UCA Alumni Reunion 2025: Connecting Generations, Inspiring Futures

Since the inaugural graduation in 2021, UCA has celebrated five cohorts of talented graduates joining its growing alumni community. To mark this milestone and strengthen ties between alumni, students, and the University, UCA’s Co-operative Education Programme organised the UCA Alumni Reunion 2025 in Bishkek.

The gathering aimed to foster mentorship, build lasting professional connections, and explore collaborative opportunities across generations of UCA graduates. Alumni, representing various graduating years, joined students, faculty, and industry partners for a day of discussions, career guidance, and community-building.

Myrza Karimov, Head of Co-operative Education, reiterated UCA’s long-term commitment to supporting its graduates:

“When alumni are connected with their alma mater, there are countless opportunities. Many of our graduates have already become job creators, offering internships and mentoring to current students. It’s a true win–win.”

Empowering the Next Generation

The event brought together 45 participants and opened with a plenary session “Empowering the Next Generation: AI, Skills, and the Future of Work”, moderated by Aigul Abdrakhmanova, Senior People Operations Specialist at EPAM and Co-founder of IT HR Hub Kyrgyzstan.

Panellists, including Vadim Berkovich (AI Architect and Team Leader, Beeline Kyrgyzstan), Aisuluu Zhamangulova (CEO & Founder, LLC MUGALIM EDU), Parkhat Bazakov (Data Science Engineer, MBank; Faculty, AI Academy), Nurzat Tynymbek (Consultant, High Technology Park; Lead Business Analyst), and Dzhanbolot Abdrasilov (Data Analyst, O! Bank; Data Analytics Mentor, AI Academy) talked on how emerging technologies and AI are reshaping the future of work.

Nurzat Tynymbek, one of the event’s speakers, highlighted the value of human connection:

“All opportunities come through people. You need to be part of a community - especially such a bright community as UCA’s. Be connected, and you will become part of something big.

Recent UCA alumnus Ramil Salihar, Founder of APRD and Established Dev Club, spoke about resilience and courage in pursuing one’s path:

“Be brave enough to make steps forward. When you enter the job market, no one tells you how to overcome obstacles - you figure it out yourself. So, be brave, open-minded, and talk to people.”

Guiding Career Growth and Graduate Pathways

The plenary was followed by an interactive Career Planning Workshop led by Begimai Ashiralieva, Global Recruiter, who encouraged participants to reflect on their personal goals and professional strategies. The session highlighted the importance of continuous skill development, networking, and the use of platforms such as UCA’s Career Hub and alumni mentorship resources.

The second plenary, “Pathways to Graduate School & Careers,” featured alumni currently studying or working at leading international institutions including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Henley Business School, and Lehigh University, as well as alumni pursuing careers in Central Asia.

Speakers shared their journeys, from navigating graduate school applications to building professional networks and finding meaningful career directions.
Aida Asanova (2025 Alumna) reflected:

“You can find yourself only if you step out of your comfort zone and explore opportunities. University is the safest place to make mistakes and experiment - it’s the time to discover who you are and what you want after graduation.”

Voices of Inspiration

Throughout the reunion, alumni shared their experiences, reinforcing the importance of staying connected to the UCA community.
Dr Elmira Kuchumkulova, Associate Dean at Naryn Campus, emphasised the importance of linking students with real-world opportunities:

“It’s important to connect them with the real world - with job opportunities and industry experts. Today, six professionals from the IT sector shared their experiences and advice with our graduates. In such a competitive world, networking and lifelong learning are essential.”

Rasina Shamirova (2023 Alumna), one of the alumni participants, encouraged students to make the most of their time at UCA:

“Use all the resources UCA provides. Study hard, stay active, and don’t miss any opportunity to get involved in the projects and events UCA creates for you.”

Looking Ahead

The UCA Alumni Reunion 2025 successfully achieved its mission of celebrating shared accomplishments, fostering professional inspiration, and renewing the sense of belonging among the UCA community.

Elvira Sagyntay kyzy, Manager, Co-operative Education, added:

“A strong alumni network is incredibly powerful. When we build a united alumni family, it supports the next generation of students and drives community development and collaborative projects.”

Through engaging discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking, participants left the reunion energised and motivated to strengthen connections within UCA’s expanding alumni network - a community that continues to embody the University’s vision of Enduring Investment, Vital Learning, and a Shared Future.