KazNMU and A*STAR discuss prospects for scientific cooperation
On 14 September 2026, the leadership of Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University met with representatives of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR. The parties discussed opportunities for cooperation in medical and biotechnology research, scientific talent development and joint initiatives.
The A*STAR delegation included Professor Lisa Ng, Executive Director of the Biomedical Research Council, and Dr Winnie Choo, Senior Assistant Director. KazNMU was represented by Chairman of the Board and Rector Marat Shoranov; First Vice-Rector Dilyara Kaidarova; Vice-Rectors Svetlana Sultangaziyeva, Zhanna Kalmatayeva and Ildar Fakhradiyev; and Acting Head of the Department of Strategic Development and International Cooperation Meruert Yakupova.
Opening the meeting, Marat Shoranov welcomed the A*STAR representatives and highlighted the University’s interest in expanding international scientific and educational cooperation. Meruert Yakupova presented KazNMU’s key areas of activity and its educational and research capacity. Professor Lisa Ng introduced A*STAR’s work, scientific priorities and potential areas of cooperation in medical and biotechnology research.
The participants focused on cooperation between individual principal investigators, research centres and academic departments. They considered the preparation of joint research proposals and research attachments for PhD students through the A*STAR Research Attachment Programme (ARAP) and the Singapore Research Attachment Programme (SRAP).
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working on identifying priority areas for joint research, developing scientific cooperation, and training researchers, as well as to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation.
