Open University of Kazakhstan launches the first courses

29.03.2017

Kcell company and WikiBilim Social Fund announced about the launch of the first free online courses at the Open university of Kazakhstan educational platform. The project is implemented with the support of leading universities of the country — KBTU, AlmaU, SDU, Kazakh National Technical University after K.I. Satpayev, Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling.

According to Nurbek Matzhani, President of the WikiBilim Social Fund, the open online courses allow Kazakh people to receive free access to lectures of the best professors of universities — partners of the project. The author of the first online course of the Open University was Askar Jumadildayev, the famous Kazakh scientist, doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, professor, member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

«As it is known expansion of access to high-speed Internet changes many industries, creating new possibilities for efficiency increase. For example, online education technologies based on mass open online courses (MOOC) are developed in higher education. Million participants all over the world, having the access to such courses, gain knowledge, improve qualification or acquire a new specialty. The task of the OpenU project is provision of all interested people with the access to the best courses of leading Kazakh professors. Students of our local universities are especially interested in it. At that the Open University of Kazakhstan does not issue diplomas, it is aimed at rendering assistance to existing universities in increase of own services quality, and students — in gaining the quality knowledge»— noted Rauan Kenzhekhanuly, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the WikiBilim Fund.

10 first online courses were developed with support of the Kcell. There are such courses as:

  1. Matrices and determinants
  2. State and private partnership
  3. Fundamentals of Web Programming
  4. Fourier analysis
  5. Robotics
  6. Introduction to Computer Science in the Java Language

An average duration of one course — 5 weeks. Almost 80% of the unique educational content will be in Kazakh language. Besides the specialized literature, which is recommended by the authors of online courses, will be on the portal in open access. Tests for checking the gained knowledge will be available for participants as well.

The OpenU.kz platform has been established on the basis of the Open edX, developed by specialists of the Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The web-site has intuitive interface, convenient video player, personal account of the courses participants, tests and lecture notes.

«We are confident that the Open University will be of interest to applicants, students of colleges and universities, as well as to those who already works, for example, in the IT and telecommunication sphere. Besides, the platform opens the access to educational courses for disabled people and for those who live in remote regions of Kazakhstan. It is indeed the unique project for our country and we want to believe that in the future it will be supported by companies of other spheres of economy which as we are interested in educational development and preparation of highly-qualified staff for own industry»— pointed out Natalya Yeskova, Leader of the Communication Division of the Kcell JSC.

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Member of the Management Board, Chief Finance Officer

Sabigat Rakhmetov graduated with honours from the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Forecasting (KIMEP) with a degree in finance.

His experience spans over 13 years in finance and investments, M&A, financial and economic analysis, transaction structuring and portfolio management, including international portfolio investment management.

He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers Tax & Advisory LLP (PWC) in 2011. He worked at Samruk-Kazyna for over six years, rising to the position of Director of the Investment and Business Support Department.

From 2022 to August 2024, he has served as Director of the Investment and Strategy Group at KazMunayGaz International N.V., Bucharest, Romania.

Kirill Strashenko graduated from the Almaty Institute of Energy and Communications in 2004, majoring in Telecommunication Engineering. From 2004 to 2016, he has held various positions at Kcell JSC, from a Data Transmission Systems Engineer to Manager of Data Transmission Systems Section. From 2016 to 2018, he has held the position of Network and IT Infrastructure Manager, and was also appointed as Project Manager for the Unified LTE Network Construction project (a joint project with Kar-Tel LLP). He was appointed Deputy Technical Director (2018-2021) and later Network Development Manager (2021-May 2022). In 2019, he was awarded the state award "Kurmetty Bailanyshy”.

Member of the Management Board, Chief Corporate Officer

Dauren Shaikhin holds a master's degree from the Kazakhstan-British Technical University (2016) and an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.

He has 15 years of experience in a number of different areas within the financial markets, corporate finance, risk management, operations and procurement. He has successfully developed and implemented corporate strategies, improved companies' financial portfolios and optimized operational processes, contributing to profit growth.

Dauren Shaikhin began his career in 2008 as a leading broker in Kazakhstan's securities market at Eurasian Capital JSC. In 2018, he was Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Kcell JSC. Since 2023, he has been Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at RTsKS JSC (Astana, Kazakhstan).

Chairman of the Management Board, Chief Executive Officer

Askar Zhambakin was elected Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Management Board of Kcell JSC, effective on July 15, 2024.

Askar Zhambakin has a degree in Multichannel Telecommunication Systems from the Almaty Institute of Energy and Communications, a Master's degree in Management and Information Systems from the University of Manchester, and a Diploma in Organizational Leadership from Saïd Business School.

He started his career as a communications technician at Air Kazakhstan, has worked as an engineer at Mobile Telecom-Service LLP (Tele2/Altel) for several years, worked at HSBC Bank Kazakhstan, where he was engaged in strategy, business process transformation. He was involved in similar tasks at Beintech LLP, a subsidiary of BI Group. He worked at the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, where he held various managerial positions, including Deputy Director of the Payment Systems Management and Development Department of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. In his previous role as Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace, he was involved in a number of key initiatives, including the digital transformation of public administration, business process re-engineering and data management.

Member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC and representative of a major shareholder Kazakhtelecom JSC.

Elected to the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC on 26 September 2024 at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

Alibek Indykbayev has two degrees in finance and telecommunications and boasts over 19 years of professional experience.

He launched his career in 2005 in information technology, subsequently occupying senior roles at organizations such as KazTransCom JSC and acting as an IT advisor to the Chairman of the Management Board at Altyn Bank JSC.

He currently serves on the Management Board of Kazakhtelecom JSC as Director General of the Corporate Business Division.

He holds a degree in Finance from Turan University (2008) and a degree in Radio Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications from the Kazakh Academy of Transport and Communications named after M. Tynyshpayev (2018).

Member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC and representative of major shareholder Kazakhtelecom JSC.

Elected to the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 26 September 2024.

Yerzhan Meiramov launched his career in 2004 at the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, subsequently holding senior positions at the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, Astana EXPO 2017 National Company JSC, Qazkom, Fincraft Investment House JSC and Kcell JSC.

In 2021, Yerzhan Meiramov was appointed Chairman of the Telecommunications Committee under the Ministry of Digital Development and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

He graduated from King's College London with a degree in Public Administration.

Yerzhan Meiramov was awarded the State Medal 'Yeren Enbegi Ushin' on 14 October 2022.

Member of the Board of Directors since 27 May 2025.

Independent Director

Sergey Valeryevich is an independent director of Kcell and was elected on 27 May 2025 at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for a term of three years.

Mr. Yeltsov has extensive experience in legal matters and corporate governance. Since 2008, he has held senior positions at a number of leading Kazakhstani companies, including JSC Investment Fund of Kazakhstan, Kazkommertsbank JSC, BTA Bank JSC and Kazakhtelecom JSC.

From November 2017 to 2022, he was an independent member of the Board of Directors of Kazakhaltyn JSC.

Sergey Valeryevich graduated from the Kazakh Institute of Law and International Relations with a degree in “international law” and also received an education in economics from the Almaty Academy of Economics and Statistics. In 2007, he completed the MBA Executive Education programme “Company Management: Latest Technologies”.

Member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC, representative of major shareholder Kazakhtelecom JSC.

Elected to the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC on 14 November 2025 at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

Askar Kairov has more than 22 years of experience in economics, finance, and communications.

He graduated from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University with a degree in Economics and Management, holds a Master’s degree in Corporate Management from the International Academy of Business, and completed the Business and Finance certificate programme at Cambridge Regional College (United Kingdom, 2016).

He has held senior leadership roles at Transtelecom JSC, KTZh – Freight Transportation LLP, and Samruk-Kazyna JSC. In September 2025, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Business Division at Kazakhtelecom JSC.

Member of the Board of Directors since 27 May 2025.

Independent Director

Mr. Otemurat was elected as an independent director of Kcell on 27 May 2025 at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for a term of 3 years.

Mr. Otemurat began his career as an audit employee at Ernst & Young Kazakhstan in 2003. Since 2008, he has held senior positions at the Kazyna Sustainable Development Fund, the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, BTA Bank and others. He has headed the National Investment Corporation of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Mr. Ote Murat graduated with honours from KIMEP in Business Administration and Accounting (Finance). In 2013, he received a master's degree from the Sloan program at London Business School.

Member of the Board of Directors since 27 May 2025.

Independent Director

Mirzhan Eldesovich is an independent director of Kcell and was elected on 27 May 2025 at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for a term of three years.

Mr. Karakulov has held various management positions at the National Bank of Kazakhstan, Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, and was Deputy Chairman of the Board at Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC in charge of risk management. He also worked at Samruk-Kazyna JSC. Deputy Director of the Risk Management Department.

He is currently a consultant to the independent assessment division of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Mr. Karakulov is a graduate of the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Forecasting (KIMEP), a scholarship holder of the Bolashak International Presidential Program, and graduated with honours from Vanderbilt University (USA) with a master's degree in economics. In 2022, he received a master's degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (Harvard Kennedy School).

Member of the Board of Directors since 27 May 2025.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Artur Viktorovich is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and an independent director of Kcell. He was elected on 27 May 2025 at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for a term of three years.

Mr. Neupokoyev began his career in the telecommunications industry in 1994 as an engineer in the production laboratory of the International Long-Distance Telephone Station in Almaty. He has over 20 years of management experience at Kazakhtelecom JSC, where he was involved in the development of corporate sales.

Since July 2023, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of Kazakhtelecom JSC as an independent director.

Artur Viktorovich graduated from the Kazakh Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Physical and Chemical Research of Metallurgical Processes. In 2017, he was awarded the industry honorary award of the Republic of Kazakhstan — “Uzdik Bailanysshy” (‘Best Communications Specialist’).

Member of the Management Board, Chief Technical Officer

Kerey Zhumabekuly Zatilda is a graduate of the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Communication. He specialized in Multichannel Telecommunication Systems and Economics and Management for Telecommunication Enterprises, earning qualifications as a Telecommunication Engineer and Engineer-Economist.

He began his career at Kcell JSC in 2004 and steadily advanced from engineer to head of regional technical departments over the course of 17 years. With extensive experience in telecommunications networks, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and WiMAX technologies, he has worked across various regions of Kazakhstan. His expertise spans radio network planning, managing contractor organizations, and leading technical teams.

From 2021 to 2023, he served as the Deputy Chairman of the Board and Technical Director at Kazteleradio JSC. In this capacity, he led the development of television and radio broadcasting networks, the adoption of innovative technologies, and managed the execution of government projects.

In June 2023, Kerey Zatilda was appointed Deputy Director General of RGP State Radio Frequency Service. In this role, he was responsible for monitoring the radio frequency spectrum, swiftly identifying violations involving radio-electronic equipment, and providing detailed analyses of communication quality.

Kerey Zatilda’s career spans 20 years, with more than 15 of those years spent in managerial roles. Throughout his career, he has made a significant impact on the implementation of complex technical projects and the modernization of the national telecommunications infrastructure.

In recognition of his contributions to the telecommunications industry, he was awarded the title of 'Honored Telecommunications Professional of the Republic of Kazakhstan.'

He is fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English.

Member of the Management Board, Chief Commercial Officer

Kazbek Shaimov is a seasoned expert in the commercial sector with over 27 years of experience, including 23 years in leadership roles. His career spans multiple industries: 10 years in FMCG and retail, 14 years in telecommunications, and 3 years in consulting, specializing in crisis management.

Kazbek Shaimov is a graduate of S. Toraigyrov Pavlodar State University. He started his career at Kcell in 2008 as Manager of Retail Sales, overseeing the company's branches in Semey, Aktobe, and Astana. With a proven track record, he has successfully introduced new products in both retail and business segments, streamlined sales processes, and significantly improved customer service across both remote and in-store channels.

Member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC, representative of major shareholder KC Holding Ltd.

Elected to the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 29 November 2023.

Mr. Kereybayev has extensive experience in information technology and telecommunications, economic analysis and planning, and finance.

During 2018 - 2021, he has held the position of Managing Director for Digitization and Transformation at Samruk-Kazyna JSC.

In 2021, he moved to Kazakhtelecom JSC as Managing Director for Modernization Programme, then was appointed Director for Support Functions Development.

Mr. Dauren Kereybayev graduated from Novosibirsk State University with a degree in Mechanics and Applied Mathematics (1992) and from the Kazakh State Academy of Management with a degree in Finance and Credit (1998).

In 2018, he received a master’s degree in business administration in the Executive MBA programme at the University of Chicago Booth (USA).

He has been awarded the medal "Yerenenbegi ushin" and the public order "Yenbek sinirgen karzhy mamany".

Member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director

Mr. Zhamalov has been a member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC since 29 November 2023.

Mr. Zhamalov is an expert in the financial sector, having held senior roles at Kazkommerts Securities JSC, ING Bank N.V. in the London office and the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He also represented ING Bank N.V. in Kazakhstan, where he was appointed Head of the Presidency for Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Currently, he is appointed as the CEO of Mastercard in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Independent Director of Bolashaq Investments; member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director of the Republican Physics and Mathematics School; member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director of Otbasy Bank JSC; member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director of Jusan Invest JSC.

He joined the telecommunications sector in 2014 as the Chief Manager of the Department of Project Finance of Kazakhtelecom JSC, and was also a member of the Board of Directors of National Company KazSatNet JSC and National Information Technologies JSC, an operator of information and communication infrastructure of the ‘e-government’.

Mr. Zhamalov holds an Executive MBA from Cambridge University (UK), an MSc in International Financial Analysis from Newcastle University (UK) and a BSc in Financial Mathematics from Charles University (Czech Republic). Mr. Zhamalov is a holder of the prestigious CFA Financial Certificate and Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors (UK).

Independent Director

Mr Abdualiyev has been a member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC since 28 May 2024.

Mr. Abdualiyev has a proven track record of success in international business, having held senior roles at leading companies such as TASKRABBIT, INC. as Head of Strategy and Development, MCKINSEY & COMPANY as Senior Consultant, and Almaty Development Centre JSC as Deputy Chairman of the Management Board.

He is the founder and CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub, based in Silicon Valley (Palo Alto, USA).

Mr Abdualiyev holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and a Master of Science in Business Administration and Management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Mr Abdualiyev is also an independent director of Kazakhtelecom JSC and a member of the boards of trustees of American University of Central Asia and Best for Kids PF.

Member of the Board of Directors since January 15, 2019.

Independent director

Member of the Board of Directors since January 15, 2019. On May 19, 2022, at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders  was re-elected for 3 years.

Mr. Calmes has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications, wholesale and retail business with a particular focus on emerging markets. From December 2016 to June 2019, he was the CEO of Metro Cash & Carry Russia. Prior to that, Mr. Calmes held various senior positions in the telecommunications sector, including CEO of Tele2 Russia, Managing Director of Wind Telecomunicazioni, Managing Director of the Moscow office of VEON JSC. Mr. Calmes holds a bachelor's degree in Political science and Economics from Bates University, Maine, USA, and has also completed the Wharton School of Business Executive Development Program.

Member of the Board of Directors since January 25, 2019.

Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Member of the Board of Directors since January 25, 2019. On May 19, 2022, at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders  was re-elected for 3 years.

Mr. Buyanov is also an independent director of Kazakhtelecom JSC and Director at Bengala Investments S.A. From 2002 to 2014, he has held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and has been a member of the Management Board of Sistema OJSC – an investment fund listed on the London Stock Exchange.

From 2014 to 2016, he has held the position of Managing Director and Head of the Investment Committee of Redline Capital Management S.A. Mr. Buyanov graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) with a degree in Applied Physics and Mathematics, and completed Oxford Fintech Program by Said Business School, University of Oxford.