ALMATY, July 2 (Xinhua) -- A striking building in Almaty now displays the name "Kazakhstan Branch of Northwestern Polytechnical University" in Kazakh, Chinese and English. This marks a significant milestone in educational collaboration between China and Kazakhstan.
In May 2023, during the China-Central Asia Summit, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) of China and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University signed a cooperation agreement to establish the Kazakhstan branch of NPU.
In October 2023, just before the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the Kazakhstan branch of NPU officially opened and welcomed its first cohort of students. The branch focuses on graduate programs in materials science, computer science and technology, and information and communication engineering.
One of the first students, 22-year-old Bolysbek Murat Yerzhanuly, is pursuing a master's degree in computer science and technology, specializing in the application of artificial intelligence in the medical field.
In early June, Murat and seven other students traveled to Xi'an, China, for their thesis proposal evaluations at NPU's main campus. During their stay, they explored the campus, visited the ancient city walls, and immersed themselves in the local culture. With the guidance of their professors, all eight students completed their thesis proposals.
Starting in September, Murat and his classmates will embark on a one-year study program in Xi'an. "Xi'an is a beautiful city, and I feel very comfortable here," Murat said. "The collaboration between the two universities has deepened our understanding of each other's countries and provided us with more opportunities."
The Kazakhstan branch of NPU has already begun its recruitment for the new semester. A new group of young students will join the campus this September, continuing the tradition of mutual learning and cultural exchange, and becoming ambassadors of friendship between China and Kazakhstan.
Reporters：Xu Zuhua, Zhang Bowen, Bai Xueqi■
