TEDxNazarbayev University

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Alisher Kabduakhitov

  Founder of Ratio, Member of Mensa Canada, Member of Institute of Physics in UK & Ireland Replacing traditional academic publishing & making science more accessible for humanity.

• Jessica Neafie

  Jessica Neafie is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nazarbayev University and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Political Science and International Relations. Her research focuses on Central Asian international relations, multipolarity, energy politics, and China’s engagement in the region, combining computational and qualitative methods to study global political change. She is particularly interested in how smaller and middle powers navigate increasingly complex global systems and how Central Asia helps reshape our understanding of international relations.

• Kamila Saken

  COO and co-founder of EdTech company WeGlobal Graduate of Google for Startups Winner of “Social Impact” award at Digital Bridge “Women Tech Entrepreneur” winner at Central Eurasian Venture Forum B.Sc. In Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University

• Kristina Kretova

  Kristina Kretova is a writer and director from the post‑Soviet region. She is the author of more than 25 books and the creator of the project “Women and Roads: The Way to Yourself,” dedicated to the stories of successful women.

• Kyunghwan Oh

  Prof. Kyunghwan Oh is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, bringing over 30 years of academic and research experience to the institution. He specializes in optics, photonics, and optoelectronics, focusing heavily on the development of novel optical materials, fiber optic technologies, and waveguide optics. Recognized globally as a Top 2% Scientist in his field since 2020, he is a distinguished researcher and mentor who has guided over 80 graduate students throughout his career.

• Marzhan Kabduakhitova

  Co-Founder of Ratio, Forbes 30U30, UX Awards Nominee

• Yulia Kryukova

  Yulia Kryukova is an international certified life coach, resourceful mentor, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Institute “OCEAN.” She helps women build inner stability and balance by developing key skills such as planning, organizing space, and delegation, while creating practical systems for self-care, relationships, personal growth, and contribution. Yulia is also a former lecturer at Moscow State University, a florist, and a mother of four.

• Zhanna Pampura

  Zhanna Pampura is a personal branding expert and public speaking trainer with 15 years of experience guiding hundreds of executives, entrepreneurs, and students. She combines business strategy with deep self-exploration to help people decode their uniqueness and build authentic influence. As a TEDx speaker, Zhanna empowers leaders to transform their inner authenticity into powerful communication.

• Zhansaya Oralbekova

  Zhansaya Oralbekova is a psychologist and behavioral science specialist who is deeply interested in how people navigate difficult thoughts, emotions, and life choices. For over five years, she has been studying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as part of the Mindful Behavior Therapies and Psychophysiology Lab. In her role as a Senior Psychologist at Nazarbayev University, she works closely with students, supporting them through moments of stress, uncertainty, and growth. Through both her research and practice, Zhansaya is passionate about helping people build more meaningful, value-driven lives even in the presence of discomfort. She is also engaged in advancing sustainability and consumer behavior initiatives in Kazakhstan.