Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Hosts “Professor vs Student” Intellectual Battle Dedicated to Knowledge Day and the International Day of Older Persons

On October 1, 2026, the Higher School of Economics and Business of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University organized an intellectual competition entitled “Professor vs Student”, dedicated to Knowledge Day and the International Day of Older Persons. The event brought together faculty members and students from various academic programs, providing a platform for intellectual competition, intergenerational dialogue, and the exchange of professional knowledge and experience.

The primary objective of the event was to strengthen intergenerational continuity, promote respect for the professional and life experience of senior academics, develop students' intellectual potential, and foster a culture of cooperation between faculty members and students. Particular attention was given to the role of university professors as mentors who transmit not only academic knowledge but also professional values, practical experience, and institutional traditions to younger generations.

Four teams representing the academic fields of Economics, Management, Business Technologies, and Finance participated in the intellectual competition. A distinctive feature of the event was the mixed composition of the teams, each bringing together an experienced faculty member, a young lecturer, and a student. This format demonstrated the advantages of collaboration across generations, where the academic expertise and professional knowledge of senior educators complemented the initiative, creativity, and contemporary perspectives of younger participants.

The intellectual battle consisted of four thematic rounds. The first round focused on economics and business, requiring participants to demonstrate their understanding of economic processes, fundamental principles of market economies, and contemporary trends in entrepreneurship. During the second round, participants tested their knowledge of the history of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and the Higher School of Economics and Business, recalling important milestones in the university's development, its achievements, and academic traditions.

The third round addressed modern technologies, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. Participants explored current technological developments and their implications for economic systems, education, and society. The fourth round consisted of logical challenges designed to assess analytical reasoning, attentiveness, creativity, and the ability to make effective decisions under time constraints.

Interactive activities generated particular interest among participants. Students were invited to explain contemporary trends and popular concepts, while professors demonstrated their expertise by interpreting economic terminology. These activities enriched the competition and provided opportunities for participants to demonstrate their professional knowledge, creativity, sense of humor, and teamwork skills.

The intellectual battle took place in an atmosphere of friendly competition, mutual respect, and active engagement. The event demonstrated how the combination of senior academics' experience, faculty members' professional expertise, and students' initiative can contribute to the development of a dynamic and collaborative university community.

Holding the event on the International Day of Older Persons carried particular symbolic significance, emphasizing the importance of respecting older generations, recognizing their contribution to education, and preserving academic traditions. The dedication to Knowledge Day, in turn, highlighted the value of lifelong learning, intellectual development, and the pursuit of knowledge regardless of age or professional status.

Initiatives of this kind contribute to strengthening the university's institutional culture, promoting cooperation between academic departments, increasing student participation in extracurricular activities, and creating a supportive and inclusive educational environment.

The event aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) — “Quality Education”, which promotes inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities, as well as Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) — “Reduced Inequalities”, which emphasizes social inclusion and equal opportunities for people of different generations.