Towards an AI Knowledge-Based Society: Kazakhstan to Host 'Digital Bridge 2025'

The "Digital Bridge Forum 2025," the largest IT event in Central Asia, is being held from October 2 to 4 (local time) in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

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This year marks the sixth edition of the forum, with the theme "Generative Nation." The theme reflects Kazakhstan’s strategic direction toward building a knowledge-based society strengthened by advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in the future.

Kazakhstan, a resource-rich country with abundant oil and rare earth elements, has recently been actively pursuing an AI-driven digital transformation. The government is accelerating the creation of an AI innovation ecosystem to expand AI technologies and introduce AI into industries, spearheaded by the "2024-2029 AI Development Strategy." Earlier this year, an exhibition was held in Almaty under the theme "Industrial AI: Technologies for a New Era."

The forum is attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, the Minister of Digital Development, and other government officials, as well as CEOs of domestic and international IT companies. Notable participants include Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, and Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, CEO of G42 International.

Also in attendance is Kai-Fu Lee, former president of Google China. As founder of Sinovation Ventures and 01.AI, Lee is recognized as a leading Asian investor and expert in the AI field. On the first day of the forum, he will deliver a keynote titled "AI Agents: the Next Catalyst to Economy."

Paul Kim, a professor at Stanford University and chair of the World Bank International Advisory Board, will give a talk on the "Quest to Establish an AI Nation." A speech by Peter Norvig, a leading expert from Google and Stanford University, is also scheduled.

On the second day, Lee Daehee, CEO of Korea Venture Investment, will present on "Korea AI & Deep Tech Innovation," discussing the future of Korea-Kazakhstan venture collaboration. Ilya Strebulaev, a professor at Stanford University, will give a conversational lecture on the "Venture Mindset for Kazakhstan."

In addition, experts such as the Chief Marketing Officer of Freedom Holdings and the Head of TikTok Central Asia will gather during the forum to discuss roles and changes in the AI era. Topics will range from AI for public good in government and education, global talent, and the creation and expansion of creative projects. Former Premier League footballer Sol Campbell will also participate, addressing the use of AI in the sports sector.

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