How Social Media is Shaping Kazakhstan’s New Generation
ASTANA – Social media has surpassed traditional platforms as the country’s primary source of information, driven by the rapid expansion of mobile internet and the increasing popularity of short-form content. For many young Kazakh citizens, social networks are no longer just communication tools – they have become central to daily life, shaping how people…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=109988
ASTANA – Social media has surpassed traditional platforms as the country’s primary source of information, driven by the rapid expansion of mobile internet and the increasing popularity of short-form content. For many young Kazakh citizens, social networks are no longer just communication tools – they have become central to daily life, shaping how people…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=109988
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Heriot-Watt Sees Kazakhstan as Strategic Partner in Higher Education
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s clearly defined higher education strategy makes it a compelling partner for international universities, Heriot-Watt University Vice-Chancellor Richard A. Williams said in an interview with The Astana Times.
Heriot-Watt University Vice-Chancellor Richard A. Williams visited Aktobe in December 2025. Photo credit: Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University
“The country’s commitment to internationalisation, English-medium provision,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110619
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s clearly defined higher education strategy makes it a compelling partner for international universities, Heriot-Watt University Vice-Chancellor Richard A. Williams said in an interview with The Astana Times.
Heriot-Watt University Vice-Chancellor Richard A. Williams visited Aktobe in December 2025. Photo credit: Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University
“The country’s commitment to internationalisation, English-medium provision,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110619
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Kazakhstan’s Inflation Tops 12% in 2025, Almaty Among Lowest Rate Regions
ASTANA — Inflation in Kazakhstan reached 12.3% in 2025, reflecting sustained price pressures across food products, non-food goods, and paid services. At the same time, monthly inflation in December 2025 moderated to 0.9%.
In December last year, consumer price growth was driven primarily by food products, which increased by 1.2% over the month. Non-food…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110662
ASTANA — Inflation in Kazakhstan reached 12.3% in 2025, reflecting sustained price pressures across food products, non-food goods, and paid services. At the same time, monthly inflation in December 2025 moderated to 0.9%.
In December last year, consumer price growth was driven primarily by food products, which increased by 1.2% over the month. Non-food…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110662
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KazMunayGaz Refineries Reach Record Production of Light Petroleum Products in 2025
ASTANA — Refineries operated by KazMunayGaz (KMG), Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company, reached a historic high in production in 2025, producing 13.6 million tons of light petroleum products.
Photo credit: KMG
The figure is 1.18 million tons higher than in 2024 and 1.55 million tons higher than in 2023, reported the company’s press…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110645
ASTANA — Refineries operated by KazMunayGaz (KMG), Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company, reached a historic high in production in 2025, producing 13.6 million tons of light petroleum products.
Photo credit: KMG
The figure is 1.18 million tons higher than in 2024 and 1.55 million tons higher than in 2023, reported the company’s press…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110645
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Kazakhstan to Provide High-Speed Internet to 99% of Population by 2027
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is accelerating its nationwide digital transformation, with plans to ensure high-speed internet access for 99% of the population by the end of 2027, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev at a Jan. 6 government meeting.
Photo credit: Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110664
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is accelerating its nationwide digital transformation, with plans to ensure high-speed internet access for 99% of the population by the end of 2027, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev at a Jan. 6 government meeting.
Photo credit: Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110664
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Kazakhstan to Strengthen Sustainable Energy Base to Support Digital and Industrial Growth
ASTANA — Kazakhstan will accelerate the development of a reliable and sustainable energy base to support digital infrastructure, data centers, and automated industrial production, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at a Jan. 6 government meeting, stressing that energy security is a key prerequisite for the country’s transition to a new technological economic model.
Photo…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110669
ASTANA — Kazakhstan will accelerate the development of a reliable and sustainable energy base to support digital infrastructure, data centers, and automated industrial production, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at a Jan. 6 government meeting, stressing that energy security is a key prerequisite for the country’s transition to a new technological economic model.
Photo…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110669
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Kazakhstan Sees Steady Rise in Pension Literacy, Survey Finds
ASTANA – Financial literacy in Kazakhstan’s pension system continued to improve in 2025, according to a nationwide survey of 3,000 adults conducted across all regions of the country. The study assessed public knowledge of pension rules, trust in the pension system, and participation in the pension model.
Kazakhstan’s pension system is based on a…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110656
ASTANA – Financial literacy in Kazakhstan’s pension system continued to improve in 2025, according to a nationwide survey of 3,000 adults conducted across all regions of the country. The study assessed public knowledge of pension rules, trust in the pension system, and participation in the pension model.
Kazakhstan’s pension system is based on a…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110656
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How Artificial Intelligence Transforms Education in Kazakhstan
Artificial intelligence technology is transforming education across the globe. Educational institutions now use AI-based systems which deliver customized learning experiences while enhancing student involvement and streamlining educational processes. The government of Kazakhstan, like many other countries, is actively working to integrate these innovations into its education system. Yet this digital transformation raises a critical…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110402
Artificial intelligence technology is transforming education across the globe. Educational institutions now use AI-based systems which deliver customized learning experiences while enhancing student involvement and streamlining educational processes. The government of Kazakhstan, like many other countries, is actively working to integrate these innovations into its education system. Yet this digital transformation raises a critical…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110402
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Kazakhstan Expands Renewable Energy Capacity as Clean Generation Reaches 7% in 2025
ASTANA – Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its transition to sustainable energy, with the share of clean electricity generation rising to 7% in 2025, up from 6.43% in 2024, reflecting steady progress in renewable energy development.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
During the year, nine new renewable energy facilities with a combined capacity of 503 megawatts were…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110674
ASTANA – Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its transition to sustainable energy, with the share of clean electricity generation rising to 7% in 2025, up from 6.43% in 2024, reflecting steady progress in renewable energy development.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
During the year, nine new renewable energy facilities with a combined capacity of 503 megawatts were…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110674
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Kazakhstan Recovers Over $30 Million in Anti-Corruption Efforts in 2025
ASTANA – The National Security Committee of Kazakhstan has reported the results of its anti-corruption activities for 2025, highlighting the recovery of 16.1 billion tenge (US$31.5 million) to the national budget. In addition, property valued at 3.3 billion tenge (US$6.5 million) was seized as part of ongoing enforcement measures.
Over the reporting period, 895…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110677
ASTANA – The National Security Committee of Kazakhstan has reported the results of its anti-corruption activities for 2025, highlighting the recovery of 16.1 billion tenge (US$31.5 million) to the national budget. In addition, property valued at 3.3 billion tenge (US$6.5 million) was seized as part of ongoing enforcement measures.
Over the reporting period, 895…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110677
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Chinese Tourist Flow to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Doubles During New Year Holidays
ASTANA – Chinese tourism to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan surged, with flight bookings doubling compared to last year over the New Year period, according to leading online travel platform Qunar.
Photo credit: Gajus/Shutterstock.
While Seoul remained the most popular foreign destination for Chinese travelers, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia showed notable growth, driven largely by the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110680
ASTANA – Chinese tourism to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan surged, with flight bookings doubling compared to last year over the New Year period, according to leading online travel platform Qunar.
Photo credit: Gajus/Shutterstock.
While Seoul remained the most popular foreign destination for Chinese travelers, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia showed notable growth, driven largely by the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110680
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Kazakh Athletes Gear Up for 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
ASTANA – With one month remaining until the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, scheduled for Feb. 6-22, Kazakhstan’s athletes are finalizing preparations and competing for Olympic quotas. Several quotas have already been secured in figure skating, short track, and speed skating.
Photo credit: National Olympic Committee
Figure skating
Mikhail…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110689
ASTANA – With one month remaining until the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, scheduled for Feb. 6-22, Kazakhstan’s athletes are finalizing preparations and competing for Olympic quotas. Several quotas have already been secured in figure skating, short track, and speed skating.
Photo credit: National Olympic Committee
Figure skating
Mikhail…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110689
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🔍EXPERT QUOTE
Kazakhstan’s clearly defined higher education strategy makes it a compelling partner for international universities, Heriot-Watt University Vice-Chancellor Richard A. Williams said in an interview with The Astana Times.
🔗Read full interview on astanatimes.com
Kazakhstan’s clearly defined higher education strategy makes it a compelling partner for international universities, Heriot-Watt University Vice-Chancellor Richard A. Williams said in an interview with The Astana Times.
🔗Read full interview on astanatimes.com
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Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva Rises to Third in FIDE World Blitz Rankings
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva rose to third place in the latest FIDE women’s world blitz rankings following her triumph at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Blitz Chess Championship on Dec. 30 in Qatar.
Bibisara Assaubayeva, 21, won her third world blitz title at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Blitz Chess Championship on Dec.…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110684
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva rose to third place in the latest FIDE women’s world blitz rankings following her triumph at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Blitz Chess Championship on Dec. 30 in Qatar.
Bibisara Assaubayeva, 21, won her third world blitz title at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Blitz Chess Championship on Dec.…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110684
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Media is too big
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Our next stop is the Museum of the History of Almaty, housed in a nearly 150-year-old wooden building - a rare surviving landmark of old Verny, designed by French architect Paul Gourdet.
With over 40,000 exhibits in 11 halls, the museum traces Almaty’s history from ancient settlements and the Kazakh Khanate to the Soviet era and modern times. Highlights include traditional culture, early city life, and key 20th-century events.
A separate hall is dedicated to Jeltoksan 1986 - a defining moment in Kazakhstan’s struggle for dignity and self-determination.
#almaty #museums
With over 40,000 exhibits in 11 halls, the museum traces Almaty’s history from ancient settlements and the Kazakh Khanate to the Soviet era and modern times. Highlights include traditional culture, early city life, and key 20th-century events.
A separate hall is dedicated to Jeltoksan 1986 - a defining moment in Kazakhstan’s struggle for dignity and self-determination.
#almaty #museums
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US Introduces Visa Bond Requirements of Up to $15,000 for Citizens of Central Asia
ASTANA — The United States has introduced visa bond requirements of up to $15,000 for citizens of several Central Asian countries applying for tourist and business visas.
Photo credit: Reuters
Under a pilot program implemented by the U.S. Department of State, nationals of the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan have been added to the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110692
ASTANA — The United States has introduced visa bond requirements of up to $15,000 for citizens of several Central Asian countries applying for tourist and business visas.
Photo credit: Reuters
Under a pilot program implemented by the U.S. Department of State, nationals of the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan have been added to the…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110692
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Your January Weekend Culture Guide to Astana and Almaty
ASTANA – Cold winter days feel warmer when filled with culture, shared moments, and quiet escapes. The Astana Times editorial team has curated a line-up of events for the upcoming weekend, ideal for spending time with friends and family.
Photo credit: The Astana Times
Astana
“The Immersive Experience” exhibition, Jan. 9 —…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110701
ASTANA – Cold winter days feel warmer when filled with culture, shared moments, and quiet escapes. The Astana Times editorial team has curated a line-up of events for the upcoming weekend, ideal for spending time with friends and family.
Photo credit: The Astana Times
Astana
“The Immersive Experience” exhibition, Jan. 9 —…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110701
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Kazakhstan’s Industrial Emissions Top 2 Million Tons in 2024
ALMATY — More than 232,800 stationary sources of pollution were operating nationwide in 2024, releasing 2.27 million tons of harmful substances, a 0.6% increase compared to 2023, according to data released by the Bureau of National Statistics on June 30.
Copper smelting plant in Zhezkazgan. Photo credit: Fatima Kemelova
The largest volumes of emissions…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110717
ALMATY — More than 232,800 stationary sources of pollution were operating nationwide in 2024, releasing 2.27 million tons of harmful substances, a 0.6% increase compared to 2023, according to data released by the Bureau of National Statistics on June 30.
Copper smelting plant in Zhezkazgan. Photo credit: Fatima Kemelova
The largest volumes of emissions…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=110717
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Weekly News Digest 📰
▪️Tokayev Says 2026 Will Be Decisive for Kazakhstan’s Modernization in Interview. Read.
▪️Kazakhstan Shifts Aid From Relief to Development, Says KazAID Chairman Read.
▪️Heriot-Watt Sees Kazakhstan as Strategic Partner in Higher Education. Read.
▪️How Social Media is Shaping Kazakhstan’s New Generation. Read.
▪️What to Watch in 2026: Biggest Sports Events for Kazakhstan. Read.
Stay tuned with The Astana Times ⚡️
▪️Tokayev Says 2026 Will Be Decisive for Kazakhstan’s Modernization in Interview. Read.
▪️Kazakhstan Shifts Aid From Relief to Development, Says KazAID Chairman Read.
▪️Heriot-Watt Sees Kazakhstan as Strategic Partner in Higher Education. Read.
▪️How Social Media is Shaping Kazakhstan’s New Generation. Read.
▪️What to Watch in 2026: Biggest Sports Events for Kazakhstan. Read.
Stay tuned with The Astana Times ⚡️
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