Freedom Holding Corp. to build new training block for SDU University students
Today, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at SDU University for a new campus block of the university, which will be built with the support of Freedom Holding Corp.
With a total area of over 5600 square metres there will be a modern educational building, which will give students the opportunity to use technologies based on artificial intelligence in various applied spheres. There is a plan to open a Freedom space zone with AI laboratories in the fields of robotics, cybersecurity, sports programming and machine learning. The unique type of labs will allow students to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The campus will also have an interactive financial literacy centre where students will be able to learn about the basic principles of investing and trading from Freedom Academy experts. Moreover, the new block of the university is expected to become a hub for research in fintech innovation and other related areas, as well as for holding thematic events, conferences and seminars in various areas. Conditions are provided not only for productive studies, but also for the creation of comfortable recreation areas.
The construction of the facility is fully sponsored by Freedom Holding Corp. through a special charitable foundation “Freedom Shapaghat,” which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. The amount of financing is expected to be 1.8 billion tenge.
Marat Sultangaziev, Akim of Almaty region:
Youth plays an important role in the development of the region and implementation of strategic plans. During his visit to the region, President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev noted that “Konaev should become a centre of scientific and educational initiatives by attracting student youth. The development of higher education in the region plays a key role, as educational institutions give life to the area and contribute to its prosperity. Particular attention should be paid to SDU’s contribution to industry. Last year, a new department for youth policy in the Almaty region was created as approximately 30 per cent of the region’s residents are under 35 years of age. A two-year plan was developed to address youth issues based on analytical data.”
The decision to erect an additional building on the university campus was made because of an increase in the number of students and the expansion of the university’s educational programme.
Alimzhan Igenbayev, Rector of SDU University, said:
“Today in Kazakhstan, as never before, there is a demand for specialists of innovation — time dictates its own rules, and managers need to be flexibly in or to respond quickly to ongoing changes. World experience in the field of education points to the need for the presence of the University in the economic, social and public life of our country. SDU University is one of the first higher education institutions where education is conducted in English. We have been training in-demand specialists in IT, engineering, pedagogy, law, social sciences and business for more than 27 years, so we see prospects for development in co-operation with international partners, academic institutions and business. Feedback from industry players, owners and managers of the companies for which we train personnel is now an essential element of the dynamic development of SDU University.”
The construction is scheduled for completion in autumn 2024.
Synopsis: Freedom Holding Corp. — is a diversified financial services company engaged in financial activities, retail stock brokerage, investment advisory, securities trading, investment banking and underwriting services through its subsidiaries. The company’s common shares are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market and KASE.
As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, Freedom Holding Corp. is implementing a project to build a new block at SDU University as part of Sustainable Development Goal #4 “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” In line with this SDG, the company also provides free financial literacy education to children through its Freedom Camp project, which includes 40 free online lessons for children between 10 and 14 years old. Moreover, Freedom Holding Corp. supported the renovation and expansion of IQanat High School of Burabay, with the opening of the new building in February 2024 in Borovoye.
SDU University is among the leading educational institutions of Kazakhstan, founded in the first years of independence of our country. More than 8,000 young people study bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes.
