Science ministry signs talent framework with Kazakhstan to export KAIST model

The science ministry signed a science and technology talent training framework with Kazakhstan on the 15th, committing both nations to establish a new Kazakh science institute modeled after the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Officials said the partnership will focus on building operational foundations, strengthening faculty capabilities, facilitating student exchanges and jointly developing curricula. The deal was finalized during the recent bilateral summit between the two heads of state.

Kazakhstan, the world's top producer of natural uranium and a resource-rich nation holding oil, gas and mineral reserves, is pursuing the initiative to transition its economy toward advanced industries by cultivating core engineering and science personnel.

The framework aims to spread South Korea's advanced science education and research systems across Central Asia, serving as a bridgehead to connect innovation ecosystems between the two countries. Officials described the move as a mutually beneficial cooperation model that goes beyond one-sided support for developing nations.

"The science and technology partnership between our two countries has developed into a more substantial and future-oriented alliance through this summit," Bae Kyung-hoon, deputy prime minister and minister of science and ICT, said. He added that his department would work closely with Kazakh counterparts to ensure these outcomes foster global excellence in talent development for future growth.