Bridging the Belt and Road
Confucius Institutes, Luban Workshops connect China and Central Asia through language and skills
For 20-year-old student Zhansaya Abdurakhman, the workshop offers a glimpse into a future career as Kazakhstan places a growing emphasis on AI development during its Year of Artificial Intelligence.
"We studied computer vision and how to work with a robotic manipulator for industrial automation," she said. "These skills are in great demand, and such practical experience can help us prepare for jobs in modern industrial enterprises."
Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, who attended the university's 30th anniversary celebrations and the workshop's open day in late May, said the Luban Workshop model has proven successful in Kazakhstan.
He expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for providing industrial-grade equipment and supporting technology transfer. He said Kazakhstan is set to host three Luban Workshops, calling them a reflection of closer ties.
Ramazan Sadvokasov, a lecturer who trained in Tianjin, northern China, said the laboratory is an important platform to prepare professionals who may later help develop AI in Kazakhstan.
