Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: "We Need to Develop Artificial Intelligence Technologies"

In an interview with Ana Tili newspaper, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the prospects for the development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in the country.

Digitalization and IT Services: Steps Forward

The President noted that Kazakhstan is becoming increasingly attractive to global digital nomads, adding: "It is encouraging that the export of IT services from Kazakhstan is growing. Astana Hub is successfully operating, and this technopark brings together over 1,500 participants, almost a third of which are foreign companies. Kazakhstan is becoming more and more appealing to global digital nomads."

Artificial Intelligence: Projects and Prospects

One of the country's priority areas is the development of AI technologies. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the creation of the first version of the Kazakh language large language model KazLLM as a significant step in this direction. "The task of turning Kazakhstan into one of the largest digital hubs in the Eurasian space is achievable. To do this, we need to develop AI technologies. Promising projects have already appeared.

For example, the first version of the Kazakh language large language model KazLLM has been created. This is an AI that thinks, analyzes, and communicates in Kazakh. Work in this area is ongoing," said Tokayev. He also mentioned that in 2025, the opening of the international AI center Alem.AI is planned, which will serve as a platform for attracting investments, implementing the best global practices, and innovations.?

The Future of AI: Its Impact on Society

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also noted that AI will make a significant leap in the coming years, which will radically change people's perceptions of life. "The time for smart machines—robots that will far surpass humans in intellect and will also possess empathy, feelings, and emotions characteristic of people—is not far off.

For us, it is important to train young citizens to use AI technologies in schools, colleges, and universities. Last year, 15 of our universities already implemented AI courses by Google. We are also working on a special AI training program (AI-Sana) for specialists," he added.

The Risks of Neural Networks and the Need for Legislative Regulation

At the same time, with the development of AI technologies, certain risks emerge, such as the use of neural networks for creating photos and videos or faking human voices. The President emphasized the need for legislative regulation of these technologies: "Kazakhstan's Parliament deputies have initiated the development of a law on artificial intelligence. This important issue must be addressed thoroughly. We need to formulate the principles of responsible AI use, as well as ethical aspects. However, AI regulation should focus on its development, not restrictions. The widespread implementation of this high technology opens up enormous opportunities, which we must certainly take advantage of."

Read the full interview via the link.