From 15 to 17 July 2026, a delegation from Ualikhanov University took part in a series of high-level international events in Shanghai as part of the official delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The visit was held within the framework of the working visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the People's Republic of China and ahead of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).
Notably, Ualikhanov University was the only regional university from Kazakhstan represented within the national delegation. This recognition reflects the University's growing international reputation and its expanding role in advancing global academic and scientific cooperation.
On 15 July, the delegation visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of China's leading research universities. Discussions focused on expanding collaboration in the fields of humanities and medical sciences, developing joint research initiatives, strengthening academic mobility, and creating collaborative educational programmes.
On 16 July, during a major Kazakhstan - China forum that brought together representatives of government, industry, academia, and higher education institutions from both countries, Marat Syrlybayev, Rector of Ualikhanov University, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dalian Polytechnic University. The agreement establishes a framework for long-term academic cooperation, including faculty and student exchanges, collaborative research, academic mobility programmes, and the development of joint educational initiatives.
The programme continued on 17 July with a working meeting between the University delegation and Dr. Mei, during which the parties identified promising areas for future collaboration, including joint research projects, academic exchanges, and participation in international educational and scientific initiatives.
Throughout the visit, particular attention was given to the development of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, science, and higher education. As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized, Shanghai has become one of the world's foremost centres of science, innovation, and advanced technology. The strategic priorities outlined by the Head of State in artificial intelligence, research, talent development, and international technological cooperation create new opportunities for deeper collaboration between universities in Kazakhstan and China.
The Shanghai visit marked another important milestone in Ualikhanov University's internationalisation strategy. The agreements reached and partnerships established provide a strong foundation for future joint research, academic programmes, faculty and student mobility, and other collaborative initiatives that will further enhance the University's global engagement and academic excellence.