The International Engineering and Technology University (METU) hosted a high-level international forum that brought together leading academic institutions, industry representatives, and government stakeholders from Kazakhstan and China. Centered on the theme of educational-industrial integration, the forum also marked the official opening of the Jinshi Institute, a joint initiative aiming to modernize technical education through cross-border collaboration.
The event reaffirmed METU’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for innovation, research, and global academic partnerships, while supporting Kazakhstan’s strategic vision of embedding international best practices into its higher education system.
From Vision to Action: Launch of the Jinshi Institute
A highlight of the forum was the inauguration of the Jinshi Institute, an advanced academic and training hub specializing in petrochemical technology. The institute is the result of a trilateral collaboration between HUATEC (China), the Xinjiang Institute of Applied Technology, and METU, designed to integrate cutting-edge Chinese technological expertise into Kazakhstan’s technical education ecosystem.
The Jinshi Institute aims to:
- Develop joint research programs and industry-relevant training modules;
- Equip students with future-ready skills through access to Chinese industry standards and infrastructure;
- Serve as a catalyst for technology transfer, innovation, and applied sciences in the region.
This initiative exemplifies the “University–University–Enterprise” model, fostering collaboration between academia and industry to ensure that educational programs meet real-world demands and deliver workforce-ready graduates.
Building Global Bridges: Education Meets Diplomacy
The forum welcomed a distinguished delegation including:
- Yu Chansyue, Director of the China-Foreign Cultural Exchange Center, Ministry of Education of China;
- Huang Xiaomin, Education Consul at the Chinese Consulate General in Almaty;
- Zhang Yu, President of HUATEC, Beijing;
- Gulnar Sarsenbekova, Rector of METU;
- Leading figures from top Chinese universities and technical institutes.
Together, these stakeholders participated in the signing of memorandum of cooperation between METU and partner institutions, opening the door for:
- Joint degree programs and student exchanges;
- Collaborative research initiatives;
- Internships and career pathways for students in cutting-edge sectors.
The forum also featured cultural performances and interactive sessions, emphasizing mutual understanding and cross-cultural exchange as core components of international academic collaboration.
Next Steps: Sustaining Momentum for Shared Progress
Feedback from participants emphasized the forum’s strategic relevance and practical orientation. Students showed great enthusiasm for the new learning and mobility opportunities, while experts praised the action-oriented format of the event.
Key takeaways included:
- Strong interest in expanding technical training and industry internships with Chinese enterprises;
- Suggestions for establishing digital platforms for academic exchange;
- Calls for continuous monitoring and refinement of the joint programs launched;
- Recognition of METU’s growing role as a regional leader in education-industry integration.
By laying the foundation for sustained academic, cultural, and industrial partnerships, the forum positioned METU and its Chinese partners at the forefront of shaping a globally competitive, innovation-driven education ecosystem.
