News & Events

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce the signing of a collaborative agreement with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), and the grand opening of the Centre for Sustainable Development on November 21, 2024. This significant event took place at KazNU and marks a key step in fostering international cooperation in social work, social development research, and sustainable tourism research.

In the presence of witnesses from both universities, Prof. Ku Hok Bun, Director of the China and Global Development Network at PolyU, and Prof. Duisenov Erkin Ermanovich, Deputy Chairman of the Board and First Vice-Rector of KazNU, signed the collaborative agreement.

The grand opening of the Centre for Sustainable Development was a highlight of the event, where Prof. Ku emphasized the centre's mission to conduct interdisciplinary research aimed at providing innovative solutions to social challenges in Central Asia and beyond. He highlighted the centre's focus on enhancing international dialogue and positioning itself as a leading think tank in the region concerning global innovation and sustainable development.

Key research areas identified for the Centre for Sustainable Development include:

•    Social Work, Social Development, and Social Policy

•    Sustainable Tourism and Social Tourism

•    Digital Transformation and AI in Tourism

•    Tourism Education and Training

•    Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection

PolyU looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with KazNU and other partners to advance sustainable tourism initiatives in Central Asia.