capital city or abroad, and — if they’re not lucky enough to earn a scholarship — pay a steep tuition. With or without financial assistance, young people who don’t have access to a quality university nearby face a difficult choice: leave home and family to pursue it, or make the best of what’s around.
More...
https://www.devex.com/news/a-classroom- ... ains-89424
The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, and the University of Central Asia (UCA), whose central administrative office is located in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, signed an agreement to enable UBC to design curriculum for 22 courses that will be used by UCA faculty members to teach the Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme to UCA students.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the President of UBC, Professor Santa J. Ono, and Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UCA, in Vancouver last week. “I am excited by this initiative and the chance to partner with a new university in an often underserved part of the world,” said UBC President Santa Ono.
“This partnership will not only allow UBC to have critical input into the development of new academic programmes half a world away, but will also provide UBC instructors with the chance to reflect on their own courses and how they might be improved and adapted to different learning environments. I look forward to seeing how the relationship evolves going forward. I wish UCA success, as it seeks to serve the region’s mountain societies.”
“We are delighted at this partnership”, said Dr Kassim-Lakha. “It is my hope that in time the MOU we signed will enable our two institutions to also collaborate in other academic fields, conduct joint research projects, facilitate training of UCA post graduate fellows, and encourage faculty and student exchanges.”
http://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1295[/b]
********
A classroom for the mountains
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part two of a three-part Devex series that examines the Aga Khan’s plan to create a new model for higher education in Central Asia, where the opportunity to achieve academic excellence is usually found somewhere else. Read part one here.
A world-class university town
https://www.devex.com/news/a-world-clas ... town-89014
Inside Ian Canlas’ science classroom, students are discussing their grades on a recent homework assignment.
One of them asks Canlas why he deducted points from an answer that seemed generally correct.
“Because you did not have a complete idea,” Canlas says.
The students are grouped around open tables, seated in lime green cushioned swivel chairs. A few of them have laptops open. Most are casually dressed in t-shirts and hoodies, except for one who wears a black suit. The tone is informal, familiar. They call Canlas by his first name, Ian, which rhymes with lion.
But for the jagged foothills of Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan mountains surging outside the window and the students’ non-native facility with English, this could be any freshman classroom at a well-equipped Western university. For many members of this class, however, their first months at the University of Central Asia have marked a dramatic transition from the rote memorization favored by their Soviet legacy high schools to a curriculum that demands they think critically, in English — and offer a “complete idea.”
While it is not unheard of for high-achieving — or well-connected — students from Central Asia’s rural regions to access top-notch universities, it usually requires their families send them to a capital city or abroad, and — if they’re not lucky enough to earn a scholarship — pay a steep tuition. With or without financial assistance, young people who don’t have access to a quality university nearby face a difficult choice: leave home and family to pursue it, or make the best of what’s around.
More...
https://www.devex.com/news/a-classroom- ... ains-89424
Tajkistan / Society / UCA, UBC collaborate on earth and environmental sciences
The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, and the University of Central Asia (UCA), whose central administrative office is located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, have signed an agreement to enable UBC to design curriculum for 22 courses that will be used by UCA faculty members to teach the Earth and Environmental Sciences Program to UCA students.
According to UCA, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the President of UBC, Professor Santa J. Ono, and Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UCA, in Vancouver last week.
“I am excited by this initiative and the chance to partner with a new university in an often underserved part of the world,” said UBC President Santa Ono.
“This partnership will not only allow UBC to have critical input into the development of new academic programs half a world away, but will also provide UBC instructors with the chance to reflect on their own courses and how they might be improved and adapted to different learning environments. I look forward to seeing how the relationship evolves going forward. I wish UCA success, as it seeks to serve the region’s mountain societies.”
“We are delighted at this partnership”, said Dr. Kassim-Lakha. “It is my hope that in time the MoU we signed will enable our two institutions to also collaborate in other academic fields, conduct joint research projects, facilitate training of UCA post graduate fellows, and encourage faculty and student exchanges.”
More..
https://news.tj/en/news/tajikistan/soci ... 116/235554
The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, and the University of Central Asia (UCA), whose central administrative office is located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, have signed an agreement to enable UBC to design curriculum for 22 courses that will be used by UCA faculty members to teach the Earth and Environmental Sciences Program to UCA students.
According to UCA, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the President of UBC, Professor Santa J. Ono, and Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UCA, in Vancouver last week.
“I am excited by this initiative and the chance to partner with a new university in an often underserved part of the world,” said UBC President Santa Ono.
“This partnership will not only allow UBC to have critical input into the development of new academic programs half a world away, but will also provide UBC instructors with the chance to reflect on their own courses and how they might be improved and adapted to different learning environments. I look forward to seeing how the relationship evolves going forward. I wish UCA success, as it seeks to serve the region’s mountain societies.”
“We are delighted at this partnership”, said Dr. Kassim-Lakha. “It is my hope that in time the MoU we signed will enable our two institutions to also collaborate in other academic fields, conduct joint research projects, facilitate training of UCA post graduate fellows, and encourage faculty and student exchanges.”
More..
https://news.tj/en/news/tajikistan/soci ... 116/235554
The future leaders of Central Asia
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part three of a Devex series that examines the Aga Khan’s plan to create a new model for higher education in Central Asia, where the opportunity to achieve academic excellence is usually found somewhere else. Read part one here and part two here.
Naryn, Kyrgyzstan — In the 15th century, a grandson of the Central Asian conqueror Timur — or Tamerlane — sought to turn the city of Samarkand into an intellectual capital of the Persian Empire. His name was Ulugh Beg, and he ruled over the territory now referred to somewhat dismissively as “the Stans.” Ulugh Beg built one of the largest astronomical observatories in the world, with an 11-meter sextant, and he used it to calculate the timing of eclipses.
“Central Asia, a thousand years ago, led the world in trade and investment, in urban development, in cultural and intellectual achievement. This was the place that leading thinkers from around the known world would look to for leadership,” said Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, at the inauguration of the University of Central Asia in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, in October.
The Aga Khan Development Network, a multi-disciplinary development organization founded and led by the Islamic royal billionaire, is trying to rebuild Central Asia’s educational and intellectual infrastructure. The University of Central Asia will operate in three countries — Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan — and draw students from across the region. Its aim is to create the next generation of Central Asian thinkers, scientists and leaders.
The university, however, has taken a big risk and faces an uphill battle. UCA’s graduates will have the language skills and educational training that would propel many young job seekers to higher-paying opportunities abroad. The Aga Khan’s vision is that these students find opportunities for leadership in their own region. Whether that vision comes to fruition will depend on whether UCA can tailor the education students receive to the specific practical challenges facing their own communities — and whether the university can establish a network of graduates and researchers who will become Central Asia’s job creators.
More...
https://www.devex.com/news/the-future-l ... asia-89541
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part three of a Devex series that examines the Aga Khan’s plan to create a new model for higher education in Central Asia, where the opportunity to achieve academic excellence is usually found somewhere else. Read part one here and part two here.
Naryn, Kyrgyzstan — In the 15th century, a grandson of the Central Asian conqueror Timur — or Tamerlane — sought to turn the city of Samarkand into an intellectual capital of the Persian Empire. His name was Ulugh Beg, and he ruled over the territory now referred to somewhat dismissively as “the Stans.” Ulugh Beg built one of the largest astronomical observatories in the world, with an 11-meter sextant, and he used it to calculate the timing of eclipses.
“Central Asia, a thousand years ago, led the world in trade and investment, in urban development, in cultural and intellectual achievement. This was the place that leading thinkers from around the known world would look to for leadership,” said Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, at the inauguration of the University of Central Asia in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, in October.
The Aga Khan Development Network, a multi-disciplinary development organization founded and led by the Islamic royal billionaire, is trying to rebuild Central Asia’s educational and intellectual infrastructure. The University of Central Asia will operate in three countries — Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan — and draw students from across the region. Its aim is to create the next generation of Central Asian thinkers, scientists and leaders.
The university, however, has taken a big risk and faces an uphill battle. UCA’s graduates will have the language skills and educational training that would propel many young job seekers to higher-paying opportunities abroad. The Aga Khan’s vision is that these students find opportunities for leadership in their own region. Whether that vision comes to fruition will depend on whether UCA can tailor the education students receive to the specific practical challenges facing their own communities — and whether the university can establish a network of graduates and researchers who will become Central Asia’s job creators.
More...
https://www.devex.com/news/the-future-l ... asia-89541
University of Victoria and University of Central Asia Collaborate on Innovative Education Programme
The University of Victoria (UVic) and the University of Central Asia (UCA) signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this month to affirm their intent to foster multi-faceted academic cooperation, faculty and student mobility, and joint research collaborations.
“UVic is excited to partner with the University of Central Asia as we develop new opportunities for international research, scholarship, and dynamic learning that will benefit students and faculty from both institutions,” said University of Victoria President Jamie Cassels. “We look forward to working with UCA to help them build a co-operative education programme that draws from the best practices that we employ here at UVic.”
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http://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1301
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University of Central Asia and Higher School of Economics Sign Partnership Agreement in Moscow
The University of Central Asia (UCA) and the National Research University’s Higher School of Economics (HSE) signed an agreement on 14 February 2017 in Moscow, Russia. HSE will develop curriculum for UCA’s undergraduate programme in Economics and contribute towards faculty development. UCA has the field experience and data on economic challenges in Central Asia, and HSE will provide the analytical expertise, including exchange of faculty and students, and collaborate on joint research.
http://ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1312
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UCA Stimulating Socio-Economic Development in the Naryn Region
During a visit to the Naryn Campus of the University of Central Asia (UCA) on 12 February 2017, the Naryn Mayor, Emilbek Alymkulov, expressed satisfaction that in the short period of time UCA has been in operation, “we are already seeing changes in the development of Naryn and this is very encouraging.”
The Mayor was speaking at an Open House hosted by UCA for prospective Grade 11 students, parents, and high school administrators from across Kyrgyzstan. During the day-long affair, students and their parents were introduced to UCA and its core specialisations: Computer Science; Communications and Media; Earth and Environmental Sciences and Economics.
http://ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1306
The University of Victoria (UVic) and the University of Central Asia (UCA) signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this month to affirm their intent to foster multi-faceted academic cooperation, faculty and student mobility, and joint research collaborations.
“UVic is excited to partner with the University of Central Asia as we develop new opportunities for international research, scholarship, and dynamic learning that will benefit students and faculty from both institutions,” said University of Victoria President Jamie Cassels. “We look forward to working with UCA to help them build a co-operative education programme that draws from the best practices that we employ here at UVic.”
More...
http://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1301
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University of Central Asia and Higher School of Economics Sign Partnership Agreement in Moscow
The University of Central Asia (UCA) and the National Research University’s Higher School of Economics (HSE) signed an agreement on 14 February 2017 in Moscow, Russia. HSE will develop curriculum for UCA’s undergraduate programme in Economics and contribute towards faculty development. UCA has the field experience and data on economic challenges in Central Asia, and HSE will provide the analytical expertise, including exchange of faculty and students, and collaborate on joint research.
http://ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1312
*******
UCA Stimulating Socio-Economic Development in the Naryn Region
During a visit to the Naryn Campus of the University of Central Asia (UCA) on 12 February 2017, the Naryn Mayor, Emilbek Alymkulov, expressed satisfaction that in the short period of time UCA has been in operation, “we are already seeing changes in the development of Naryn and this is very encouraging.”
The Mayor was speaking at an Open House hosted by UCA for prospective Grade 11 students, parents, and high school administrators from across Kyrgyzstan. During the day-long affair, students and their parents were introduced to UCA and its core specialisations: Computer Science; Communications and Media; Earth and Environmental Sciences and Economics.
http://ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1306
Science, technology and math necessary for students to be globally competitive, says university director general
ASTANA – It seems economics and law have been eternally popular and cliché fields to study and work in former Soviet Union countries. The notion that one is guarantied a job afterwards has been fading away, however, with the arrival of the digital era and a competitive new world ruled by science and technology.
“People go with law and economics because these are easy to do. They are concerned about getting a piece of paper rather than what they are going to do afterwards in life,” Bohdan Krawchenko, Director General at the University of Central Asia, told The Astana Times. The University of Central Asia, established under an agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network that is building campuses in the three founding states.
Most people who graduate from law school do not practice law or ultimately work in places that have nothing to do with the field. He noted universities offer law and economics courses because they get students, but economics departments do not train economists.
“It’s from ‘narodnoye hozyaistvo’, or national economy, and used to train people for Gosplan (the agency that was responsible for central economic planning in the Soviet Union),” he said.
Bohdan Krawchenko
Bohdan Krawchenko
“I have relatives who have earned these degrees and they don’t know anything. They are not even good accountants. They don’t have to take courses to become accountants. I think, it is first of all, something that is not sustainable,” he added.
Societies need people in all kinds of technical fields, but the director noted students do not go into certain areas because there is a very significant drop in mathematical skills. Many people avoid engineering, computer science or “real” economics where one needs to know calculus and other such skills because they do not know math and instead go into areas where it is not needed.
Krawchenko believes in today’s society, where technology is critically important, one must have some sort of math background and it is unfortunate many do not have it. High schoolers receive very little preparation in terms of career choices and as a result are left on their own.
More...
http://astanatimes.com/2017/04/science- ... r-general/
ASTANA – It seems economics and law have been eternally popular and cliché fields to study and work in former Soviet Union countries. The notion that one is guarantied a job afterwards has been fading away, however, with the arrival of the digital era and a competitive new world ruled by science and technology.
“People go with law and economics because these are easy to do. They are concerned about getting a piece of paper rather than what they are going to do afterwards in life,” Bohdan Krawchenko, Director General at the University of Central Asia, told The Astana Times. The University of Central Asia, established under an agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network that is building campuses in the three founding states.
Most people who graduate from law school do not practice law or ultimately work in places that have nothing to do with the field. He noted universities offer law and economics courses because they get students, but economics departments do not train economists.
“It’s from ‘narodnoye hozyaistvo’, or national economy, and used to train people for Gosplan (the agency that was responsible for central economic planning in the Soviet Union),” he said.
Bohdan Krawchenko
Bohdan Krawchenko
“I have relatives who have earned these degrees and they don’t know anything. They are not even good accountants. They don’t have to take courses to become accountants. I think, it is first of all, something that is not sustainable,” he added.
Societies need people in all kinds of technical fields, but the director noted students do not go into certain areas because there is a very significant drop in mathematical skills. Many people avoid engineering, computer science or “real” economics where one needs to know calculus and other such skills because they do not know math and instead go into areas where it is not needed.
Krawchenko believes in today’s society, where technology is critically important, one must have some sort of math background and it is unfortunate many do not have it. High schoolers receive very little preparation in terms of career choices and as a result are left on their own.
More...
http://astanatimes.com/2017/04/science- ... r-general/
Cambridge Doctoral Scholarships for Young Scholars
The University of Central Asia (UCA) in partnership with the Cambridge Trust is pleased to announce scholarship opportunities for doctoral study at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
The scholarships are for students wishing to pursue doctoral studies in the following fields: Computer Science, Engineering, Media and Communications, Business Management or Economics. Support for students entering a master’s programme as a pathway to a doctoral degree will be considered. The fields listed reflect some of the majors in undergraduate programme offered by UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences.
Applicants from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan are strongly encouraged to apply. Students from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and northern Pakistan are also eligible. Applicants must meet UCA’s eligibility benchmarks, and admission criteria to the University of Cambridge.
The scholarships are part of UCA’s ongoing Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP) designed to ensure that scholars from the region are strongly represented in UCA’s faculty. Scholarship recipients will be required to work for three years at the University, after the completion of their studies at the University of Cambridge.
UCA is Central Asia’s sole regional university with fully-residential campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, Khorog, Tajikistan, and Tekeli, Kazakhstan with state-of-the art facilities, small staff - student ratios, and with generous provision for faculty to engage in research.
Interested students are invited to submit their applications to UCA by 17 November 2017. The deadline for admissions to the University of Cambridge is 6 December 2017 via their online application portal. For further information please contact: [email protected]
http://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1466
https://www.cambridgetrust.org/partners ... ntral-asia
The University of Central Asia (UCA) in partnership with the Cambridge Trust is pleased to announce scholarship opportunities for doctoral study at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
The scholarships are for students wishing to pursue doctoral studies in the following fields: Computer Science, Engineering, Media and Communications, Business Management or Economics. Support for students entering a master’s programme as a pathway to a doctoral degree will be considered. The fields listed reflect some of the majors in undergraduate programme offered by UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences.
Applicants from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan are strongly encouraged to apply. Students from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and northern Pakistan are also eligible. Applicants must meet UCA’s eligibility benchmarks, and admission criteria to the University of Cambridge.
The scholarships are part of UCA’s ongoing Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP) designed to ensure that scholars from the region are strongly represented in UCA’s faculty. Scholarship recipients will be required to work for three years at the University, after the completion of their studies at the University of Cambridge.
UCA is Central Asia’s sole regional university with fully-residential campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, Khorog, Tajikistan, and Tekeli, Kazakhstan with state-of-the art facilities, small staff - student ratios, and with generous provision for faculty to engage in research.
Interested students are invited to submit their applications to UCA by 17 November 2017. The deadline for admissions to the University of Cambridge is 6 December 2017 via their online application portal. For further information please contact: [email protected]
http://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1466
https://www.cambridgetrust.org/partners ... ntral-asia
University of Technology Sydney and University of Central Asia collaborate on communications and media
Australia, 12 September 2017 - The University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and the University of Central Asia (UCA), signed an agreement in Australia to strengthen the relationship between the Institutions and encourage cooperation in the field of Communications and Media on 12 September 2017.
“We look forward to great things happening with this partnership,” said Professor Andrew Parfitt, Provost and Senior Vice President at UTS. “Although we have a strong international programme, with the largest number of students going overseas of any Australian university, this is the first time UTS will be involved with countries of the former Soviet Union.” Among the areas of collaboration between the two institutions are curriculum development, exchange of faculty and students, sharing of teaching resources and strategies, joint conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.
Representing the University of Central Asia at the signing was Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “We explored many universities before deciding to partner with UTS. The strength and reputation of their programme in Communications and Media was most impressive, and we are particularly comfortable with their innovative and hands-on approach to teaching. Now that UTS will have a footprint in Central Asia, we hope that in time other partnerships with the programmes of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) can be developed.”
More...
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/unive ... ollaborate
Australia, 12 September 2017 - The University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and the University of Central Asia (UCA), signed an agreement in Australia to strengthen the relationship between the Institutions and encourage cooperation in the field of Communications and Media on 12 September 2017.
“We look forward to great things happening with this partnership,” said Professor Andrew Parfitt, Provost and Senior Vice President at UTS. “Although we have a strong international programme, with the largest number of students going overseas of any Australian university, this is the first time UTS will be involved with countries of the former Soviet Union.” Among the areas of collaboration between the two institutions are curriculum development, exchange of faculty and students, sharing of teaching resources and strategies, joint conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.
Representing the University of Central Asia at the signing was Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “We explored many universities before deciding to partner with UTS. The strength and reputation of their programme in Communications and Media was most impressive, and we are particularly comfortable with their innovative and hands-on approach to teaching. Now that UTS will have a footprint in Central Asia, we hope that in time other partnerships with the programmes of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) can be developed.”
More...
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/unive ... ollaborate
Prime Minister visits UCA Campus in Naryn
Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, 19 September 2017 - “UCA is an example others should emulate”, said the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sapar Isakov, during his visit to the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) campus in Naryn on 19 September 2017. He asked the journalists accompanying him to photograph the campus facilities and share with their readers as an example of what is possible in Kyrgyzstan.
The Prime Minister toured the campus, met with students and faculty in the classrooms, and even played a game of table tennis with a student. He was accompanied by the Governor of Naryn Oblast, the Mayor of Naryn, and senior government officials. Welcoming the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UCA, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, conveyed congratulations to the youngest Prime Minister in the history of the Kyrgyz Republic, and asked if he would share with the students the secret of his success. “Be yourself, and never compromise your principles,” said the Prime Minister when responding to a similar question during the question and answer session which followed his speech.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation of what had been accomplished at UCA, “from the architecture to the artwork on the walls.” He was particularly happy that His Highness the Aga Khan had established UCA in a mountainous rural setting, and not in a major city. “The tranquility of the campus surrounded by mountains offers a perfect setting for study and contemplation. If my office had been nearby I would have used these facilities every day.”
More...
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/prime ... mpus-naryn
Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, 19 September 2017 - “UCA is an example others should emulate”, said the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sapar Isakov, during his visit to the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) campus in Naryn on 19 September 2017. He asked the journalists accompanying him to photograph the campus facilities and share with their readers as an example of what is possible in Kyrgyzstan.
The Prime Minister toured the campus, met with students and faculty in the classrooms, and even played a game of table tennis with a student. He was accompanied by the Governor of Naryn Oblast, the Mayor of Naryn, and senior government officials. Welcoming the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UCA, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, conveyed congratulations to the youngest Prime Minister in the history of the Kyrgyz Republic, and asked if he would share with the students the secret of his success. “Be yourself, and never compromise your principles,” said the Prime Minister when responding to a similar question during the question and answer session which followed his speech.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation of what had been accomplished at UCA, “from the architecture to the artwork on the walls.” He was particularly happy that His Highness the Aga Khan had established UCA in a mountainous rural setting, and not in a major city. “The tranquility of the campus surrounded by mountains offers a perfect setting for study and contemplation. If my office had been nearby I would have used these facilities every day.”
More...
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/prime ... mpus-naryn
http://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1515
Chancellor Presides at Inaugural Meeting of UCA Trustees
Date: 08 November 2017
The inaugural meeting of the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Board of Trustees was held on 6 November 2017 in Gouvieux, France. His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of UCA, welcomed the Founding Trustees and urged them “to make research one of the highest priorities of the University. Only through the creation of new knowledge will we be able to address the multiple challenges that affect the quality of life of mountain societies. Over time, it is high quality and relevant research which will earn UCA a place among the renowned universities of the world.” He added that the stewardship of UCA was now in the hands of the Board of Trustees. Among the items discussed at the meeting were current programmes and future initiatives of the University.
Inaugural Session of UCA’s Board of Trustees (6 November 2017). Front Row (L to R): Mrs. Elvira Sarieva, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, His Highness the Aga Khan, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Senator Byrganym Aitimova. Back Row (L to R): Mr. Naguib Kheraj, Dr. Hans Hurni, Dr. Shenggen Fan, Dr. Sharofat Mamadambarova.
A day earlier (5 November), the Trustees received an orientation and briefing on AKDN and UCA. Presentations highlighted the vision and mission of UCA, the international Treaty and Charter executed by the Founders in 2000, current academic programmes and those in the planning phases, matters relating to the design and construction of the campuses, and the recruitment of students, and senior faculty and staff.
The Trustees bring a wealth of expertise and experience, and include prominent individuals with distinguished backgrounds in academia, government, development, and civil society. UCA’s first Board of Trustees include:
Princess Zahra Aga Khan
Prince Rahim Aga Khan
Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha (Pakistan): Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and AKDN Diplomatic Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic
Senator Byrganym Aitimova (Kazakhstan): Member of the Senate of Kazakhstan; former Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN; and former Minister of Education and Science
Dr. Shenggen Fan (China): Director General, International Food Policy Research Institute, a UN agency located in Washington DC
Dr. Hans Hurni (Switzerland): Director and Founding President of the Board of the Center for Development and Environment, University of Bern; and Professor Emeritus
Mr. Naguib Kheraj (UK): Deputy Chairman, Standard Chartered; Senior Advisor, AKDN; and Trustee, Aga Khan University
Dr. Sharofat Mamadambarova (Tajikistan): Professor of English Language; Head of the Aga Khan Humanities Programme, UCA
Mrs. Elvira Sarieva (Kyrgyzstan): Deputy Head of the Kyrgyz Presidential Apparatus; former Vice Prime Minister for Social Affairs; and former Minister of Education and Science
An appointee of the Government of Tajikistan to UCA’s Board of Trustees is expected shortly.
Commenting on the inaugural meeting of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha said “UCA is fortunate to have the wisdom of such distinguished Trustees to guide its next phase of development. The Board represents a remarkable pool of knowledge and experience from Central Asia and beyond, and I am honoured and privileged to serve as its Chairman. The Trustees have made an excellent beginning by taking a deep interest in the current academic programmes, and committing themselves to the mission established by the Founders of UCA.”
Chancellor Presides at Inaugural Meeting of UCA Trustees
Date: 08 November 2017
The inaugural meeting of the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Board of Trustees was held on 6 November 2017 in Gouvieux, France. His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of UCA, welcomed the Founding Trustees and urged them “to make research one of the highest priorities of the University. Only through the creation of new knowledge will we be able to address the multiple challenges that affect the quality of life of mountain societies. Over time, it is high quality and relevant research which will earn UCA a place among the renowned universities of the world.” He added that the stewardship of UCA was now in the hands of the Board of Trustees. Among the items discussed at the meeting were current programmes and future initiatives of the University.
Inaugural Session of UCA’s Board of Trustees (6 November 2017). Front Row (L to R): Mrs. Elvira Sarieva, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, His Highness the Aga Khan, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Senator Byrganym Aitimova. Back Row (L to R): Mr. Naguib Kheraj, Dr. Hans Hurni, Dr. Shenggen Fan, Dr. Sharofat Mamadambarova.
A day earlier (5 November), the Trustees received an orientation and briefing on AKDN and UCA. Presentations highlighted the vision and mission of UCA, the international Treaty and Charter executed by the Founders in 2000, current academic programmes and those in the planning phases, matters relating to the design and construction of the campuses, and the recruitment of students, and senior faculty and staff.
The Trustees bring a wealth of expertise and experience, and include prominent individuals with distinguished backgrounds in academia, government, development, and civil society. UCA’s first Board of Trustees include:
Princess Zahra Aga Khan
Prince Rahim Aga Khan
Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha (Pakistan): Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and AKDN Diplomatic Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic
Senator Byrganym Aitimova (Kazakhstan): Member of the Senate of Kazakhstan; former Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN; and former Minister of Education and Science
Dr. Shenggen Fan (China): Director General, International Food Policy Research Institute, a UN agency located in Washington DC
Dr. Hans Hurni (Switzerland): Director and Founding President of the Board of the Center for Development and Environment, University of Bern; and Professor Emeritus
Mr. Naguib Kheraj (UK): Deputy Chairman, Standard Chartered; Senior Advisor, AKDN; and Trustee, Aga Khan University
Dr. Sharofat Mamadambarova (Tajikistan): Professor of English Language; Head of the Aga Khan Humanities Programme, UCA
Mrs. Elvira Sarieva (Kyrgyzstan): Deputy Head of the Kyrgyz Presidential Apparatus; former Vice Prime Minister for Social Affairs; and former Minister of Education and Science
An appointee of the Government of Tajikistan to UCA’s Board of Trustees is expected shortly.
Commenting on the inaugural meeting of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha said “UCA is fortunate to have the wisdom of such distinguished Trustees to guide its next phase of development. The Board represents a remarkable pool of knowledge and experience from Central Asia and beyond, and I am honoured and privileged to serve as its Chairman. The Trustees have made an excellent beginning by taking a deep interest in the current academic programmes, and committing themselves to the mission established by the Founders of UCA.”
MoU between UCA and Afghanistan
Details and photos at:
https://twitter.com/Sarabinaheed?ref_sr ... ervants%2F
Details and photos at:
https://twitter.com/Sarabinaheed?ref_sr ... ervants%2F
University of Central Asia and Stockholm School of Economics in Riga Sign Agreement of Cooperation
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The University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga) signed a memorandum of understanding on February 14th 2018 in Riga, Latvia. The intended areas of cooperation include development of curriculum for UCA’s undergraduate programme in Economics, faculty and student exchanges as well as research cooperation.
More..
http://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1586
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The University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga) signed a memorandum of understanding on February 14th 2018 in Riga, Latvia. The intended areas of cooperation include development of curriculum for UCA’s undergraduate programme in Economics, faculty and student exchanges as well as research cooperation.
More..
http://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1586
Princess Zahra and other members of the Board of Trustees visit the UCA campus...
https://twitter.com/ucentralasia/status ... al-asia%2F
https://twitter.com/ucentralasia/status ... al-asia%2F
SPCE is an Authorised Cambridge Assessment English Centre in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan
The University of Central Asia's (UCA) School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) is officially accredited by the Cambridge Assessment English as a centre to offer English language examinations.
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http://ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1621
The University of Central Asia's (UCA) School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) is officially accredited by the Cambridge Assessment English as a centre to offer English language examinations.
More...
http://ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1621
From Toronto to Kyrgyzstan: How U of T computer science is going international
Along Kyrgyzstan’s ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean, known as the Silk Road, is the small town of Naryn. It’s a place where cars stop for the rush-hour herds of sheep, horses and yaks, which continue to fuel the area’s economy. Away from the town’s centre, unexpectedly rising next to the Tien Shan Mountains, are yellow, red and pink buildings, forming a most Instagram-worthy setting for learning.
It’s here – where old world meets new – that the University of Central Asia will establish its first computer science curriculum with the support of the University of Toronto’s department of computer science.
“We’ll be part of a huge mission that will have long-term effects on Central Asia, from helping improve the quality of education to invigorating the rural economy,” said Paul Gries, an associate professor, teaching stream, who was part of a U of T computer science visit to the region.
The University of Central Asia is a secular, private and not-for-profit university founded by the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the Aga Khan Development Network.
U of T President Meric Gertler and Munk School of Global Affairs distinguished researcher Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, who is also chairman of the Central Asian university's board of trustees, signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on curriculum and faculty development, faculty and student mobility and joint research collaborations.
“International collaboration is more necessary than ever, in our efforts to create knowledge and to educate global citizens for leadership in the 21st century,” said President Gertler. “For this reason, U of T is delighted to partner with the University of Central Asia in the advancement of our common goals. We look forward to the many mutual benefits that will arise from the relationship between our two institutions.”
Last year, administrators from the University of Central Asia visited U of T computer science. Steve Engels, an associate professor, teaching stream, helped facilitate the early stages of the partnership, and visited Naryn when the campus was still under construction.
“For our own benefit, it gives us a chance to take a second look at the work we're doing and reorganize some of our own curriculum,” said Engels, who worked closely with David Liu, an assistant professor, teaching stream, on the initial phases of the program design.
“It’s an honour to be part of the Aga Khan’s mission to create centres of education in developing countries.”
The U of T faculty met with students who will take the computer science courses they’ve designed, starting next year. And, they were able to enjoy some of the food specific to the region (photos left and right).
“The students gave us a lot of context. Other local universities teach programming from the start, and the students felt they were behind, as they’re in the preliminary year of a five-year program,” said Gries. “We reassured them that the groundwork they were doing was going to help them when they start learning computer science – it’s a tool, and in order to use the tool properly, they need to understand the context in which it is applied.”
Industry will also be a vital part of the Central Asian university’s success. Local software company, SpalMalo, shared the challenges they face when seeking talent, as educated students typically move on to wealthier regions or countries, so exposure to local opportunities through internships and placements will be key.
Like the town itself, population 35,000, the Naryn campus is small: Only 15 students per class, though eventually there will be two cohorts and 30 computer science students in total, whereas more than 350 undergraduates will graduate from the U of T computer science program this spring.
Faculty will also live on Naryn campus which also offers media and communication studies. University of Central Asian campuses in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan will focus on other subjects from earth and environmental sciences to business and engineering.
“It was an incredible experience,” said Gries of visiting Kyrgyzstan. He will plan the university's second-year software design course.
From left to right, Associate Professors, Teaching Stream, Michelle Craig and Paul Gries; Assistant Professor Alec Jacobson; Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, David Liu; and Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, François Pitt; by the Naryn River and Tien Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan (photo by Kyros Kutulakos)
https://www.utoronto.ca/news/toronto-ky ... ernational
Along Kyrgyzstan’s ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean, known as the Silk Road, is the small town of Naryn. It’s a place where cars stop for the rush-hour herds of sheep, horses and yaks, which continue to fuel the area’s economy. Away from the town’s centre, unexpectedly rising next to the Tien Shan Mountains, are yellow, red and pink buildings, forming a most Instagram-worthy setting for learning.
It’s here – where old world meets new – that the University of Central Asia will establish its first computer science curriculum with the support of the University of Toronto’s department of computer science.
“We’ll be part of a huge mission that will have long-term effects on Central Asia, from helping improve the quality of education to invigorating the rural economy,” said Paul Gries, an associate professor, teaching stream, who was part of a U of T computer science visit to the region.
The University of Central Asia is a secular, private and not-for-profit university founded by the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the Aga Khan Development Network.
U of T President Meric Gertler and Munk School of Global Affairs distinguished researcher Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, who is also chairman of the Central Asian university's board of trustees, signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on curriculum and faculty development, faculty and student mobility and joint research collaborations.
“International collaboration is more necessary than ever, in our efforts to create knowledge and to educate global citizens for leadership in the 21st century,” said President Gertler. “For this reason, U of T is delighted to partner with the University of Central Asia in the advancement of our common goals. We look forward to the many mutual benefits that will arise from the relationship between our two institutions.”
Last year, administrators from the University of Central Asia visited U of T computer science. Steve Engels, an associate professor, teaching stream, helped facilitate the early stages of the partnership, and visited Naryn when the campus was still under construction.
“For our own benefit, it gives us a chance to take a second look at the work we're doing and reorganize some of our own curriculum,” said Engels, who worked closely with David Liu, an assistant professor, teaching stream, on the initial phases of the program design.
“It’s an honour to be part of the Aga Khan’s mission to create centres of education in developing countries.”
The U of T faculty met with students who will take the computer science courses they’ve designed, starting next year. And, they were able to enjoy some of the food specific to the region (photos left and right).
“The students gave us a lot of context. Other local universities teach programming from the start, and the students felt they were behind, as they’re in the preliminary year of a five-year program,” said Gries. “We reassured them that the groundwork they were doing was going to help them when they start learning computer science – it’s a tool, and in order to use the tool properly, they need to understand the context in which it is applied.”
Industry will also be a vital part of the Central Asian university’s success. Local software company, SpalMalo, shared the challenges they face when seeking talent, as educated students typically move on to wealthier regions or countries, so exposure to local opportunities through internships and placements will be key.
Like the town itself, population 35,000, the Naryn campus is small: Only 15 students per class, though eventually there will be two cohorts and 30 computer science students in total, whereas more than 350 undergraduates will graduate from the U of T computer science program this spring.
Faculty will also live on Naryn campus which also offers media and communication studies. University of Central Asian campuses in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan will focus on other subjects from earth and environmental sciences to business and engineering.
“It was an incredible experience,” said Gries of visiting Kyrgyzstan. He will plan the university's second-year software design course.
From left to right, Associate Professors, Teaching Stream, Michelle Craig and Paul Gries; Assistant Professor Alec Jacobson; Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, David Liu; and Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, François Pitt; by the Naryn River and Tien Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan (photo by Kyros Kutulakos)
https://www.utoronto.ca/news/toronto-ky ... ernational
New Archaeological Finds on University of Central Asia’s Naryn Campus
The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Naryn Campus was buzzing with activity as a team from Indiana University (IU) in the USA and the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) highlighted their latest findings. Based on archaeological research over the 6 years on the sites Aigyrzhal-2 and 3 located on UCA’s Naryn Campus, it was revealed that the Naryn Valley has a long history of human occupation.
“About 13,000 years ago, a group of hunters came to the place we call Aigyrzhal-2. This is very early, one of the earliest dates ever found for these people, and it sets Kyrgyzstan apart as a place where a Mesolithic lifestyle may be the oldest in all of Central Asia. […]
More and pdf at:
http://ucentralasia.org/Content/Downloa ... 0(Eng).pdf
The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Naryn Campus was buzzing with activity as a team from Indiana University (IU) in the USA and the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) highlighted their latest findings. Based on archaeological research over the 6 years on the sites Aigyrzhal-2 and 3 located on UCA’s Naryn Campus, it was revealed that the Naryn Valley has a long history of human occupation.
“About 13,000 years ago, a group of hunters came to the place we call Aigyrzhal-2. This is very early, one of the earliest dates ever found for these people, and it sets Kyrgyzstan apart as a place where a Mesolithic lifestyle may be the oldest in all of Central Asia. […]
More and pdf at:
http://ucentralasia.org/Content/Downloa ... 0(Eng).pdf
Reflections from the Roof of the World
I have spent the last month in Central Asia, a part of the world that has always seemed unreachable. Unreachable until the opportunity arose to volunteer with the University of Central Asia. This institution has two campuses located among the highest mountains in Central Asia: in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan and Khorog, Tajikistan. A third campus is under construction in Tekeli, Kazakhstan.
More....
https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/b ... 1.23401791
I have spent the last month in Central Asia, a part of the world that has always seemed unreachable. Unreachable until the opportunity arose to volunteer with the University of Central Asia. This institution has two campuses located among the highest mountains in Central Asia: in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan and Khorog, Tajikistan. A third campus is under construction in Tekeli, Kazakhstan.
More....
https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/b ... 1.23401791
University of Central Asia - A Development University
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... _p695jXqgY
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... _p695jXqgY
Tajikistan Ministry of Education and UCA sign agreement
Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 5 September 2018 - The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and the University of Central Asia (UCA) took a key step forward by signing an Agreement of Cooperation to enhance their mutually beneficial relationship with “the aim of preparing highly educated professional specialists who are able to meet competition in internal and external labor markets, introducing new methods of education, improving the quality of education, as well as carrying out the educational activities” at UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences, Khorog, Tajikistan.
The agreement was signed on 4 September 2018 by the Minister of Education and Science, Professor Nuriddin Said, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UCA, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. Also present at the signing were the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ismatullo Nasredin, the Rector of the University of Central Asia, Prof. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi, along with other senior officials of the ministries and UCA.
UCA was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university under a Charter promulgated through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations.
“We believe UCA will play an important role in training professionals at an internationally competitive level who will make a major contribution to the development of their countries and this entire region”, said Minister Nuriddin Said. Commenting on the agreement with the Ministry, UCA’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, expressed his delight that, “with the support of the Governments of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and UCA’s renowned partner universities in Australia, Canada, Europe and Russia, the University will have an opportunity to expand its role in the development of the region, through research and the training of talented Tajik and other Central Asian students.”
The new residential campus of UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences at Khorog provides a unique opportunity for talented students from Tajikistan to interact with their peers from the other two founding states of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as well as neighbouring countries, to address challenges and issues common to their mountain regions. These include the impact of climate change, new paradigms of economic development, and opportunities afforded by the rapid development of information technology systems and networks.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/taji ... -agreement
Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 5 September 2018 - The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and the University of Central Asia (UCA) took a key step forward by signing an Agreement of Cooperation to enhance their mutually beneficial relationship with “the aim of preparing highly educated professional specialists who are able to meet competition in internal and external labor markets, introducing new methods of education, improving the quality of education, as well as carrying out the educational activities” at UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences, Khorog, Tajikistan.
The agreement was signed on 4 September 2018 by the Minister of Education and Science, Professor Nuriddin Said, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UCA, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. Also present at the signing were the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ismatullo Nasredin, the Rector of the University of Central Asia, Prof. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi, along with other senior officials of the ministries and UCA.
UCA was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university under a Charter promulgated through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations.
“We believe UCA will play an important role in training professionals at an internationally competitive level who will make a major contribution to the development of their countries and this entire region”, said Minister Nuriddin Said. Commenting on the agreement with the Ministry, UCA’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, expressed his delight that, “with the support of the Governments of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and UCA’s renowned partner universities in Australia, Canada, Europe and Russia, the University will have an opportunity to expand its role in the development of the region, through research and the training of talented Tajik and other Central Asian students.”
The new residential campus of UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences at Khorog provides a unique opportunity for talented students from Tajikistan to interact with their peers from the other two founding states of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as well as neighbouring countries, to address challenges and issues common to their mountain regions. These include the impact of climate change, new paradigms of economic development, and opportunities afforded by the rapid development of information technology systems and networks.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/taji ... -agreement
President Rahmon inaugurates first Regional University in Tajikistan
Khorog, Tajikistan, 14 September 2018 - In what was a historic milestone, the University of Central Asia’s Khorog campus was formally inaugurated today by Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon. The Khorog campus is the second campus of the University to become operational since its Naryn campus was inaugurated in Kyrgyzstan in 2016.
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the patrons of the University, and His Highness is the University’s Chancellor.
Addressing a gathering of 1,000 guests, President Rahmon noted “the University of Central Asia in Khorog opens a new page in our country’s education system… I am convinced that the operation of this newly established facility will benefit not only our country, but it will also strengthen the multifaceted cooperation between the countries of the region in the field of education.”
On behalf of UCA, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed deep appreciation to the President of Tajikistan for gracing the occasion, and for his foresight and commitment to higher education. He also offered special gratitude to His Highness the Aga Khan, “whose vision, continued stewardship, and attention to every aspect of this University have enabled us to witness this special day.”
UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. The University brings with it the commitment and partnership of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The majors offered at UCA in Khorog are Economics and Earth and Environmental Sciences. At the Naryn campus, Computer Science and Media and Communications are offered. The University’s third campus in Tekeli, Kazakhstan, is expected to open by 2022, and will offer Business Management and Engineering Sciences.
The Mountain Societies Research Institute of UCA is also located at the Khorog campus to allow closer integration with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. This Institute is also involved in developing the research capacity of the Faculty of Natural and Biological Sciences at Khorog State University.
Since 2006, the UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) has been responding to community needs with 12 learning centres in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as six in Afghanistan. Over 12,000 learners participate in these courses each year, of which 53 percent are women. To date, over 120,000 have graduated from SPCE’s programmes.
The architectural design of the master plan of UCA was prepared by the award-winning Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. The buildings on the campus, which represent its first phase, were constructed largely by small and medium size Tajik contractors to ensure maximum economic benefit for the local and regional economy. The investment of US$ 95 million in the Khorog campus was provided by the AKDN, supplemented by a soft loan from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the United States.
In the first phase of campus construction, UCA operations created more than 1,400 jobs in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, 90% of which were offered to local residents. The University also created over 200 permanent new faculty and staff jobs in Naryn and Khorog.
To extend quality healthcare services to the Khorog community, AKDN’s Khorog Medical Centre is currently under development. In addition, two kindergartens and a training centre for early childhood educators has also been established.
In Khorog, UCA has also played a positive role in improving infrastructure. It has paved roads to Dasht Village from the main town, a gravel road to Upper Dasht Village and an access road from the community of Khitjd. The University also installed streetlights in the area.
For further information please contact:
University of Central Asia
Tel: +996 (312) 910-822
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ucentralasia.org
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/pres ... tajikistan
*******
University of Central Asia Khorog Campus
The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) undergraduate campus in Tajikistan is located in Khorog, 2,100 metres above sea level on a site gifted by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. Phase I construction of the UCA Khorog campus was completed in 2017, and includes an academic block, laboratory building, student life building, and residences.
The Khorog Campus houses a library, classrooms, a computer lab, student common spaces, dining hall, administrative offices and faculty reception, offices and residences. Each UCA campus features secure, modular dormitories, and athletic facilities including a football pitch, tennis courts, and a Sports Bubble that offers indoor athletics year-round. Majors offered at the Khorog Campus include Economics (BA), and Earth and Environmental Science (BSc).
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/university ... rog-campus
Khorog, Tajikistan, 14 September 2018 - In what was a historic milestone, the University of Central Asia’s Khorog campus was formally inaugurated today by Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon. The Khorog campus is the second campus of the University to become operational since its Naryn campus was inaugurated in Kyrgyzstan in 2016.
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the patrons of the University, and His Highness is the University’s Chancellor.
Addressing a gathering of 1,000 guests, President Rahmon noted “the University of Central Asia in Khorog opens a new page in our country’s education system… I am convinced that the operation of this newly established facility will benefit not only our country, but it will also strengthen the multifaceted cooperation between the countries of the region in the field of education.”
On behalf of UCA, Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed deep appreciation to the President of Tajikistan for gracing the occasion, and for his foresight and commitment to higher education. He also offered special gratitude to His Highness the Aga Khan, “whose vision, continued stewardship, and attention to every aspect of this University have enabled us to witness this special day.”
UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. The University brings with it the commitment and partnership of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The majors offered at UCA in Khorog are Economics and Earth and Environmental Sciences. At the Naryn campus, Computer Science and Media and Communications are offered. The University’s third campus in Tekeli, Kazakhstan, is expected to open by 2022, and will offer Business Management and Engineering Sciences.
The Mountain Societies Research Institute of UCA is also located at the Khorog campus to allow closer integration with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. This Institute is also involved in developing the research capacity of the Faculty of Natural and Biological Sciences at Khorog State University.
Since 2006, the UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) has been responding to community needs with 12 learning centres in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as six in Afghanistan. Over 12,000 learners participate in these courses each year, of which 53 percent are women. To date, over 120,000 have graduated from SPCE’s programmes.
The architectural design of the master plan of UCA was prepared by the award-winning Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. The buildings on the campus, which represent its first phase, were constructed largely by small and medium size Tajik contractors to ensure maximum economic benefit for the local and regional economy. The investment of US$ 95 million in the Khorog campus was provided by the AKDN, supplemented by a soft loan from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the United States.
In the first phase of campus construction, UCA operations created more than 1,400 jobs in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, 90% of which were offered to local residents. The University also created over 200 permanent new faculty and staff jobs in Naryn and Khorog.
To extend quality healthcare services to the Khorog community, AKDN’s Khorog Medical Centre is currently under development. In addition, two kindergartens and a training centre for early childhood educators has also been established.
In Khorog, UCA has also played a positive role in improving infrastructure. It has paved roads to Dasht Village from the main town, a gravel road to Upper Dasht Village and an access road from the community of Khitjd. The University also installed streetlights in the area.
For further information please contact:
University of Central Asia
Tel: +996 (312) 910-822
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ucentralasia.org
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/pres ... tajikistan
*******
University of Central Asia Khorog Campus
The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) undergraduate campus in Tajikistan is located in Khorog, 2,100 metres above sea level on a site gifted by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. Phase I construction of the UCA Khorog campus was completed in 2017, and includes an academic block, laboratory building, student life building, and residences.
The Khorog Campus houses a library, classrooms, a computer lab, student common spaces, dining hall, administrative offices and faculty reception, offices and residences. Each UCA campus features secure, modular dormitories, and athletic facilities including a football pitch, tennis courts, and a Sports Bubble that offers indoor athletics year-round. Majors offered at the Khorog Campus include Economics (BA), and Earth and Environmental Science (BSc).
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/university ... rog-campus
Inauguration of Khorog campus furthers University of Central Asia's work in mountain communities
The University of Central Asia’s Khorog campus in Tajikistan was officially inaugurated on 14 September 2018, joining the world-class centre for knowledge and learning, which connects isolated rural communities with the global community. The Khorog campus is the second to become operational after UCA's Naryn campus was inaugurated in Kyrgyzstan in 2016.
In his address at the inauguration of the Khorog campus, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon acknowledged the importance of the new campus as it strives to meet the broader goals of the University of Central Asia: “The University of Central Asia in Khorog is opening a new page in our country’s education system… I am convinced that the operation of this newly established facility will benefit not only our country, but it will also strengthen the multifaceted cooperation between the countries of the region in the field of education.”
More...
https://the.ismaili/news/inauguration-k ... ommunities
The University of Central Asia’s Khorog campus in Tajikistan was officially inaugurated on 14 September 2018, joining the world-class centre for knowledge and learning, which connects isolated rural communities with the global community. The Khorog campus is the second to become operational after UCA's Naryn campus was inaugurated in Kyrgyzstan in 2016.
In his address at the inauguration of the Khorog campus, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon acknowledged the importance of the new campus as it strives to meet the broader goals of the University of Central Asia: “The University of Central Asia in Khorog is opening a new page in our country’s education system… I am convinced that the operation of this newly established facility will benefit not only our country, but it will also strengthen the multifaceted cooperation between the countries of the region in the field of education.”
More...
https://the.ismaili/news/inauguration-k ... ommunities
SPEECH DELIVERED BY Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha
LOCATION
Khorog, Tajikistan (14 September 2018)
Inauguration of UCA's Khorog campus
https://www.akdn.org/speech/dr-shamsh-k ... rog-campus
******
The University of Central Asia opens in Tajikistan
https://qazaqtimes.com/en/article/47104
LOCATION
Khorog, Tajikistan (14 September 2018)
Inauguration of UCA's Khorog campus
https://www.akdn.org/speech/dr-shamsh-k ... rog-campus
******
The University of Central Asia opens in Tajikistan
https://qazaqtimes.com/en/article/47104
Voices of UCA: 'Together we can achieve a lot more than as an individual' - Alyna Rahim
Alyna Rahim was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. She is twenty years-old and spends her free time doing origami, listening to music, occasionally singing, and reading mystery novels. Prior to joining UCA, Alyna volunteered in her community and believed living in UCA’s diverse environment would enable her to learn new cultures and better understand her own. She aspires to become a cryptanalyst or a data scientist after graduation. After her first year at the UCA Campus in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, she was recognised as the top student in her class and was honoured on the Dean’s List.
This interview is part of a series featuring UCA undergraduate students’ reflections after completing their first year at the university. This series is a joint collaboration between the University of Central Asia and Aga Khan Foundation Canada.
Interview and more...
https://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1486
Alyna Rahim was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. She is twenty years-old and spends her free time doing origami, listening to music, occasionally singing, and reading mystery novels. Prior to joining UCA, Alyna volunteered in her community and believed living in UCA’s diverse environment would enable her to learn new cultures and better understand her own. She aspires to become a cryptanalyst or a data scientist after graduation. After her first year at the UCA Campus in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, she was recognised as the top student in her class and was honoured on the Dean’s List.
This interview is part of a series featuring UCA undergraduate students’ reflections after completing their first year at the university. This series is a joint collaboration between the University of Central Asia and Aga Khan Foundation Canada.
Interview and more...
https://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/1486
University of Central Asia architect wins Pritzker Prize
BISHKEK (TCA) — Arata Isozaki, the renowned Japanese architect, and designer of the master plan of the University of Central Asia (UCA), has won the coveted Pritzker Architecture Prize for 2019. He is the 46th Pritzker laureate, and the prize of $100,000 will be awarded at an official ceremony in May at the Chateau de Versailles in France.
Among Isozaki’s over 100 notable architectural designs are the Kyoto Concert Hall in Japan, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. He is also the designer of the master plan of the University of Central Asia, and its three campuses located in Khorog (Tajikistan), Naryn (Kyrgyzstan), and Tekeli (Kazakhstan), which has a set a new standard for university design in Central Asia. UCA’s design has received widespread attention for responsiveness to its mountain locations, and the environment it creates for study, contemplation, and play.
The annual Pritzker Prize was established in 1979 by the Pritzker Family of Chicago, and is awarded to “an architect who has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity through the art of architecture.” The laureate is selected by an independent jury of five to nine professionals, and past winners include architects Philip Johnson, Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas, and Zaha Hadid.
In 2001 Isozaki also served on the Master Jury of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, where over $1,000,000 is awarded to winners every three years for projects that set new standards of excellence in architecture, planning practices, historic preservation, and landscape architecture.
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University, and His Highness is the Chancellor.
UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognized standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. The University brings with it the commitment and partnership of the broader Aga Khan Development Network.
The majors offered at UCA in Khorog are Economics and Earth and Environmental Sciences. At the Naryn campus it is Computer Science and Media and Communications. The campus in Tekeli, Kazakhstan, is expected to open by 2022, and will offer Business Management and Engineering Sciences.
https://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/ ... zker-prize
BISHKEK (TCA) — Arata Isozaki, the renowned Japanese architect, and designer of the master plan of the University of Central Asia (UCA), has won the coveted Pritzker Architecture Prize for 2019. He is the 46th Pritzker laureate, and the prize of $100,000 will be awarded at an official ceremony in May at the Chateau de Versailles in France.
Among Isozaki’s over 100 notable architectural designs are the Kyoto Concert Hall in Japan, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. He is also the designer of the master plan of the University of Central Asia, and its three campuses located in Khorog (Tajikistan), Naryn (Kyrgyzstan), and Tekeli (Kazakhstan), which has a set a new standard for university design in Central Asia. UCA’s design has received widespread attention for responsiveness to its mountain locations, and the environment it creates for study, contemplation, and play.
The annual Pritzker Prize was established in 1979 by the Pritzker Family of Chicago, and is awarded to “an architect who has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity through the art of architecture.” The laureate is selected by an independent jury of five to nine professionals, and past winners include architects Philip Johnson, Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas, and Zaha Hadid.
In 2001 Isozaki also served on the Master Jury of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, where over $1,000,000 is awarded to winners every three years for projects that set new standards of excellence in architecture, planning practices, historic preservation, and landscape architecture.
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University, and His Highness is the Chancellor.
UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognized standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. The University brings with it the commitment and partnership of the broader Aga Khan Development Network.
The majors offered at UCA in Khorog are Economics and Earth and Environmental Sciences. At the Naryn campus it is Computer Science and Media and Communications. The campus in Tekeli, Kazakhstan, is expected to open by 2022, and will offer Business Management and Engineering Sciences.
https://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/ ... zker-prize
Connecting to Your Discipline Programme
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... xtBkjmDJh8
"It has been quite a journey, and the best part about everything is the enthusiasm of the students," said Kamil Karamali, Communications and Media facilitator for the "Connecting to Your Discipline" programme at the University of Central Asia.
As part of the first year of study, CYD is an exciting programme that aims to help UCA students decide which of the six majors offered by the University they would like to study. It provided them with a great opportunity to learn more about the academic programmes and put their gained knowledge into practice. CYD is facilitated by international and regional professionals.
This year, Kamil Karamali, Reporter at Global News, and Farhan Umedaly, Filmmaker at VoVo Productions, led the Communications and Media week. Watch this video to hear more about their impressions from their time at UCA's campuses in Naryn (Kyrgyzstan) and Khorog (Tajikistan). This video was produced by Aleksey Lee, undergraduate student at UCA.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... xtBkjmDJh8
"It has been quite a journey, and the best part about everything is the enthusiasm of the students," said Kamil Karamali, Communications and Media facilitator for the "Connecting to Your Discipline" programme at the University of Central Asia.
As part of the first year of study, CYD is an exciting programme that aims to help UCA students decide which of the six majors offered by the University they would like to study. It provided them with a great opportunity to learn more about the academic programmes and put their gained knowledge into practice. CYD is facilitated by international and regional professionals.
This year, Kamil Karamali, Reporter at Global News, and Farhan Umedaly, Filmmaker at VoVo Productions, led the Communications and Media week. Watch this video to hear more about their impressions from their time at UCA's campuses in Naryn (Kyrgyzstan) and Khorog (Tajikistan). This video was produced by Aleksey Lee, undergraduate student at UCA.
https://www.universityworldnews.com/pos ... 6133354131
KAZAKHSTAN-KYRGYZSTAN-TAJIKISTAN
Silk Road university serves nomadic mountain communities
Kalinga Seneviratne 27 July 2019
The University of Central Asia, a unique university on the New Silk Road being developed by China to link Asia to Europe, hopes to tag onto the new infrastructure to educate some of the most marginalised communities in the mountainous region – most of them living a nomadic lifestyle raising livestock and facing problems due to conflicts and climate change.
For development to be sustainable, universities need to work with the communities where they are located, not merely to educate populations and provide them with qualifications and certificates, but also by conducting research into issues that affect mountain communities, says Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, chairman of the board of trustees of the University of Central Asia (UCA).
Founded in 2000 by the governments of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation, it has three campuses in each of the countries, located away from the major cities. They are on the historic Silk Route and UCA hopes to be at the heart of the economic and intellectual transformation taking place in the region, Kassim-Lakha told University World News.
Naryn, where UCA’s main campus is located, is about 350 km from the Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek and is at the centre of the New Silk Road joining China to the Persian Gulf and beyond, part of China’s massive Belt and Road infrastructure and trade project.
“This region has a strong relationship to China and also to Russia. We felt at some stage we have to take this into account as we evolved this university,” noted Kassim-Lakha. “We find some Chinese institutions are at the top in some areas we have an interest in,” he said, including the economics of the region which presents long-term possibilities for Chinese institutions to work with UCA.
Serving mountain communities
But there is a strong focus on serving the local communities.
Students come mainly from the three Central Asian countries, as well as from mountain regions of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. There are also many students from urban areas. Admission is purely on merit and UCA offers financial assistance, especially to students from rural mountain communities, to cover living expenses at its residential campuses.
Kyrgyzstan’s land area is 90% mountainous. UCA's Mountain Societies Research Institute is working on a number of research projects to address the development and environmental problems associated with the area as glaciers melt and mudflows and floods become more intense.
The region’s surrounding Tian Shan, Pamir, Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges are home to great biological diversity that maintains ecosystem integrity and a sustainable flow of ecosystem services.
There is a dearth of rigorously investigated and documented scientific understanding of mountain societies. Most of them live nomadic lifestyles raising livestock such as cattle, sheep and horses.
The university offers degree programmes in computer science, communication and media, economics, earth and environmental science, and plans to introduce in 2022 degrees in business management and engineering sciences.
Myrza Karimov, head of cooperative education at UCA, said after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, universities proliferated in Kyrgyzstan. Now 60% of high school leavers are admitted to universities.
But the new system of higher education, he argued, is selling certificates to students and not providing skills for them to be productively employed.
“Almost one million young people [from Kyrgyzstan] are in Russia as migrant workers. There’s another half million that can’t go to Russia but have left their villages and live in Bishkek building new community houses illegally on land. But there are no jobs. The 56 universities are just giving out certificates,” maintained Karimov.
‘Technology parks’ that serve the community
After a month-long study tour to South Korea some two years ago, Karimov got the idea to develop technology parks in Central Asia. “I got the idea of cooperative education from there [South Korea] where the government provides land and the universities put together a consortium consisting of government, university and banks [to run the system],” Karimov explained.
The Kyrgyz education ministry has given UCA permission to introduce this type of experimental education in Kyrgyzstan.
Karimov believes UCA can work with cotton growers in Kyrgyzstan by setting up technology parks “and work together in developing cotton-based industries”, rather than simply selling cotton to rich countries as raw material. It would “tap into the regional economy and stop internal migration”, he said.
“We don’t want our graduates to go to Russia to work as construction workers. Our goal is that students should work in the community, based on the majors they did at UCA,” Karimov said.
Evangelia Papoutsaki, head of media and communications at UCA, believes that the remote mountain areas can be best served by training students to focus on the mountain communities, learning their history and geography, and understanding their social, economic and environmental needs.
“Students need to volunteer and interact with everyday people in these communities,” she said.
Student volunteers in the community
Narinder Pal Singh, project manager for community outreach and engagement at UCA, has mobilised student volunteers to work with adjoining communities in Naryn, to work in recycling and women’s empowerment projects.
“The university wants to encourage students and the community to come together and work on a voluntary basis,” he explained, admitting in the beginning it was hard to get volunteers.
Then Singh went to the community with a group of students to meet women at home who wanted to find a way to have extra income. The mothers expressed a wish to learn sewing and set up their own businesses but needed funding to start.
Singh helped the students organise a fundraising event in the town centre. “Now we have formed a committee – UCA faculty, students and members of the community are part of this committee – which will decide how to spend the money to help them,” explained Singh.
Vocational courses
The university’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) in Naryn provides vocational training and numerous other courses designed to improve income-generation opportunities for the mountain communities. Since 2006, over 120,000 people have completed SPCE courses here as well as in 12 other Central Asian locations, plus Afghanistan.
The university identifies the needs of the communities and devises courses to address them. For example, Kassim-Lakha said: “We realised there was a huge gap in financial education,” including the double entry book-keeping system, which is standard around the world.
Now they provide accountancy and book-keeping training right up to chartered accountancy levels. Other popular courses are in English skills, plumbing, brick-laying and automobile engineering with computerised systems – necessary in a region where long-haul trucks using the new routes use digital systems.
With China’s Belt and Road Initiative gathering momentum across the region, UCA has set up a research project in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s University of Oxford to study its social and economic impact in the region.
The university is also looking into developing the tourism potential of communities as road transport improves. For this task UCA has set up a Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit, which is soon going to become an institute.
“One of the important roles of a university is how we can preserve and promote culture that gives pride, and mountain communities all have different cultures,” said Kassim-Lakha, a former Pakistani cabinet minister.
“SPCE has a programme for training mountain guides and entrepreneurs to become tourist guides in the community. This could be a very powerful way to connect with the communities.”
“One of the reasons I applied to UCA was that I was planning to get involved in business and I was impressed with what the university was offering to encourage start-ups, not only in Kyrgyzstan but also in Central Asia in the field of IT,” said Elgiz, a media and communication student.
“There are courses here to train students to be social entrepreneurs. We learn how to make business plans and design a contract,” he added.
“We want our students to be job creators not seekers,” said Kassim-Lakha. “We give them a spirit of entrepreneurship. One of the problems of the developing world is that many graduates are educated unemployables.”
KAZAKHSTAN-KYRGYZSTAN-TAJIKISTAN
Silk Road university serves nomadic mountain communities
Kalinga Seneviratne 27 July 2019
The University of Central Asia, a unique university on the New Silk Road being developed by China to link Asia to Europe, hopes to tag onto the new infrastructure to educate some of the most marginalised communities in the mountainous region – most of them living a nomadic lifestyle raising livestock and facing problems due to conflicts and climate change.
For development to be sustainable, universities need to work with the communities where they are located, not merely to educate populations and provide them with qualifications and certificates, but also by conducting research into issues that affect mountain communities, says Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, chairman of the board of trustees of the University of Central Asia (UCA).
Founded in 2000 by the governments of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation, it has three campuses in each of the countries, located away from the major cities. They are on the historic Silk Route and UCA hopes to be at the heart of the economic and intellectual transformation taking place in the region, Kassim-Lakha told University World News.
Naryn, where UCA’s main campus is located, is about 350 km from the Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek and is at the centre of the New Silk Road joining China to the Persian Gulf and beyond, part of China’s massive Belt and Road infrastructure and trade project.
“This region has a strong relationship to China and also to Russia. We felt at some stage we have to take this into account as we evolved this university,” noted Kassim-Lakha. “We find some Chinese institutions are at the top in some areas we have an interest in,” he said, including the economics of the region which presents long-term possibilities for Chinese institutions to work with UCA.
Serving mountain communities
But there is a strong focus on serving the local communities.
Students come mainly from the three Central Asian countries, as well as from mountain regions of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. There are also many students from urban areas. Admission is purely on merit and UCA offers financial assistance, especially to students from rural mountain communities, to cover living expenses at its residential campuses.
Kyrgyzstan’s land area is 90% mountainous. UCA's Mountain Societies Research Institute is working on a number of research projects to address the development and environmental problems associated with the area as glaciers melt and mudflows and floods become more intense.
The region’s surrounding Tian Shan, Pamir, Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges are home to great biological diversity that maintains ecosystem integrity and a sustainable flow of ecosystem services.
There is a dearth of rigorously investigated and documented scientific understanding of mountain societies. Most of them live nomadic lifestyles raising livestock such as cattle, sheep and horses.
The university offers degree programmes in computer science, communication and media, economics, earth and environmental science, and plans to introduce in 2022 degrees in business management and engineering sciences.
Myrza Karimov, head of cooperative education at UCA, said after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, universities proliferated in Kyrgyzstan. Now 60% of high school leavers are admitted to universities.
But the new system of higher education, he argued, is selling certificates to students and not providing skills for them to be productively employed.
“Almost one million young people [from Kyrgyzstan] are in Russia as migrant workers. There’s another half million that can’t go to Russia but have left their villages and live in Bishkek building new community houses illegally on land. But there are no jobs. The 56 universities are just giving out certificates,” maintained Karimov.
‘Technology parks’ that serve the community
After a month-long study tour to South Korea some two years ago, Karimov got the idea to develop technology parks in Central Asia. “I got the idea of cooperative education from there [South Korea] where the government provides land and the universities put together a consortium consisting of government, university and banks [to run the system],” Karimov explained.
The Kyrgyz education ministry has given UCA permission to introduce this type of experimental education in Kyrgyzstan.
Karimov believes UCA can work with cotton growers in Kyrgyzstan by setting up technology parks “and work together in developing cotton-based industries”, rather than simply selling cotton to rich countries as raw material. It would “tap into the regional economy and stop internal migration”, he said.
“We don’t want our graduates to go to Russia to work as construction workers. Our goal is that students should work in the community, based on the majors they did at UCA,” Karimov said.
Evangelia Papoutsaki, head of media and communications at UCA, believes that the remote mountain areas can be best served by training students to focus on the mountain communities, learning their history and geography, and understanding their social, economic and environmental needs.
“Students need to volunteer and interact with everyday people in these communities,” she said.
Student volunteers in the community
Narinder Pal Singh, project manager for community outreach and engagement at UCA, has mobilised student volunteers to work with adjoining communities in Naryn, to work in recycling and women’s empowerment projects.
“The university wants to encourage students and the community to come together and work on a voluntary basis,” he explained, admitting in the beginning it was hard to get volunteers.
Then Singh went to the community with a group of students to meet women at home who wanted to find a way to have extra income. The mothers expressed a wish to learn sewing and set up their own businesses but needed funding to start.
Singh helped the students organise a fundraising event in the town centre. “Now we have formed a committee – UCA faculty, students and members of the community are part of this committee – which will decide how to spend the money to help them,” explained Singh.
Vocational courses
The university’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) in Naryn provides vocational training and numerous other courses designed to improve income-generation opportunities for the mountain communities. Since 2006, over 120,000 people have completed SPCE courses here as well as in 12 other Central Asian locations, plus Afghanistan.
The university identifies the needs of the communities and devises courses to address them. For example, Kassim-Lakha said: “We realised there was a huge gap in financial education,” including the double entry book-keeping system, which is standard around the world.
Now they provide accountancy and book-keeping training right up to chartered accountancy levels. Other popular courses are in English skills, plumbing, brick-laying and automobile engineering with computerised systems – necessary in a region where long-haul trucks using the new routes use digital systems.
With China’s Belt and Road Initiative gathering momentum across the region, UCA has set up a research project in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s University of Oxford to study its social and economic impact in the region.
The university is also looking into developing the tourism potential of communities as road transport improves. For this task UCA has set up a Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit, which is soon going to become an institute.
“One of the important roles of a university is how we can preserve and promote culture that gives pride, and mountain communities all have different cultures,” said Kassim-Lakha, a former Pakistani cabinet minister.
“SPCE has a programme for training mountain guides and entrepreneurs to become tourist guides in the community. This could be a very powerful way to connect with the communities.”
“One of the reasons I applied to UCA was that I was planning to get involved in business and I was impressed with what the university was offering to encourage start-ups, not only in Kyrgyzstan but also in Central Asia in the field of IT,” said Elgiz, a media and communication student.
“There are courses here to train students to be social entrepreneurs. We learn how to make business plans and design a contract,” he added.
“We want our students to be job creators not seekers,” said Kassim-Lakha. “We give them a spirit of entrepreneurship. One of the problems of the developing world is that many graduates are educated unemployables.”
President highlights Digital Transformation Goals for Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 4 October - The President of the Kyrgyz Republic inaugurated the Conference on Digital Transformation in Central Asia (DTCA) on October 4 in Bishkek. This three-day international Conference is jointly hosted by the University of Central Asia (UCA), State Committee for Information Technology and Communications, and the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic, and includes a day long session at UCA’s campus in Naryn.
The DTCA conference, taking place in the year designated by the Government of Kyrgyzstan as the Year of Regional Development and Digitalisation, brought together over 20 international speakers from 12 countries, and over 100 leading technology leaders from Central Asia, to discuss current and future technology trends in Central Asia. Technology professionals, government officials, educators, and researchers will be discussing the latest approaches to solving intriguing challenges in the fields of data collection and analysis, digitising government services, management (public and private enterprise), cyber security, and the increasing role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education and research.
In his inaugural address, President Sooronbai Jeenbekov announced that “We have set the goal to make Kyrgyzstan the top country in the region in terms of digitisation.” He added, “Digital technologies are changing the nature of global economy by creating opportunities for every country to have wide-ranging involvement in the global process. In order to effectively use these opportunities, we need to create a new mindset that can implement these developments in public administration and business.”
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Central Asia (UCA), and the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) Diplomatic Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic, Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, confirmed the full support of UCA and AKDN to continue to work with the Government to advance the important policy recommendations on digitisation articulated by President Jeenbekov. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that “learning and technological advancements are not driving development in a haphazard manner, but that they are grounded in the ethical, cultural, and normative frameworks of society.”
Besides providing an unprecedented opportunity for networking with the best minds in the business, the presence of representatives from companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, and SAP, as well as Telecommunications, Mining, and Energy fields in Central Asia, provides a window into the depth of expected dialogue and discussion. It is the hope of the organisers that this conference marks the beginning of new partnerships and initiatives that sustain and grow digital transformation into the future.
Among the sponsors of the conference is the Russian Federation UNDP which collaborates with partners to promote policy responses and business decisions to end extreme poverty, curb inequalities, and fast-track progress for the people who have been left furthest behind.
The “Digital CASA - Kyrgyz Republic” project and Open Data are partners of the event, and Cisco-Greenlight IT Solutions and Consulting is the lead sponsor. Other sponsors include Logic Company, TallyMarks Consulting, Bai Tushum Bank, First MicroFinance Company and the Soros Foundation.
In his concluding remarks, President Jeenbekov expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the Conference: the University of Central Asia, the State Committee for Information Technology and Communications, and the High Technology Park. “I strongly believe that this Conference will become an important platform for new and creative ideas on digital transformation, and that its success will depend on the joint efforts of all stakeholders.”
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/pres ... kyrgyzstan
Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 4 October - The President of the Kyrgyz Republic inaugurated the Conference on Digital Transformation in Central Asia (DTCA) on October 4 in Bishkek. This three-day international Conference is jointly hosted by the University of Central Asia (UCA), State Committee for Information Technology and Communications, and the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic, and includes a day long session at UCA’s campus in Naryn.
The DTCA conference, taking place in the year designated by the Government of Kyrgyzstan as the Year of Regional Development and Digitalisation, brought together over 20 international speakers from 12 countries, and over 100 leading technology leaders from Central Asia, to discuss current and future technology trends in Central Asia. Technology professionals, government officials, educators, and researchers will be discussing the latest approaches to solving intriguing challenges in the fields of data collection and analysis, digitising government services, management (public and private enterprise), cyber security, and the increasing role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education and research.
In his inaugural address, President Sooronbai Jeenbekov announced that “We have set the goal to make Kyrgyzstan the top country in the region in terms of digitisation.” He added, “Digital technologies are changing the nature of global economy by creating opportunities for every country to have wide-ranging involvement in the global process. In order to effectively use these opportunities, we need to create a new mindset that can implement these developments in public administration and business.”
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Central Asia (UCA), and the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) Diplomatic Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic, Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, confirmed the full support of UCA and AKDN to continue to work with the Government to advance the important policy recommendations on digitisation articulated by President Jeenbekov. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that “learning and technological advancements are not driving development in a haphazard manner, but that they are grounded in the ethical, cultural, and normative frameworks of society.”
Besides providing an unprecedented opportunity for networking with the best minds in the business, the presence of representatives from companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, and SAP, as well as Telecommunications, Mining, and Energy fields in Central Asia, provides a window into the depth of expected dialogue and discussion. It is the hope of the organisers that this conference marks the beginning of new partnerships and initiatives that sustain and grow digital transformation into the future.
Among the sponsors of the conference is the Russian Federation UNDP which collaborates with partners to promote policy responses and business decisions to end extreme poverty, curb inequalities, and fast-track progress for the people who have been left furthest behind.
The “Digital CASA - Kyrgyz Republic” project and Open Data are partners of the event, and Cisco-Greenlight IT Solutions and Consulting is the lead sponsor. Other sponsors include Logic Company, TallyMarks Consulting, Bai Tushum Bank, First MicroFinance Company and the Soros Foundation.
In his concluding remarks, President Jeenbekov expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the Conference: the University of Central Asia, the State Committee for Information Technology and Communications, and the High Technology Park. “I strongly believe that this Conference will become an important platform for new and creative ideas on digital transformation, and that its success will depend on the joint efforts of all stakeholders.”
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/pres ... kyrgyzstan
UCA Khorog Campus Inauguration
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMWkDgYF_D0
The University of Central Asia’s Khorog campus in Tajikistan was officially inaugurated on 14 September 2018 by Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMWkDgYF_D0
The University of Central Asia’s Khorog campus in Tajikistan was officially inaugurated on 14 September 2018 by Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon.