Urgent Action Urged by President Tokayev for AI to Lead Nation's Growth and Progress
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined a strategic plan to transform Kazakhstan into a digital state and Eurasian digital hub within five years, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role in national development.
The strategy, which is guided by Tokayev, encompasses a series of key initiatives aimed at integrating AI across public administration, the economy, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness.
A Pragmatic AI Program
The government, in collaboration with the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, is tasked with creating a clear, actionable AI development and digital transformation roadmap. This document aims to integrate AI across various sectors, from public administration to the economy, and create new industries. The roadmap will involve international experts to ensure its effectiveness and relevance in the global AI landscape [1][2][5].
Nine Strategic Areas for AI Implementation
President Tokayev has identified nine priority areas as the foundation of Kazakhstan’s AI policy. These sectors include the real sector to boost economic modernization and productivity, digitalization of government processes to increase efficiency, and healthcare, leveraging AI for accurate diagnostics and treatment planning [1][5].
Labor Market Adaptation
To manage the labor transformation due to AI integration, large-scale training programs and workforce skills development are being implemented [1][2].
Improved Regulatory Framework
The legal framework for AI is being updated to draw on international best practices, ensuring security, data sovereignty, and effective implementation [1][5].
Digital Infrastructure Enhancement
Emphasis is being placed on accelerating the development of digital infrastructure, including the recent launch of Central Asia’s largest national supercomputer, designed to power large-scale AI innovation, research, and regional cooperation [1][3].
Support for Local AI Startups
The government is instructed to introduce export support measures and revive digital ambassador initiatives to promote Kazakhstan’s AI innovations internationally. There is a focus on nurturing young talent and medical startups without bureaucratic hindrances [1][5].
Data Security
In response to the largest data leak incident in Kazakhstan, which occurred in June, President Tokayev has proposed a shift to secure domestic platforms, such as Aitu messenger, for official and personal data communications, to prevent data leaks and ensure information sovereignty [5].
Together, these elements form Kazakhstan's national AI strategy aimed at holistic digital transformation, economic modernization, improved public services, and strategic technological sovereignty, all under the direct supervision of President Tokayev [1][2][3][5].
[1] Kazakhstan's National AI Strategy [2] President Tokayev's Speech on AI [3] Launch of Central Asia's Largest National Supercomputer [4] Data Leak Incident in Kazakhstan [5] President Tokayev's Instructions on AI
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be integrated across various sectors, such as public administration, economy, and real sector, as part of the government's digital transformation roadmap, which is being developed in collaboration with the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms.
- To ensure Kazakhstan's competitiveness in the global AI landscape, international experts will be involved in the creation and effectiveness of the AI development and digital transformation strategy, as instructed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
