KazNU scientists are interning in Malaysia

Researchers of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University are undergoing a scientific internship at the University of Putra Malaysia (UPM).

The KazNU delegation includes senior lecturers Eldar Nuryly and Akmaral Sapieva, PhD student Aida Kalieva, and master's student Dinara Nurkyzy. The internship started on December 3 and will last until December 14. UPM University (Malaysia) is among the top five universities in the country and ranks 148th in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The visit to UPM began with a tour of the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, where KazNU representatives met with the Department of Recreation and ecotourism. They were introduced to Dr. Sam Shor Nahar Yaakob, who spoke about the university's main research areas. The KazNU delegation then visited the research laboratories and learned about the university's educational programs.

On the second day, KazNU staff participated in a unique session organized by the Department of Recreation and Ecotourism at UPM. The outdoor class format allowed them to observe how students apply theory in practice by organizing various recreational activities. The internship participants watched tree climbing, archery, tent pitching, and other activities designed to develop teamwork and leadership skills. KazNU representatives not only observed the process but also participated, gaining valuable experience to implement into their own educational programs.

The official meeting of the KazNU delegation with UPM leadership followed. KazNU staff presented a report on the scientific and educational activities of the faculty and department, and shared information about the new laboratories and research centers that opened in 2024. In turn, the Malaysian colleagues, with the participation of Dr. Sam Shor Nahar Yaakob, Dr. Noor Jalilah Jumaat, Dr. Mohd Aswad Ramlan, Dr. Zulkhairi Azizi Zainal Abidin, and Dr. Zamru bin Ajuhari, shared their educational and research projects, focusing on sustainable tourism and natural resource conservation. During the discussions, areas for future collaboration were outlined: joint research, grant applications, and the exchange of faculty and students.

The internship program is full of lectures, field seminars and visits to natural heritage sites. One of the key topics during the internship was the lecture "Sustainable tourism and environmental impacts", where the speaker emphasized the importance of developing tourism, which not only brings economic benefits, but also minimizes damage to ecosystems. This approach is consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 11 ("Sustainable cities and communities") and SDG 15 ("Conservation of terrestrial ecosystems").

In addition, as part of the internship, KazNU employees will visit the unique Sultan Idris Shah Forestry Education Center, located in a natural forest. This center serves as a base for students' academic practices and research. KazNU delegation is also scheduled to participate in the international conference on adventure and ecotourism 2024 (Hornbill@ICAE) in Miri, organized by UPM.

According to the program, two seminars, field trips and master classes with the participation of KazNU employees are planned after the conference.

 Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University