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In the heart of Kazakhstan, Almaty is making significant strides in digital transformation, with a particular focus on personnel training and smart city solutions.
Last year, the city saw a notable improvement in the quality of life for its residents, thanks to the implementation of traffic light management systems, emergency situation predictions, and other innovative technologies [1]. This digital revolution extended to connecting 218 "blind spots" in the city with high-quality internet [1].
At the forefront of this digital push is the development of a unified digital platform for personnel training. This platform is a multifaceted ecosystem that combines free AI and IT training programs, university-driven innovation initiatives, and multi-institution partnerships, both domestic and international [1].
One such program is the TUMO center for creative technologies, set to open in Astana at the Alem.ai International Center (near the Almaty region educational ecosystem) [1]. This centre offers free training to students aged 12-18 in areas such as generative AI, game development, animation, 3D modeling, and robotics, with the aim of training 5,000 students annually and expanding nationwide over the next three to five years [1].
Almaty Management University (AlmaU) is another key player in digital training. Through partnerships with institutions like the National Academy of Sciences under Kazakhstan’s president and Thunderbird School of Global Management (Arizona State University), AlmaU runs commercialization, innovation, and technology training programs like the InnoBoost Winter 2024 Commercialization Program [3].
The Tech Orda program, a collaboration among 72 private IT schools, has also been instrumental in digital skills development. Since 2021, these schools have trained nearly 10,000 people, focusing on programming, big data, and cybersecurity, with a high job placement rate (88% of graduates employed) [1].
Beyond these initiatives, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry works with the Astana Hub technopark and international foundations like Connect-Ed to bolster digital literacy and training for all ages and professions [1][3].
In the realm of smart city solutions, an intelligent transportation system for the megacity is being developed with a $300,000 grant from the World Bank, due for completion by 2022 [1]. Citizens can download the "Aşyq" application to receive a green code for movement in the city, indicating vaccination status [1].
The digitalization of Almaty is not just about technology; it's about the active participation of its citizens. According to the head of the digital department, Bayan Konirbayev, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 allows for peaceful movement within the city [1]. Over 65 partners are currently involved in the development of digitalization in Almaty [1].
This comprehensive approach to digitalization in Almaty promises a brighter, safer, and more connected future for its residents.
In the realm of health-and-wellness advancements, the "Aşyq" application is utilized in Almaty to show vaccination status, ensuring a safer city environment for its residents.
To foster a well-rounded workforce in science and technology, the Almaty Management University (AlmaU) and Tech Orda program collaborate on commercialization, innovation, and technology training programs.
