On October 14, 2025, one of the most large-scale student events of the year – the KazGASA Freshmen Dedication 2025 – took place at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty. The event was dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the Kazakh Leading Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering (KazGASA), which is part of the International Educational Corporation (IEC).
The ceremony brought together over 4,000 participants, including first-year students, faculty, alumni, and guests, among them representatives of the Akimat of Almaty, partner organizations, employers, and youth leaders.
A special contribution to the organization of the event was made by BI Group, one of Kazakhstan’s leading construction companies, which served as the official partner and sponsor of the Dedication Ceremony. Thanks to this collaboration, the celebration achieved a scale worthy of the academy’s milestone anniversary. BI Group has consistently supported initiatives promoting youth development, education, and the advancement of engineering and architectural professions in Kazakhstan.
The main purpose of the Dedication Ceremony was not only to mark the beginning of student life but also to pass on the values, traditions, and spirit of unity that define KazGASA. This year’s event was held under the theme “Back to the Future 45”, symbolizing the academy’s vision for the next 45 years of professional excellence, creativity, and innovation. Each of the four schools of KazGASA presented its own artistic interpretation of the future through original performances, showcasing how the new generation envisions architecture, design, construction, and engineering.
In his welcoming speech, Rector of the International Educational Corporation, Bakhytiyar Asylbayuly Sabdenaliev, wished the freshmen inspiration, success, and confidence in their abilities, emphasizing the symbolic meaning of the event:
“Dedication is not just a celebration – it’s the moment when the values of professionalism, kindness, and responsibility are instilled. We are proud that our graduates return as leaders who inspire the next generation of students.”
Aziz Kazhdenbek, Head of the Department of Youth Policy of Almaty, and Timur Ibragimov, Head of the Technical Department of BI Group, also addressed the students. They highlighted the active role of IEC (KazGASA) in shaping the student community and encouraged the youth to embrace innovation and bring bold ideas to life.
The jury panel included representatives of academia, government, and industry:
- Bakhtiyar Sabdenaliyev, Rector of IEC
- Akmaral Maralova, Advisor on Corporate and Strategic Development, IEC
- Aziz Kazhdenbek, Head of the Department of Youth Policy of Almaty
- Timur Ibragimov, representative of BI Group
The event also featured KazGASA alumni who have become prominent professionals in their fields, including Rinat Myrzakanovich Kabdoldin, Director of RAS Group; Yerkebulan Aldashuly Sembaev, Deputy Head of the Department of Urban Planning and Urbanism of Almaty; and Evgeny Tsoy, Founder of POMO Group and Master’s student at the School of Architecture.
The Dedication consisted of three stages, each reflecting the academy’s key values:
“Eco Start for Freshmen” – an environmental initiative that included campus cleaning, tree planting, and landscaping within the framework of the national project “Taza Kazakhstan”.
“Zhyly Zhurek” Charity Campaign – inspired by the humanistic ideas of Abai Qunanbaiuly, students collected aid for orphanages and homeless animals.
The Grand Gala Show – the culmination of the event, featuring spectacular performances symbolizing the past, present, and future of KazGASA.
At the end of the competition, the Freshmen Cup 2025 was awarded to the School of Construction, which impressed the jury with its creativity, artistic performance, and team spirit.
The Freshmen Dedication Ceremony has long been one of the academy’s most meaningful traditions – a celebration that marks not only the beginning of academic life but also the formation of pride, responsibility, and a mission to build the future of Kazakhstan.