EdUHK Hosts ‘Hong Kong meets Kazakhstan 2: Humanities in Belt & Road’ to Strengthen Academic and Cultural Exchange

The Faculty of Humanities (FHM) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted ‘Hong Kong meets Kazakhstan 2: Humanities in Belt & Road’ on 23 April 2026 at the Tai Po Campus, following the success of the first ‘Hong Kong meets Kazakhstan’ event held in 2024. The second edition further highlighted the growing academic ties between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, with a focus on language education, cultural studies and transnational film studies.

The event opened with welcome remarks by Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, Vice President (Research and Development) of EdUHK; Professor John Nguyet Erni, Director of the International Research Centre for Cultural Studies and Chair Professor of Cultural Studies; and Ms Aknur Zhaksybai, Vice Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong and Macao SARs, PRC. The opening ceremony also featured performances by the EdUHK Chinese Orchestra and Mr Satkozy Mukhtar from Hong Kong Baptist University.

The academic programme brought together scholars and experts from Hong Kong and Kazakhstan to explore key issues in language studies and language education. Speakers included Dr Kara Fleming of KIMEP University, Professor Glenn Stockwell of EdUHK, Professor Daniel Torrano of Nazarbayev University, Professor Saskia Van Viegen of EdUHK, Dr Iisbekuly Berikkhan of the Committee of Language Policy of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr Sholpan Tazabek of Almaty Management University, and Dr Song Ge of EdUHK. Through academic showcases and panel discussions, participants exchanged views on multilingual education, language policy, linguistic landscapes, technology in language learning, assessment in multilingual classrooms, and the evolving role of the humanities in international higher education. During the Q&A session, fruitful comparison of academic research focuses and cultural experiences between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan took place.

A key highlight of the event was the screening of the award-winning Kazakhstani film Bauryna Salu, directed by Mr Askhat Kuchinchirekov. The film was introduced by Dr Assel Kamza of Almaty Management University and was followed by a post-screening panel discussion moderated by Professor Mette Hjort, Head of the Department of Literature and Cultural Studies and Chair Professor of Film and Media at EdUHK. The discussion featured Dr Kamza and Ms Diana Ashimova of Almaty Management University, with online participation from members of the CURATE-IT project, further enriching dialogue on transnational and collaborative film education.

Building on the momentum of the first flagship event, ‘Hong Kong meets Kazakhstan 2: Humanities in Belt & Road’ provided a meaningful platform for sustained academic dialogue, cultural appreciation and international collaboration. The event laid a strong foundation for more future exchange in language education, humanities research, cultural studies and film education, including the signing of a new MOU in the near future.

Group photo of guests, speakers, performers and participants at ‘Hong Kong meets Kazakhstan 2: Humanities in Belt & Road’

Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, Vice President (Research and Development) of EdUHK, delivered welcome remarks via video

Professor John Nguyet Erni, Chief Organiser and Director of the International Research Centre for Cultural Studies, delivered the welcome speech

Ms Aknur Zhaksybai, Vice Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong and Macao SARs, PRC, delivered opening remark

A dombra performance introduced participants to the traditional music and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan

The EdUHK Chinese Orchestra performed at the opening ceremony of ‘Hong Kong meets Kazakhstan 2: Humanities in Belt & Road’

Scholars from Hong Kong and Kazakhstan exchanged views during the Academic Showcase and Panel Discussion on Language Education.

Speakers and panellists received certificates of appreciation in recognition of their contributions to the event

Participants attended the screening of the award-winning Kazakhstani film Bauryna Salu

The post-screening panel discussion explored Kazakhstani cinema, cultural identity and transnational film education

The event venue featured cultural displays showcasing the connection between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan