LocationsDigital Kyzylorda: Astana Experience Exchange bridges local entrepreneurs with global innovation
October 2, 2025
Group photo of workshop participants and guests.
The Digital Kyzylorda initiative reached a new height this week as 15 entrepreneurs and local municipality representatives from the region traveled to Astana for an experience exchange workshop, immersing themselves in sessions on digital transformation, startup support, and the evolving role of AI. Hosted at Maqsut Narikbayev University, the programme blended expert lectures, business pitching, and networking with leading Astana-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while also linking participants to the larger discussion on human development and technology at the Digital Bridge 2025 International Tech Forum.
The workshop opened with remarks from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Kazakhstan, the Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS) under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea, UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, UNDP in Kazakhstan, and Maqsut Narikbayev University.
“The Korean government has long considered human resource development and fostering of SMEs as crucial drivers of its national economic development. As we witness every day, we are now living in an era of digital transformation, where artificial intelligence and big data technology are fundamentally changing our society, including the business landscape of SMEs. In this connection, I view that this “Digital Kyzylorda” initiative is a timely and wonderful project to proactively meet the unmet digital needs of SMEs in the Kyzylorda region,”said Cho Tae-ick, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Cho Tae-ick, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, reflected on the Digital Kyzylorda initiative, describing it as a part of a long-term ecosystem effort:
“Digital Kyzylorda represents more than just technology. It's a gateway for entrepreneurs to harness their potential and influence the future of their communities. At UNDP, we’re firm believers that sustainable development starts at the local level, and we take pride in leading Kyzylorda's growth.”
Over the course of two days, participants explored a range of support tools and case studies. Sessions led by the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken” introduced non-financial support measures for small enterprises. The Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund outlined grants, lending, and guarantees under the Business Roadmap 2025. QazInnovations showcased its innovation grants and startup infrastructure, while experts in social entrepreneurship shared models for turning community projects into sustainable businesses.
For the participants, discussions on micro-loans, subsidies, and cooperation mechanisms offered a practical roadmap for sustaining initiatives outside major cities. A workshop on incubation and acceleration, hosted by Nazarbayev University’s Business Incubator, gave a behind-the-scenes look at how early-stage startups can be scaled.
“The seminar turned out to be truly productive: we explored the latest information technologies and gained valuable experience. One of the highlights was the presentation by Emin Askerov, an expert in social entrepreneurship. His talk inspired me to strive for self-improvement and to do good for people,”shared Ayakoz Mukhanova, grocery store owner.
“The seminar left me with the warmest impressions. Meeting representatives from Korea was especially meaningful—they generously shared their experience, and despite the language barrier, it was surprisingly easy and enjoyable to communicate with them,”said Bauyrzhan Yermaganbetov, greenhouse owner.
At the heart of the exchange was Won-Sang Cha, Head of the Digital Strategy Unit at the SEMAS. His lectures drew on Korea’s experience building one of the world’s most advanced digital economies, and in particular, how policies were designed to empower SMEs.
Won-Sang Cha, Head of the Digital Strategy Unit at the Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS) under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea.
His keynote on digital transformation and AI for SMEs outlined lessons from Korea’s ecosystem, including subsidized cloud services and training programmes, as well as AI-driven platforms that help small businesses access markets. During the closing ceremony, he told participants:
“Digital adoption is a universal necessity. Advances in machine learning, generative AI, and voice recognition present opportunities for small businesses and startups to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Government and private sector support policies, coupled with a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem and workforce training, are essential to making this a reality.”
Mr. Cha’s Astana programme extended further. He delivered guest lectures at Maqsut Narikbayev University, Astana International University, and the UN House in Astana, presented and exchanged ideas with members of the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Demographic policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Korea’s digital governance, met with Raimbek Batalov, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken,” and later spoke at Digital Bridge, where he joined ministers, parliamentarians, and UNDP leadership in high-level dialogue.
At Digital Bridge, participants entered the global conversation about AI. The occasion included the launch of UNDP’s 2025 Human Development Report, “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI.” The report underscores that technological futures should be anchored in human dignity, equity, and agency.
The Astana Experience Exchange is the final phase of the Digital Kyzylorda initiative. It began as a workshop series designed to enhance digital literacy and empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Kyzylorda region.
From April 15 to 22, 2025, 162 entrepreneurs from seven districts, including Aral, Karmakshy, Kazaly, Shieli, Syrdarya, Zhalagash, and Zhanakorgan, participated in workshops covering digital marketing, e-commerce, automation, and AI tools. Nearly half of the participants were women, reflecting an effort to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship.
After the inception events, more than 30 standout entrepreneurs were invited to become trainers themselves through a Skills Lab, where they learned facilitation skills, inclusive pedagogy, and how to localize content for their communities. These trainers now act as multipliers, extending the project’s impact into more extensive local networks.
Digital Kyzylorda: Skills Lab.
The initiative, funded by the Republic of Korea, is part of the “SDG Partnership on Supporting MSMEs through Inclusive Digital Transformation” programme, implemented by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre. It aims to adapt Korean development lessons to the Kazakh context, especially around enabling youth- and women-led MSMEs.
Long-term, the project aims to ensure that digital tools are not privileges reserved for urban areas but are also available to rural firms and community leaders. This means combining technical training, institutional support, and local ownership so that when external facilitators leave, the capacity remains.
“This initiative is not only about building digital skills, but also about building bridges. Bridges between Kazakhstan and Korea, between institutions and entrepreneurs, and between local needs and global experiences. Let us nurture these connections so that our cooperation grows stronger and contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable future,”said Hye-Jin Park, Head of Private Sector Engagement and Development at UNDP Seoul Policy Centre.
Hye-Jin Park, Head of Private Sector Engagement and Development at UNDP Seoul Policy Centre.
