De Montfort University Kazakhstan (DMUK) Head of Campus Attends ConnectED 2024: Rethinking the Future Conference

Astana, Kazakhstan, 18 October 2024 – Professor Eric Dimla, Head of Campus at De Montfort University Kazakhstan, recently took part in the International Conference “ConnectED 2024: Rethinking the Future,” which took place in Astana, Kazakhstan. Organised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the event welcomed over 300 participants from 22 countries, including representatives from higher education institutions, international organisations, and government bodies.

Professor Dimla reflected on key discussions from the conference, which revolved around the future of transnational education (TNE), global partnerships, and the strategies for enhancing higher education in Kazakhstan.

Key Highlights:

• Transnational Education and Partnerships: The Kazakh government is actively supporting transnational education initiatives, with increasing demand for partnerships with international universities. The conference highlighted the establishment of branch campuses, such as DMUK, as well as collaborations between international and local universities. Professor Dimla noted the significant opportunities for DMUK to expand its programmes, particularly in the fields of science and technology, which are in high demand.
• Government Strategies in Higher Education: Discussions at the conference outlined Kazakhstan’s strategic plans to further develop its higher education system, with a strong focus on innovation in science and technology. These initiatives could benefit DMUK, providing opportunities to offer new postgraduate and research-based programmes aligned with the government’s priorities for sustainability and technological development.
• Strategic Partnerships and the International Council: One of the key proposals from the conference was the establishment of an International Council to oversee TNE provisions in Kazakhstan. This council would provide a unified framework to ensure the quality and standardisation of education across institutions. Professor Dimla expressed that such an initiative would benefit DMUK, fostering stronger strategic partnerships and raising the overall quality of education in the region.
• Educational Technologies and Innovation: The conference also explored the role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, in the future of education. Professor Dimla highlighted the potential impact of these technologies on DMUK’s teaching and learning approaches, positioning the university at the forefront of educational innovation.

As DMUK continues to collaborate with partners in Kazakhstan and internationally, Professor Dimla sees these discussions as a catalyst for growth, paving the way for the introduction of new programmes that meet both local and global demands.

DMUK is committed to providing world-class, innovative education, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. With a strong emphasis on transnational education, DMUK equips students with the skills needed to thrive in the global job market.