Founder of AGI Lab, Zhomart Sadykov, noted that despite widespread perceptions, artificial intelligence does not replace specialists but rather enhances their capabilities as a tool. According to him, the claim that AI is displacing professionals is not entirely accurate, as current technologies primarily help accelerate work processes. “Artificial intelligence is a tool that strengthens specialists rather than replaces them. In the case of Kazakhstan, our strength lies in talent. We have the opportunity to create new solutions and grow in innovative directions rather than compete with large countries in infrastructure,” he said.
Meta developer Bakhytzhan Baizhikenov, answering a question about the competitive advantages of specialists from Kazakhstan, noted that he largely relies on internal intuition and decision-making ability. According to him, freedom of thinking, willingness to defend one’s position, and the courage to try new approaches play a crucial role. He also emphasized that the ability to experiment and seek unconventional solutions can become a strong advantage in a rapidly changing technological environment.
Senior developer at Google, Aman Utemuratov, noted that artificial intelligence has already significantly transformed work processes in large technology companies. According to him, requirements for specialists are increasing, and development processes are accelerating. He also added that some companies have adjusted their hiring approaches, placing greater emphasis on experienced engineers, while also creating conditions for team members to grow and develop leadership skills.
Booking developer, Narikbi Maksut, noted that despite concerns related to automation, the number of specialists in the industry is not decreasing. According to him, the evolution of technology is creating new roles and directions. He emphasized that with increasing code volume and the use of AI tools, the workload in testing and quality assurance processes is also growing, which in turn increases demand for specialists in these areas.
Following the discussion, speakers emphasized that the rapid development of artificial intelligence is reshaping traditional IT career paths: accelerating professional growth, transforming skill requirements, and creating new roles. In this context, specialists from Central Asia are gaining greater opportunities to enter the global market and work in international teams. The session was moderated by Daliда Erkuliyeva, VP of Talent at Higgsfield AI.
It should be noted that the Digital Qazaqstan 2026 Forum took place in Shymkent on March 27 under the theme “Industry 5.0: The Power of Collaboration.” The forum is organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Shymkent, and the Astana Hub international innovation cluster.
This year’s forum is made possible thanks to the support of partners and sponsors. All expenses are covered through sponsorship funding.
General Partner: Freedom Bank – a Kazakh digital bank for retail and corporate clients, part of Freedom Holding Corp. The bank was the first in Kazakhstan to fully digitize mortgage, auto, and business loans, and launched the country’s first investor card, INVEST CARD.
Platinum Partner: Alageum Electric – a major electrical engineering group in Kazakhstan uniting more than 30 enterprises in the energy, engineering, and infrastructure construction sectors.
Gold Partner: Kazakhtelecom.
Innovation Partners: WSE, Damumed.
Partner: Visa.
Founder of AGI Lab, Zhomart Sadykov, noted that despite widespread perceptions, artificial intelligence does not replace specialists but rather enhances their capabilities as a tool. According to him, the claim that AI is displacing professionals is not entirely accurate, as current technologies primarily help accelerate work processes. “Artificial intelligence is a tool that strengthens specialists rather than replaces them. In the case of Kazakhstan, our strength lies in talent. We have the opportunity to create new solutions and grow in innovative directions rather than compete with large countries in infrastructure,” he said.
Meta developer Bakhytzhan Baizhikenov, answering a question about the competitive advantages of specialists from Kazakhstan, noted that he largely relies on internal intuition and decision-making ability. According to him, freedom of thinking, willingness to defend one’s position, and the courage to try new approaches play a crucial role. He also emphasized that the ability to experiment and seek unconventional solutions can become a strong advantage in a rapidly changing technological environment.
Senior developer at Google, Aman Utemuratov, noted that artificial intelligence has already significantly transformed work processes in large technology companies. According to him, requirements for specialists are increasing, and development processes are accelerating. He also added that some companies have adjusted their hiring approaches, placing greater emphasis on experienced engineers, while also creating conditions for team members to grow and develop leadership skills.
Booking developer, Narikbi Maksut, noted that despite concerns related to automation, the number of specialists in the industry is not decreasing. According to him, the evolution of technology is creating new roles and directions. He emphasized that with increasing code volume and the use of AI tools, the workload in testing and quality assurance processes is also growing, which in turn increases demand for specialists in these areas.
Following the discussion, speakers emphasized that the rapid development of artificial intelligence is reshaping traditional IT career paths: accelerating professional growth, transforming skill requirements, and creating new roles. In this context, specialists from Central Asia are gaining greater opportunities to enter the global market and work in international teams. The session was moderated by Daliда Erkuliyeva, VP of Talent at Higgsfield AI.
It should be noted that the Digital Qazaqstan 2026 Forum took place in Shymkent on March 27 under the theme “Industry 5.0: The Power of Collaboration.” The forum is organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Shymkent, and the Astana Hub international innovation cluster.
This year’s forum is made possible thanks to the support of partners and sponsors. All expenses are covered through sponsorship funding.
General Partner: Freedom Bank – a Kazakh digital bank for retail and corporate clients, part of Freedom Holding Corp. The bank was the first in Kazakhstan to fully digitize mortgage, auto, and business loans, and launched the country’s first investor card, INVEST CARD.
Platinum Partner: Alageum Electric – a major electrical engineering group in Kazakhstan uniting more than 30 enterprises in the energy, engineering, and infrastructure construction sectors.
Gold Partner: Kazakhtelecom.
Innovation Partners: WSE, Damumed.
Partner: Visa.
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