UCA Partners with Naryn State University to Open IT Hub and Tourism Centre
New IT Hub and Tourism Centre established with the support of the University of Central Asia (UCA) were inaugurated at Naryn State University (NSU) on 23 December. These state-of-the-art facilities are the result of the ongoing collaboration between the two universities as part of UCA’s Mountain Universities Partnership, designed to empower universities in mountainous regions.
The IT Hub is equipped with advanced technology designed to enhance students' digital literacy, empower them to develop solutions for local challenges, and prepare them for careers in the digital economy. During the opening ceremony, NSU students and members of the IT Hub showcased impressive projects, including a news website for Naryn, a web platform connecting tourists with local service providers, and educational games designed to teach children about waste separation and critical thinking.
In his welcome remarks, Maksat Nurdinov, Acting Rector of NSU, stated: “These facilities have significantly enhanced our ability to provide practical learning opportunities for our students. We highly value our long-standing partnership with UCA and look forward to continued collaboration in the years to come.”
“The collaboration between UCA and NSU exemplifies successful cooperation between state and private universities in Kyrgyzstan. We encourage further deepening of this partnership for the benefit of education in our country.” – said Khadicha Shambetova, Lead Specialist on Higher and Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The Tourism Centre combines hands-on training in sustainable tourism and hospitality with a celebration of Kyrgyz culture. Its design incorporates traditional Kyrgyz patterns and the Tunduk, symbolising the nation’s heritage. A simulation space within the centre enables students to gain practical experience in restaurant and hotel operations, equipping them for careers in the expanding tourism sector. Several NSU students shared insights from their exposure visits and international employment in the tourism industry during the opening ceremony, highlighting the centre’s potential to bridge education and practical application. Guests also visited a traditional yurt constructed on the NSU campus with UCA’s support and designed to showcase Kyrgyz culture and cuisine to tourists.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Christopher Gerry, Rector of UCA, remarked, 'We are proud to partner with NSU to create opportunities that foster educational excellence and drive regional development. I was also pleased to witness some of the innovative projects developed by NSU students, made possible through their engagement with these facilities.”
