• 02 September 2026
• 51

THE JOURNALISTIC EXCELLENCE LABORATORY NAMED AFTER KALKABAY ABENOV IS OPENED

This laboratory is designed to help students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge in journalism and practical application, refine their skills in using modern media tools, and foster their creative abilities.

Nauryzbay Baikadamov, Chairman of the Board – Rector of the University, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the new laboratory in enhancing the professional qualifications of young journalists.

During the event, Kanat Kalkabayevich, the son of Kalkabay Abenov, was awarded the Korkyt Ata "Gold Medal" for his contribution to the strategic development of the university.

The solemn meeting featured speeches by Ruslan Kayupov, Head of the Regional social development department; Doctor of Philology, Professor Zhenis Saduakasuly; Kuat Sharabidinov, Editor-in-Chief of the "Syr Boyi" newspaper; and Kojakhmet Myrzayev, a prominent journalist, public figure, and founder of the "Syr Zhurnalistikasy" foundation. They shared memories of Kalkabay Abenov’s life journey and his contribution to the development of the regional press.

The honor of cutting the ribbon at the laboratory opening was given to Professor Zhenis Saduakasuly and Kenzhaly Rayymbekuly, a member of the Writers' Union of Kazakhstan and an Honorary Journalist of Kazakhstan.

The presentation of the new laboratory was conducted by Asyl Kozhabaykyzy, a senior lecturer of the "Kazakh Language, Literature, and Journalism" educational program.

The event was attended by regional intellectuals, veteran educators, the university’s faculty, the family and relatives of Kalkabay Abenov, as well as journalists and students.

Kalkabay Abenov was an outstanding journalist, a war veteran, a member of the Union of Journalists of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and a public figure who held a special place in the socio-political, spiritual, and cultural life of the region in the second half of the 20th century. For many years, he served as the editor-in-chief of the Kyzylorda regional newspaper "Lenin Zholy" (now "Syr Boyi").