KazNU Staff Undergo Training at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Winter School

In today’s rapidly evolving world, where digital transformation serves as a decisive factor for success in the hospitality industry, specialists must be able not only to respond swiftly to innovations but also to shape their own approaches to sector development. With a view to bolstering their standing in this dynamic field, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences at KazNU, Mr. Yeldar Nuruly, and Junior Research Fellow at the Sustainable Development and Environmental Management Research Center at KazNU, Ms. Amina Shyryntay, are currently undergoing training at the prestigious “2025 Hong Kong PolyU Winter School®.” Organized by the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in cooperation with the Hong Kong Hotels Association, this program reflects the high level of academic expertise at PolyU—ranked 57th in the QS WUR 2025 and 11th in the “Hospitality & Leisure Management” category in the QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2024.

The Winter School is taking place from January 7 to 11, 2025, and comprises five one-day modules. Each module focuses on cutting-edge approaches to digitalization and management in the hospitality industry. Participants learn how to effectively implement advanced technologies (AI, blockchain, and the theory and practice of digital transformation) in the hospitality sphere, master modern HR practices using digital solutions for talent acquisition and development, explore AI applications in the hotel business, analyze customer sentiment through social media monitoring, and gain skills in working with big data to evaluate competitiveness in the hospitality and tourism sector.

It is noteworthy that the cost of a single module amounts to USD 550 (with the full course priced at USD 3,000). However, representatives from KazNU have been granted complimentary enrollment through PolyU’s support. This training not only broadens the professional horizons of university staff but also makes a significant contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—in particular SDG 4, “Quality Education,” and SDG 9, “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure”—thereby reinforcing the socially responsible and technologically oriented foundation of the hospitality industry.

Hence, the participation of KazNU staff in the PolyU Winter School not only enhances their individual professional competencies, but also lays a solid groundwork for further scientific research and educational initiatives aimed at steering the national tourism sector toward innovation and sustainable growth.