The head of state took part in the Kazakh-Singaporean forum of rectors

Head of State Kasym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the Kazakh-Singaporean forum of rectors "New frontiers of partnership in science and higher education", - reports the website Akorda.kz.

The event was attended by Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Education of Singapore Mohammad Maliki Osman, President of the National University of Singapore Professor Tan Eng Chieh, Chairman of the Board - Rector of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Zhanseit Tuimebayev, as well as more than 150 representatives of higher educational institutions and scientific centers of Kazakhstan and Singapore.

Welcoming the participants of the forum, Kasym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the development of education and science is one of the key priorities of the state policy of Kazakhstan.

"Today's forum is an important milestone in our cooperation. It is designed to bring Kazakh-Singaporean cooperation in education and research to a higher level. Yesterday I held very informative talks with the President and Prime Minister of Singapore on a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation, including the areas of science, education and people-to-people contacts. Kazakhstan's transition to a more transparent and sustainable market economy requires dynamic, sustainable educational standards and digital transformation," the Head of State emphasized.

Kasym-Jomart Tokayev pointed out the importance of Kazakhstan's consistent approach to opening branches of leading universities in our country and developing research partnerships with foreign institutions.

"Over the past few years, we have established strategic alliances with 19 prestigious universities. American, British, Russian and German universities have already opened their branches in our country. Chinese, Turkish, Italian and other universities are also showing great interest in Kazakhstan," the President said.

He said that the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of higher education between the specialized departments of the two countries had been signed the previous day.

"This momentum will continue with the adoption of a number of other documents, including the Memorandum of Understanding with Nanyang Technological University. It is aimed at cooperation in the field of water resources management - a topic of great importance to Kazakhstan. Water is a vital resource that affects all aspects of our lives - from agriculture to industry, from health to the environment. Effective water resources management is crucial for sustainable development and economic stability," said Kasym-Jomart Tokayev.

The speech went on to say that Kazakhstan is committed to sending its researchers and scientists to Singapore as part of the Bolashak program. According to the President, during the existence of this program, more than 12 thousand Kazakh students have had the opportunity to study at the best universities in the world, 72 of them - in Singapore.

"I hope that even more students from Kazakhstan will have the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in your beautiful country. We provide 500 research scholarships every year. We look forward to increasing the number of Kazakhstani scientists in Singapore. Education and science are the cornerstones of progress and innovation. By investing in these areas, we are taking care of our future. Our partnership with Singapore is a testament to how international cooperation promotes progress and creates opportunities for our peoples," the Kazakh leader emphasized at the conclusion of his speech.

Singapore's Minister for Education Mohammad Maliki Osman and National University of Singapore President Prof. Tan Eng Chieh also addressed the forum.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University