PolyU, EdUHK sign MoUs with Nazarbayev University: CE says to deepen academic research, talent cultivation cooperation

Hong Kong

2026.06.03 20:00

Chief Executive John Lee continued his visit to Central Asia. This morning (June 3), he visited Nazarbayev University, a prestigious university in Central Asia located in Astana, Kazakhstan, where he witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the university, further expanding collaboration between institutions in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

John Lee visits Nazarbayev University, a prestigious university in Central Asia.(Photo by DotDotNews reporter Liu Yanling)

While delivering a speech at Nazarbayev University, John Lee, stated that lasting prosperity requires knowledge sharing, talent exchange, and mutual trust that transcend national borders. At the 10th Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong last year, Nazarbayev University signed an MOU with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to launch Asia's first BBA in Eurasian Business programme. Under this arrangement, students will spend two years studying at each institution. This flagship programme is the first of its kind in Asia, reflecting the shared commitment of both parties in advancing higher education cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

John Lee visits Nazarbayev University. (Photo by DotDotNews reporter Liu Yanling)

John Lee mentioned that today Nazarbayev University will also sign a separate MOU with The Education University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, deepening cooperation in academic research and talent cultivation, and further strengthening people‑to‑people exchanges and ties between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. He emphasised that this expanding network of inter‑institutional cooperation lays the foundation for long‑term collaboration and mutual benefit.

The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Nazarbayev University sign MOUs. (Photo by DotDotNews reporter Liu Yanling)

John Lee further noted that this year, over 6,000 students from Belt and Road countries are studying at UGC‑funded universities in Hong Kong. Among them, around 500 students come from Kazakhstan, making Kazakh students one of the largest groups within the Belt and Road student community. He said that Hong Kong’s Kazakh community is growing steadily, and he looks forward to young people and entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan coming to develop in Hong Kong, seeing the city as one of their future destinations.