The ceremony was also attended by parents of students, representatives of the Board of Trustees and the University teaching staff.
Addressing the audience, the Head of the State has congratulated the Nazarbayev University graduates on a significant day in their lives and stressed that today's success has been made possible thanks to the synergy of joint efforts of students, teachers, members of the Board of Trustees and all the University staff.
- This spring day is marked by a very joyful event; it is the start of a professional career for new graduates, Nazarbayev University graduates. 737 graduates have finished the University studies today. For the first time in its history, we have trained 9 doctoral students, said the President of Kazakhstan.
Nursultan Nazarbayev drew attention to the high competitiveness of the University diploma holders in the labor market.
- Over the previous years, more than a thousand students have graduated from the University. Half of them continued their studies in the most prestigious world universities. Those graduates who enter the labor market have already proved their high competitiveness and relevance. They work in the largest companies of our country, in science, medicine, in the public service, the Head of State said.
The President of Kazakhstan noted that these achievements were achieved through an effective educational model based on meritocracy and the competitive selection system development.
Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed that the basic principles of selection in educational institutions are objectivity and openness.
- The doors of the University and Intellectual schools are open to everybody, but the most talented, hardworking and knowledge-seeking young people are coming. Admission and success in studies are absolutely objective and do not depend on any subjective factors, the Head of State said.
The President of Kazakhstan made a point of increasing the institutional capacity of the University in connection with growing number of students in the future.
- The actual number of students reaches 4 thousand, and in the future the figure doubles. At present scientists from 55 countries of the world work here today; and they do not only teach, but also conduct research. English is the language of instruction and research. More than a thousand works, including, in the most quoted world scientific publications, have been published, Nursultan Nazarbayev addressed the present.
The Head of State noted the strengthening of global marketplace competition in education and stressed the need for active involvement of students and young scientists from Kazakhstan, as well as near and far abroad countries.
The President of Kazakhstan pointed out the significance of allocating appropriate grants for improving the research quality, and giving young people the opportunity to expand their scientific contacts.
In addition, Nursultan Nazarbayev spoke about favourable nature of the University's international relations and its integration into the global academic environment.
- Partnership has been established with more than one hundred educational and research institutions. Nazarbayev University has become a co-founder of the Alliance of Asian Universities, which includes leading universities in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries. Alongside with that, it is necessary to further widen international relations, learn the best from partners and maintain its unique character, the Head of State said.
The President of Kazakhstan has also noted timeliness of applying the University's experience in the country’s higher education system wide.
- Managers and teachers of national universities should get trained here, and then introduce best practices and know-how in their institutions. The University is our strategic response to the challenges of a new global reality. The time has come to send some of the Bolashak program funds for studies at the University. Young scientists who offer their ideas and technologies to the market should receive systematic support in the form of consultations, start-up capital, premises, marketing and legal services, Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
The Head of the State stressed the need to support the implementation of a number of promising scientific projects and university startups.
Addressing the graduates, the President of Kazakhstan recalled the key factors for achieving success, which were noted in "Future Outlook: Improving Public Consciousness".
- In these days the winner is the not the one who holds on once gained knowledge, but the one who is able to learn all the life. Who is always ready for a change. Who speaks the same language as researchers and investors do. My life experience convinces me that a modern Kazakhstani in a new era needs to have specific qualities. First of all, be competitive. This is relevant not only for the economy as a whole, but for every individual. Be pragmatic, and be a patriot. Maintain the cult of knowledge. The more a person knows, the broader are the possibilities. I am sure that university students understand this better than all, the Head of State said.
Along with that, Nursultan Nazarbayev mentioned the moment of preserving the evolutionary development of society, as well as availability of open consciousness, knowledge of world languages and adequate perception of what is happening in the global world for further personal growth.
- I am confident that you will make a worthy contribution to the progress and prosperity of independent Kazakhstan. Your success will contribute to the growth of prestige and fame of our alma mater as well. For that, you must work hard and always move forward towards your goals, President of Kazakhstan addressed the graduates.
