UCA Launches Flagship Executive Education Programme to Drive Regional Expertise and Digital Resilience

The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Graduate School of Development has officially launched its flagship Executive Education initiative at a high-profile event in Bishkek to cultivate local expertise and advance regional progress. The event brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and UCA alumni who witnessed the unveiling of a curated suite of professional development programmes aimed at upskilling professionals and addressing critical knowledge gaps in key sectors.

At the forefront of the initiative is Cybersecurity Programme, developed in response to Kyrgyzstan’s acute shortage of digital security professionals. As the digital economy expands and cyber threats intensify, building national cyber resilience has become a national imperative and strategic priority. The programme is designed to build foundational competencies and strengthen the country’s digital resilience.

“Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it is essential for national trust, economic security, and public safety,” said Zamirbek Kojomuratov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies. “We welcome UCA’s leadership in launching this timely programme that directly contributes to building the workforce needed for Kyrgyzstan’s digital transformation.”

In her remarks, Lira Samykbaeva, Deputy Minister of Enlightenment, highlighted the programme’s alignment with national development priorities, including climate resilience, cultural preservation, and inclusive digital education. “We commend UCA’s commitment to delivering programmes that are flexible, accessible, and responsive to the needs of diverse learners across regions and languages,” she said.

Professor Christopher Gerry, Rector of UCA, underscored the broader ambition of the Executive Education initiative:

“This programme was created to empower professionals and bridge the gap between academic research and practical application. With short, high-impact courses delivered by top-tier faculty and industry experts, we aim to foster long-term capacity in priority sectors across the region.”

The Executive Education portfolio includes:

• Introduction to Cybersecurity: Addresses the critical shortage of digital security professionals across Central Asia;
• IT Project Management: Builds core competencies in planning, execution, and delivery;
• Environmental Law Foundations: Enhances legal capacity for climate adaptation and resilience;
• Museum Management: Supports professionalisation in the cultural heritage sector;
• Green and Sustainable Technologies: Promotes innovation and sustainable development across the region;
• Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Equips academic leaders with tools and frameworks to improve institutional performance and accountability.

A key feature of the event was a presentation of the Cybersecurity Programme by Artem Osipov, UCA’s IT Cybersecurity Manager. This was followed by keynote addresses from leading experts: Dastan Omuraliyev, CEO of TSARKA—Central Asia’s foremost cybersecurity provider—and Roman Panin, founder of the Security Package platform and a seasoned cybersecurity strategist.

Executive Education at UCA represents more than just a training platform—it is a strategic investment in human capital, designed to confront real-world challenges with practical, research-informed solutions. UCA invites professionals, institutions, and government stakeholders to join us in building a smarter, safer, and more resilient Central Asia.