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NU SEDS Launched Industrial Advisory Board in Inaugural Meeting

On September 7, Nazarbayev University’s School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (NU SEDS) officially established its first Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) in a hybrid meeting aimed at strengthening ties between academia and industry. The board will play a critical role in aligning the school’s programs with evolving market demands and industry trends, ensuring that SEDS remains competitive and innovative.

In the meeting, Professor Vassilios Tourassis, Vice President for Global Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives at NEOM, was unanimously elected as Chair of the newly formed board. With a two-year term, Tourassis, who previously served as SEDS Dean and NU Vice Provost for Industry Engagement, is expected to leverage his extensive experience in both academia and industry to lead the board's efforts.

The Industrial Advisory Board will meet biannually to offer expert advice on curriculum development, foster industry partnerships, and provide guidance on fundraising and school initiatives. Additionally, the board will help facilitate internship opportunities and employment pathways for students, strengthening the school’s connection to key sectors in Kazakhstan and beyond.

Several industry representatives, including those from Astana Electronics Laboratory, BI Group, and Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering, contributed to discussions on improving internship programs, expanding the alumni network, and enhancing the curriculum to meet the growing demand for specialists in fields like cybersecurity, robotics, and engineering.

In her opening address, Dean Yelyzaveta Arkhangelsky emphasized the significance of the IAB in ensuring the school’s programs remain industry-relevant: "The IAB will be crucial in fostering innovation, enhancing our competitive edge, and preparing students for the modern workforce."

During the meeting, Zhumabay Bakenov, Vice Provost for Industry Engagement at Nazarbayev University, emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborations between academia and industry. He highlighted that such partnerships are essential for ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the modern job market.

Bolat Sultankulov, Founder of Arlan Biotech, and Almaz Saukhimov, Managing Director at KEGOC, echoed the need for the school’s curriculum to align more closely with industry needs. They stressed that staying ahead of emerging trends and fostering deeper engagement with alumni could significantly enhance both educational outcomes and practical opportunities for students.

Mohammed Amra, Acting Technical Director at Qazaq Air JSC, raised concerns about the current gap between theoretical learning and practical application. He emphasized the need for expanded practical training and support for students to acquire professional certifications, especially in aviation.

Several other industry representatives from Astana Electronics Laboratory, BI Group, and Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering contributed to discussions on improving internship programs, expanding the alumni network, and enhancing the curriculum. They pointed out that meeting the growing demand for specialists in fields such as cybersecurity, robotics, and engineering will require more targeted educational efforts and closer industry cooperation.

In her closing remarks, Dean Arkhangelsky expressed her gratitude to all attendees: "Your valuable insights and expertise will help shape the future of our school, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration as we work together to prepare our students for the challenges of the modern workforce."

This inaugural meeting marks the beginning of a new chapter for the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, where industry partnerships will play a central role in driving innovation and ensuring the success of both students and the school as a whole.