New horizons of management knowledge

At Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, a unique and highly significant event took place – an extended meeting of the Educational-Methodical Association (EMA), which holds a special place in the educational landscape of our country. The event, titled “Modern Approaches to Developing Management and Public Administration Programs”, was more than a routine gathering of specialists; it served as a vivid example of rethinking educational content and turning toward new directions in line with contemporary demands.

The meeting brought together representatives from the academic community, government agencies, the private sector, as well as expert and research organizations, all united by a common goal: training high-quality, modern managers.

Organizations such as the Almaty City Administration, Astana Motors, ID Group, KSJ “Kommesk-Omir”, “Atameken” National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and IAAR contributed their expertise to the development of management education. The Management Department of the Higher School of Economics and Business played an active role in organizing the event. The professionalism and systematic work of the department’s faculty ensured the high-level execution of the meeting.

The event served as a clear example of sustainable collaboration and trust between the department and employers. For years, the department has successfully bridged academic knowledge and practical expertise.

A particularly notable contribution was made by Professor A. Syrgakbayeva, PhD in Philology, Scientific Secretary of the EMA at KazNU. With extensive experience in education, strong organizational skills, and expertise in coordinating academic processes, she played a key role in systematizing the EMA’s activities and ensuring content consistency.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the active participation of representatives from employer organizations. Among them were:

• G. Shakirova, CEO of the ID Group Scientific-Practical Center

• D. Medetbekova, IT Director of Astana Motors

• S. Izbasova, HR Director of KSJ “Kommesk-Omir” JSC

• D. Qumarbekov, Director of the Analysis Department at the Almaty Development Center

These professionals shared insights from practical experience in their fields, identifying current labor market and management system requirements. Their presentations addressed key issues such as:

• Management transformations in modern organizations

• Effective human resource management

• Management tools in the digital environment

• Evidence-based decision-making methods

• Creating a sustainable and value-based corporate culture

The ideas and recommendations discussed provided strong impetus for improving educational programs, enhancing their practical orientation, and aligning professional skills with labor market demands.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of analytical approaches in public administration, integrating theory and practice, and applying innovative technologies, showing that the educational process should evolve into an intellectual tool capable of anticipating the future. It reinforced the conclusion that management education should go beyond individual subjects and be based on a comprehensive, systematic model.

Thus, the extended EMA meeting deepened the connection between the university and employers, integrating education and practice, theory and real-world application. It represented an important institutional step toward systematically improving education quality. Every speaker demonstrated expertise in their field, while every participant recognized their potential to contribute to the future development of the system.

Higher education is not just about awarding diplomas; it is about shaping personalities. And managers are the decision-makers shaping the nation’s future. Therefore, this meeting was not only about improving educational programs but also about investing in the nation’s intellectual capital.

Training future managers is not merely a matter of workforce preparation; it is a mission that shapes the direction of society and strengthens the foundation of national development. Meetings like this serve as a golden bridge, connecting practice with education, science with technology, and national interests with modern requirements. The extended EMA meeting at KazNU laid a strong foundation for that golden bridge.

Galiya DAULIEVA
Dean, Higher School of Economics and Business

Gulzhihan SMAGULOVA
Head of the Management Department