Representatives of ALT University took part in the SCO Digital Economy Forum 2026, held on September 15–16 in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The international platform convened government officials, representatives of educational institutions, experts, and specialists to discuss core issues surrounding digital transformation and the growth of the digital economy across SCO member states.
The ALT University delegation was led by Meruert Sovetovna Zharmagambetova, Chairman of the Board – Rector of ALT University, alongside Andrei Alexandrovich Ivanov, Vice-Rector for Corporate and Social Development.
The SCO Digital Economy Forum plays a vital role in advancing international cooperation in digital technologies. Rapid digital transformation positions digital infrastructure development, skilled workforce preparation, adoption of smart technologies, and professional knowledge sharing as critical pillars of intergovernmental and institutional collaboration.
A key highlight of the forum agenda was the panel session titled “SCO Digital Governance and Capacity Building Forum,” dedicated to digital governance, human capital development, and building the essential competencies required for a thriving digital economy.
Meruert Sovetovna Zharmagambetova addressed the panel as a featured speaker. Her presentation focused on training next-generation specialists, fostering digital skill sets, and expanding institutional capacity within higher education amid accelerating technological change.
For the academic community, such high-level discussions hold strategic importance, as the evolving digital economy directly shapes curriculum frameworks, professional competency standards, and instructional methodologies.
Participating in global platforms enables the university to strengthen international partnerships, analyze emerging industry trends, exchange best practices, and establish new professional networks.
The digital agenda is particularly critical for ALT University, given its focus on preparing specialized talent for transportation, logistics, industrial sectors, and related fields where digital technologies are integral to daily operations.
The forum also addressed SCO digital connectivity, digital trade, transport corridor economics, industrial applications of artificial intelligence and smart technologies, as well as broader capacity-building strategies.
The active participation of ALT University’s leadership in the SCO Digital Economy Forum 2026 highlights the institution’s commitment to expanding international collaboration, digitizing higher education, and preparing industry-ready graduates capable of driving the modern technology-driven economy.
Author: Aliya Yerlan
