From 11 to 13 June 2026, the first Central Asia Regional Conference of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Head of ASCCA, Major General of the Customs Service Gulu Novruzov, participated in the conference, which was held under the theme "Impact-Driven Universities: Education, Leadership and Societal Change."

The conference, organized by IAUP, Almaty Management University (AlmaU), and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, brought together university leaders and experts from around the world. Discussions focused on the future of higher education, innovations in university governance, internationalization, the impact of artificial intelligence on education, and global academic cooperation. The event was attended by Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, Dr. Shawn Chen, President of IAUP and Chairman of the Board of Sias University, as well as university leaders, experts, and representatives of international organizations from various countries.

As part of the conference, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation was signed between ASCCA and Sias University of the People's Republic of China. The memorandum was signed by Head of ASCCA, Major General of the Customs Service Gulu Novruzov, and Dr. Shawn Chen, Chairman of the Board of Sias University.

The memorandum, which will remain in force for five years, covers faculty and student exchange, joint research, international projects, the organization of academic events, and other areas of cooperation.

The memorandum will contribute to expanding ASCCA's international partnership network, strengthening cooperation with higher education institutions in China, and creating new academic opportunities.

It should be noted that cooperation between ASCCA and AlmaU, one of the conference organizers, has developed successfully in recent years. Last year, the two institutions signed an agreement to expand cooperation in education, research, and academic mobility. The invitation extended to the Head of ASCCA to participate in IAUP's first Central Asia Regional Conference is regarded as one of the successful outcomes of this cooperation.