South China Morning Post partners with Kazakhstan's top university for regional dialogue

The South China Morning Post has formalized a strategic partnership with Nazarbayev University, Central Asia's top-ranked higher education institution, to foster academic dialogue and knowledge-sharing while connecting Hong Kong's capital and media reach with the region's tech and resource ecosystem.

The memorandum of understanding was signed in Astana, just ahead of the SCMP's China Conference: Central Asia 2026, a flagship event making its debut in the region.

Bridging Academic Research and Media Excellence

SCMP publisher Tammy Tam described the agreement as a vital bridge between leading academic research and global media excellence. "As a premier voice on China and Asia, the South China Morning Post is proud to collaborate with Kazakhstan's flagship university to elevate cross-border storytelling, foster deeper cultural and educational exchange, and illuminate Eurasia's critical role in shaping the future of global connectivity and building a talent pool for the region," she said.

The partnership aims to extend Hong Kong's media presence in Central Asia while fostering the exchange of knowledge between East and Central Asia.

New Opportunities for Students and Wider Reach for Research

Professor Waqar Ahmad, president of Nazarbayev University, said the partnership would bring the institution's academic expertise and research to a much wider international audience, adding its studies could also provide the newspaper with new perspectives on the region.

"The partnership also creates new opportunities for our students to access knowledge and perspectives from a leading international media organisation, while bringing our academic communities closer together," he said.

Source: South China Morning Post