A landmark event dedicated to the 98th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding scientist, geologist and statesman Shakhmardan Yessenov took place at Satbayev University. A new named auditorium was inaugurated in his honor, which became a symbol of the connection between generations and the university's desire to form a new scientific leadership in Kazakhstan.
The new auditorium is not just a classroom, but a modern high—tech space. It was created so that students could acquire knowledge in the most comfortable and effective conditions. The office is equipped with the latest multimedia technologies for lectures and joint projects, and ergonomic furniture provides convenience during classes. The design developed by the famous Kazakhstani architect Chingiz Batyrbekov deserves special attention. The design of the auditorium reflects the chronology of the life and achievements of Shakhmardan Yessenov, which turns the educational process into a lively dialogue with the history of Kazakh science. The project was implemented with the support of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation.
"Satbayev University played a key role in my grandfather's life. It was here that his journey began. It was here that academician Kanysh Satpayev saw potential in him, becoming his mentor. I believe that the current students of this university represent the human potential that will determine the future of our country. And may this audience become a place of strength, inspiration, and growth. Let ideas be born here that will change industries and destinies" - Galimzhan Yessenov.
Shakhmardan Yesenov left an indelible mark in the history of Kazakhstan. Being an outstanding geologist, he led the discovery and development of the largest oil, gas and copper deposits, including Zhezkazgan, Zhanaozen and Kalamkas. His principled position helped preserve the Mangyshlak Peninsula as part of Kazakhstan. Throughout his career, he held the posts of Minister of Geology of the Kazakh SSR, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and President of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan. His achievements were awarded the Lenin and State Prizes. Today, the foundation named after him continues the work of the academician, supporting the intellectual potential of the country through educational grants.
In 2025, a unique project was launched in Central Asia and Transcaucasia: the TAN Association combined five international marathons into one running series. Turkestan, Almaty, Bishkek, Baku and Samarkand are cities where races representing the Turkic world take place.
The name TAN, short for the Turkish Alliance of Long Runs, reflects the idea of unity through sport. Each TAN marathon is recognized by the international AIMS Association. Galimzhan Yesenov, Chairman of the Courage to Be the First Foundation and one of the key organizers of TAN, noted the importance of the alliance not only from the point of view of sports, but also as a tool for cultural integration.
"The unification of marathons in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan under the auspices of TAN opens up new opportunities for our countries. This project will raise our marathons to a new level, contribute to the economic development of the regions, promote national attractions and strengthen friendship between peoples" - Galimzhan Yesenov.
TAN marathons started for the first time in 2025. To get the fifth medal, a symbol of participation in the entire series, you need to run the official distance at each of the five starts. The unique award will be a reminder not only of the sporting path, but also of the cultural journey through the four countries. The TAN project is conceived as an international running platform where sports are combined with culture, tourism and history. For the countries of the region, this is a chance to assert themselves on the global sports scene and promote the ideas of openness, health and partnership.
The sixth Yessenov Data Lab Summer School for Data Analysts has concluded at Almaty Management University (AlmaU). This educational intensive is held annually by the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation in partnership with AlmaU. In 2025, 15 young professionals took part in the Program. Over the past 6 years, 115 participants have completed the Program.
The 2025 School Program began on June 16. It was a month-long course which consisted of 2 parts: 2 weeks of online training and 2 weeks of offline training at AlmaU. During this time, the participants mastered the key skills in machine learning, Python programming, chatbot development, language models, computer vision, and neural networks. This year, special attention was paid to artificial intelligence technologies, making it one of the defining features of the School in 2025.
High-quality training was ensured through lectures and consultations delivered by leading experts in IT and science. Among the lecturers were:
Kuanysh Abeshev, Ph.D. in Mathematics, Dean of the School of Digital Technologies, AlmaU;
Timur Bakibayev, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Director of Digital Transformation, Narxoz;
Vladislav Yushchenko, Senior Engineer at Meta’s London Office;
Nikita Saxena, Research Engineer at Google DeepMind.
Today, we are summarizing the results of an intensive and, as I’ve been told, quite challenging Program. It was not easy – difficult tasks, advanced tools. But it is precisely these difficulties that shape real experience. I would like to thank AlmaU for the partnership – together we are creating new opportunities to develop Kazakhstan’s intellectual potential. Yessenov Data Lab participants, may this knowledge become a driving force in your lives, studies, and careers. May it open new horizons before you - Galimzhan Yessenov
The premiere of the film “The Road to Turkistan” took place in Almaty. Exploring the impact of the Turkistan Marathon, a running event in Turkic ethno-style, the film introduces the phenomenon of running tourism and the transformation of cities through sports events. The film was directed by Kanat Beissekeyev in collaboration with “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund, an organiser of the largest running event in Central Asia that is the Almaty Marathon.
Running has so captivated people in Kazakhstan that today they run everywhere — from small villages to mid-sized towns and megacities. We see the same situation in Turkistan, the most ancient city of Kazakhstan with a rich cultural heritage, which becomes very popular every year during the autumn Turkistan Marathon. The marathon is organised by “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund that is the organiser of the largest running event in Central Asia — the Almaty Marathon. On marathon day, the historical city transforms with thousands of runners and spectators arriving from all corners of Kazakhstan and from other countries.
At the heart of the film story is a group of runners who have embarked on a journey with the ultimate goal of running the marathon. Each of them has a unique story of true strength — dream, overcome, never give up. Running has become a path that unites very different people and is capable of changing their destinies. At the same time, we see how Turkistan prepares to welcome tourist-runners, how the fund expands to new cities and even to new countries thanks to the TAN Association. Running is becoming a common language, and the reasons not to run are disappearing.
Galimzhan Yessenov, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund
“The Road to Turkistan” explores the way the Turkistan Marathon not only brings people to the city but also has a powerful economic impact, helping local entrepreneurs, stimulating tourism and creating a new wave of interest in tourism within the country. The new film introduces organisers, residents, and runners and shows how sport can transform the urban environment and people."
It is worth noting that the film was directed by Kanat Beissekeyev in collaboration with “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund. Since 2012, the Fund has been holding sporting events for fans of an active lifestyle in Kazakhstan. The Fund’s history began with the organisation of the Almaty Marathon — the largest running event in Central Asia, which grows annually. The Fund’s portfolio of events also includes other runs of various formats; the nearest one — the Almaty Half Marathon — will take place on 20 April.
This is the third film produced by “Courage to be the First” Corporate Fund in collaboration with the renowned Kazakh director. The first joint film "Where Are You All Running To?" unveiled the behind-the-scenes story of Central Asia’s largest running event — the Almaty Marathon. It’s a fascinating story about the people transforming their beloved city into a running capital. And the documentary "Crystal Man" inspired viewers with the strong spirit of athletes with special needs. The main characters — Assiya and other participants with special needs — joined the Astana Half Marathon together with other runners and clearly demonstrated that everyone is capable of overcoming any difficulties.
The film "The Road to Turkistan" will be available for viewing on YouTube.
On March 29, the annual meeting of the winners of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation’s programs took place in Astana. The event brought together 59 talented young individuals from across the country, including winners of the Research Internships, Yessenov Data Lab, Launch Pad, and other programs.
Participants shared inspiring stories, experiences from internships abroad and advice on career development and education. It was exciting to see them finding like-minded people and becoming part of a strong community. The Foundation’s mission is to develop Kazakhstan’s intellectual potential, and we are happy to witness this vision in action.