Month: May 2024

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) held a board of directors meeting in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, which has lately become a paragon of tennis development in the region. This October, the country will host an ATP 250 tournament for the fourth time. To be held in Almaty for the first time, the event is expected to be larger than previous tournaments, gathering players from more than 20 countries as well as around 42 thousand spectators.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

The board of the ATF, whose primary goal is to make Asian tennis players more competitive on the global stage, discussed the Federation’s development strategy until 2027, the establishment of new Asian tournaments for top players, promotion of the participation of Asian players in high-level international events and the increased construction of clay courts to improve the performance of Asian players on clay surfaces.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was a visit to the Beeline Arena and the Daulet Tennis Centre to observe firsthand the training of children in Kazakhstan and to engage with the coaches.

Representatives from Cambodia, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, among other countries, attended the meeting.

Bulat Utemuratov, who is President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Vice President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and chairman of the ATF’s Development Advisors Group, noted: 

“I’m proud to keep supporting the representation of Asian players at international tournaments. As one of the key first steps, I intend to call on the ITF to increase the number of high-level ITF tournaments held in this region and to ensure that the representation of Asian players in international tournaments matches the share of IPIN (International Player Identification Number) fees paid by them.”

Yuriy Polskiy, President of the Asian Tennis Federation, said:

“We are partnering with the Grand Slam tournaments to elevate Asian tennis players. They will compete for a wild card entry to the French Open through qualifiers in Kazakhstan, China, and Japan. Additionally, young players (14&U) will have the chance to participate in Wimbledon.

“We also seek the ITF’s support to expand junior tournaments in Asia, allowing players to compete in major events without travelling to Europe, thereby conserving financial resources.”

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kazakhstan-tennis-federation-hosts-asian-tennis-federation-board-meeting-aims-to-boost-global-dominance-of-asian-players-302153125.html

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bulat Utemuratov’s Group has donated around $30 million to support residents of the regions in Kazakhstan affected by some of the worst flooding in a century. The donation, comprising $24.2 million from Bulat Utemuratov’s Foundation, a $4.5 million donation from Beeline Kazakhstan and RG Gold, and a $1.1 million donation from Alidar Utemuratov, will be used to provide financial support, restore vital infrastructure and rehouse local residents who have been left homeless in the Aktobe and Akmola regions.

Photo Credit: Ministry for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan / PRNewsfoto / Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

Over 440 families displaced by floods in the Aktobe region and 50 families in the Akmola region will receive keys to their new homes in the coming months. Last week, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation handed over 34 houses to the affected families in towns located in the Aktobe region including Kobda, Uil and Alga. This week 31 families in the Aktobe region and 20 families in the Akmola region will receive keys to their new homes. The whole process of the transfer of houses and apartments in both regions is set to be completed by the end of August 2024.

Bulat Utemuratov commented: “The state is working hard to return thousands of our fellow citizens affected by the flooding to normal life as soon as possible, and our task is to support these efforts in every possible way. I am pleased we are already making a difference, with families in the Aktobe and Akmola regions receiving new homes and more to follow soon.” 

Humanitarian relief is a key tenet to the Foundation’s work and is evidenced across the efforts of its portfolio companies. The Foundation’s Aid Card project continues to provide financial aid to people in areas affected by floods, fires, and dam failures. Last year, the Foundation donated $5 million to victims of the earthquake in Turkey, along with $1 million to support families of victims of the Kostenko mine disaster.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bulat-utemuratovs-group-donates-around-30-million-to-support-post-flood-recovery-efforts-302151524.html

• New international partnerships signed
• Delivering on priorities

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Narxoz University (the “University”), a preeminent non-profit university in Almaty in the Republic of Kazakhstan, today announces strong progress on its academic transformation journey during 2024, with a number of recent partnerships signed with several prestigious international universities helping to deliver on its strategic priorities.

Photo Credit: Narxoz University

The University has partnered with a range of leading international universities, including ESMT Berlin, Penn State University and Queen’s University Belfast, with the new relationships establishing new opportunities for Narxoz students and staff to deepen collaboration with fellow institutions. The partnerships additionally enable Narxoz to expand its own global impact and improve research opportunities moving forward.

The partnerships create a strong foundation for the University’s continued academic transformation in the rest of 2024 and beyond, which will be led from June 1^st by Kanat Kozhakhmet, who is succeeding Miras Daulenov. Kozhakhmet has extensive experience at leading Kazakhstani universities across teaching, research, and management. His new role will see him responsible for the management of the University, focused on driving academic excellence and developing research initiatives.

Marat Atnashev, Chairman of the Board of Directors said: “I am delighted to announce our strong progress against our strategic priorities so far this year. Mr. Kozhakhmet’s appointment will help to continue our progress. Over the past three years, Narxoz University has rightfully earned its reputation as a dynamic and modern higher education institution across the region, and I am confident that this will continue to go from strength to strength.” 

Miras Daulenov, the President of Narxoz University, commented: “It has been incredibly rewarding to lead the University during a period of rapid development. Last year we entered 7 international ratings, including the prestigious QS World University rating, and rose from 33^rd to 5^th place in local rankings, and have signed a number of international partnerships this year to ensure this continues to rise further. Our work would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of colleagues, partners, students, and the support of Bulat Utemuratov, for which I am immensely grateful. The groundwork has been laid and I look forward to seeing how the University continues to grow in the future.”

Bulat Utemuratov, Philanthropist and owner of the University said: “The transformation of the University, which began in 2007, is bearing fruit and our results this year underscore this, with our academic excellence beginning to shine through. Our management team comprises some of the leading professionals in the field of education. Miras Daulenov and the team have done an excellent job, and I am grateful to them for their contribution to the University. I am confident Kanat Kozhakhmet will continue to build on this strong foundation.”

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/narxoz-university-continues-academic-transformation-in-2024-302146550.html?tc=eml_cleartime

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Narxoz University, a leading private university in Kazakhstan and member of Bulat Utemuratov’s Group, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a ground-breaking partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, a Russell Group university, to еstablish a branch at Narxoz’s new campus. The branch will provide students in Kazakhstan with access to Queen’s University’s academic programs.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The agreement, signed at a ceremony attended by Lord David Cameron, British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and former UK Prime Minister, marks a significant milestone in Narxoz’s history. Since 2007, the university embarked on a transformation journey, initiated and overseen by Bulat Utemuratov, to develop into a world-class institution through investment into academia, infrastructure and international partnerships. The new partnership strengthens the relationship between Queen’s and Narxoz, building on their double degree agreement which was announced earlier this year.

Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said: “In line with the President’s vision to establish branches of international universities in Kazakhstan, it is significant that we are signing a partnership agreement with a Russell Group university at the time of Lord Cameron’s official visit. This signing ceremony is a key moment in Narxoz University’s history and forms part of the wider trend of leading foreign universities actively opening branches in our country. I am confident this partnership will contribute to our continuous efforts to provide world-class education and foster the development of science and innovation in Kazakhstan.”

Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast, outlined: “As an international University, Queen’s University Belfast is delighted to partner with Narxoz University, and this partnership builds on the excellent relationships we have developed with students and university staff. We are confident that Narxoz University students will excel in their studies and through engaging with our staff and other students from across the world, become future leaders across all areas of society in Kazakhstan.”

Miras Daulenov, President of Narxoz University, added: “Our partnership with Queen’s University Belfast is an example of effective collaboration with a top university. I am confident that the partnership between Narxoz and Queen’s University will boost the training of leaders and industry experts, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen the country’s profile as an educational hub in the region.”

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/narxoz-university-announces-an-agreement-with-queens-university-belfast-for-a-branch-at-the-almaty-campus-with-signing-ceremony-attended-by-lord-cameron-302135548.html?tc=eml_cleartime