A PLATFORM FOR TALENTED YOUTH: THE NATIONAL OLYMPIAD AT KAZNU

On April 24, 2026, the XVIII Republican Subject Olympiad in the educational program “Oriental Studies” was successfully held at a high level at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The main objective of the Olympiad was to enhance the language proficiency of students studying Oriental Studies, develop their scientific and creative potential, identify and support talented youth, and strengthen academic cooperation between higher education institutions. This intellectual platform, based on knowledge and competition, enabled students to assess their abilities and define their professional paths.

During the opening ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty, M.Sh. Egamberdiyev, wished the participants success and emphasized the importance of the Olympiad. According to him, such intellectual competitions are a crucial step in shaping highly competitive specialists at the international level.

Within the Faculty of Oriental Studies, the Department of Turkology and the History of Eastern Countries organized the Turkish language section titled “Türkçeden Tarihe: Türkiye’nin Kültürel Yolculuğu” (“From Turkish Language to History: The Cultural Journey of Turkey”).

The Olympiad was attended by 3rd and 4th year students of the “6B02207 – Oriental Studies” educational program and was conducted in an offline format. Participants demonstrated their knowledge in Turkish, Korean, and Japanese language tracks through various tasks.

To ensure fair evaluation, a panel of experienced experts was formed. The commission included Education Attaché of the Turkish Consulate Şükrü Köse, PhD Acting Associate Professor A. Khalel, PhD Professor Savaş Şahin, and PhD Senior Lecturer E. Kuanyshbayev. The participation of both international and national experts significantly enhanced the prestige of the Olympiad.

Within this section, the preparation of students for the Olympiad was carried out by senior lecturers of Ablai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages: Zh.M. Suleimenova, Acting Professor E. Dulaeva, Senior Lecturer K.B. Zhanataeva, Senior Lecturer Zh. Abeldaev, and Senior Lecturer A.T. Kyrkymbekova.

Following a comprehensive evaluation of the participants’ work, the winners were determined. First place was awarded to 4th-year student Assel Salimbay. Second place was shared by Nurshat Baktybayeva (Ablai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages) and Dana Khairolla. Third place winners included Aknur Zhabykbay (same university), Aruzhan Kubait, and Ulzhan Kydyrbay, who were awarded honorary diplomas.

This Olympiad has become a significant intellectual platform, opening new horizons for the professional growth of future Oriental studies specialists and strengthening their academic potential. Held within the university, the event clearly reflects a systematic and purposeful approach to enhancing the quality of education and training highly qualified specialists of international caliber.

Abeldaev Zh.
Kyrkymbekova A.