President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the creation of a specialised research university in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The institution is planned to be given special status and leading global universities are to be involved. The government has been tasked with presenting specific proposals by the end of the year.
According to the press service of Akorda, the Head of State noted that the aim of the initiative is to train qualified specialists capable of implementing AI technologies in all sectors of the economy. The new university should become a centre of science, education, innovation, and international cooperation.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the need for the active integration of AI into Kazakhstan's education system. He emphasised that the traditional "one-size-fits-all" model does not meet the challenges of the time.
"Every student is unique. Some excel in mathematics but need additional support when learning languages; others demonstrate outstanding results in the humanities, but require more time for physics. AI can overcome this barrier. An AI-based knowledge system allows for the development of individual learning programmes tailored to each student's abilities. This approach helps unlock the potential of young people and increase their motivation to learn," the statement reads.
The President cited examples of international experience where similar solutions are already being applied: in the USA, DreamBox and Knewton platforms adapt mathematics courses; in South Korea, AI technologies are used in language learning.
"For Kazakhstan, it is particularly important to use such approaches. As a multi-ethnic state, we must ensure equal conditions for all children, regardless of their linguistic, cultural, or educational background," said Tokayev.
For context, a plenary session of the August Conference of Education Workers was previously held in Astana. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the key directions of reforms in the education sector, emphasised the importance of the teaching profession, and instructed the government to accelerate the implementation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.
The Head of State also announced an intention to amend the Law "On the Status of a Teacher" to strengthen the protection of teachers' rights.