Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), through its Strategic Research Institute (SRI), hosted a focused collaboration meeting and special research session with visiting professors from Kenzhegali Sagadiyev University of International Business (UIB), Kazakhstan, on 11 December 2025.

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The engagement marked an important step in strengthening cross-regional academic collaboration centred on digital economy development, ESG-oriented modernisation, and evidence-based policy research.

The UIB delegation was led by Professor Dr Anel A. Kireyeva, Research Programme Leader in Digitalisation, Human Capital, Innovation, and Gender Economics, alongside Dr Assel Bekbossinova, Senior Researcher and Bolashak Scholar. Both scholars bring extensive experience in applied economic research, national-level policy projects, and the development of robust datasets and analytical frameworks—capabilities that closely align with APU’s research cluster strengths.

Shared Research Priorities, Strong Methodological Alignment

Hosted with the involvement of SRI leadership led by its Director, Professor Dr Mohammad Falahat, the discussion brought together an interdisciplinary group of APU researchers and domain experts. The dialogue focused on identifying research pathways that are not only academically rigorous but also policy-relevant and implementation-ready.

A central theme of the meeting was the value of comparative, cross-regional research, particularly in contexts where Kazakhstan and Malaysia face parallel structural challenges. These include technology adoption gaps, uneven regional development outcomes, mounting ESG implementation pressures across key industries, and the growing need for stronger evidence pipelines to support public policy design.

Crucially, the conversation moved beyond general expressions of partnership intent. Both institutions demonstrated a shared commitment to advancing towards concrete outcomes through co-designed research studies, shared data strategies, and coordinated publication planning.

Interdisciplinary Strength as a Strategic Enabler

APU’s participation spanned multiple schools, including the School of Marketing and Management (SoMM), School of Computing (SoC), School of Business (SoB), and the School of Engineering (SoE), among others. This cross-school engagement was essential, reflecting the understanding that contemporary policy and economic challenges demand more than single-discipline solutions.

The proposed research agenda requires the integration of economic and governance expertise with computational methods, AI-enabled analytics, and systems thinking—an area where APU’s interdisciplinary ecosystem offers a distinct advantage.

With Professor Dr Kireyeva’s research portfolio focusing on digital economy transformation, human capital development, employment dynamics, and quality assurance in higher education, alongside Dr Bekbossinova’s policy-facing expertise in applied economics, spatial analysis, and evidence-based policy solutions, the visiting scholars’ priorities form a natural bridge between economic research, data-driven policy innovation, and digital transformation.

Globally Relevant Themes, Grounded in Local Realities

Both institutions explored the value of a comparative Kazakhstan–Malaysia lens for developing publication themes that remain globally relevant while deeply grounded in local contexts. Clearly aligned research areas discussed included:

• AI and Digital Transformation, such as machine learning applications, digital governance models, and data-driven public policy
• Regional Development and Inequality, focusing on spatial disparities, territorial sustainability, and ESG-driven regional growth
• ESG and Industrial Modernisation, including low-carbon transitions, ESG metrics in key sectors, and sustainable industry transformation
• Digital Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation, covering SME digitalisation, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable business models
• Human Capital and Future Skills, addressing workforce transformation, digital competencies, and education modernisation
   

A key outcome of the meeting was the shared intention to move swiftly from dialogue to delivery, particularly through matching grant opportunities and structured joint publication planning.

Gender Economics and Financial Inclusion as Impact Pathways

A particularly meaningful dimension of the discussion focused on financial inclusion and gender dynamics. The dialogue examined how labour markets, digital inclusion, and social protection policies shape women’s economic opportunities across different national contexts. The conversation also acknowledged the structural challenges faced by female researchers, with Assistant Professor Dr Ooi Bee Wah from APU’s School of Accounting and Finance contributing valuable perspectives.

Framed as both a scholarly priority and a practical mechanism for impact, the gender-focused agenda highlighted the importance of producing policy-ready indicators, survey instruments, and evidence briefs that can support ministries, agencies, and development partners in implementing targeted interventions.

Building Partnerships with Purpose

Overall, the engagement reinforced that cross-continental research partnerships are most effective when anchored in shared datasets, strong methodologies, and clearly defined deliverables. With aligned strengths in digital economy research, ESG and industrial modernisation, spatial inequality, and gender economics, the APU–UIB collaboration is well- positioned to generate high-quality research with tangible impact across both Kazakhstan and Malaysia—and beyond.