A lecture titled “The Phenomenon of Soft Power” was delivered for the youth of Semey.

On November 8, 2025, Yerzhan Kerimbayev, Deputy Head of the Department of Chinese Studies for Academic and Educational Affairs, visited the city of Semey by special invitation and delivered a lecture to local youth. The topic of the lecture, which aligns with the scholar’s field of research, was titled “The Phenomenon of Soft Power.”

The event was attended by students from Semey’s higher educational institutions, as well as members of local reading clubs such as “Asyq,” “Oqyrman,” and “Tanym,” along with professionals from various fields interested in the topic. Among the audience were many university lecturers and school teachers.

Dr. Yerzhan Kerimbayev, PhD and senior lecturer of the Department, shared comprehensive and engaging insights into the “soft power” phenomenon, whose importance on the global stage continues to grow. He discussed its meaning, origins, distinctive features, stages of development, and the countries effectively employing soft power in their foreign policies. The lecturer also reflected on Kazakhstan’s emerging soft power potential, which has recently attracted increasing international attention. The lecture sparked great interest and an active discussion among the audience, who posed numerous questions afterward.

The event took place at the Abai Library in Semey. It was attended by Olzhas Beisenbai, Head of the Department of Youth Policy of the Abai Region, who delivered a closing speech and expressed appreciation to the speaker. It is noteworthy that Olzhas Beisenbai, who leads this important institution and is a member of the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve, is an alumnus of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Department of Chinese Studies.