АIFC and AlmaU created a laboratory for launching financial techno startups

On February 3, in Almaty Management University, Director for digital technologies of  "Astana" International Financial Center Asel Zhienbaeva and AlmaU president Asylbek Kozhakhmetov signed Memorandum on opening a laboratory on financial technological direction at AlmaU.

A new laboratory will develop and launch innovative technologies in financial sector. At the same time, AIFC undertakes searching and attracting business partners (MasterCard company takes part in launching stage of the project), and AlmaU is charge of organizing the work of the laboratory, including educational process.

"Establishment of Fintech laboratory at AlmaU with the support of AIFC is an important step in integrating IT technologies into real business, in this case, financial business of the country," said Asylbek Kozhakhmetov, President of the university. - For AlmaU, cooperation with AIFC in this area is particularly important, especially taking into account the fact that the University has Double Major programs of double diploma, as well as Major Minor programs, in which students, studying for a financier, can choose a second additional specialization - "Information technology ", and vice versa. Thus, we train specialists at intersection of industries - financiers with a vision of digital development of this sphere. For today, thanks to AIFC, MasterCard company has become AlmaU partner of this project. In the future, the number of partners, we are sure, will increase, and this will help our students to comprehend the features of the crypto-currency market or blockbuster technologies in practice. The process of digital transformation of any business requires a clear vision of areas and prospects for change, driven by skillful management. We are sure that within the framework of the new laboratory our students will be able to acquire these skills and knowledge”.

After signing the Memorandum, a tour around the university was organized for the leadership of AIFC, the guests could see how the neuromarketing laboratory * and the simulation room ** work which already launched in the university.

Then a meeting with students of "Information Systems" and "Finance" specialties was organized, within the framework of which the Memorandum signatories told about advantages of a new project at the junction of two sectors with future engineers and financiers.

*Neuromarketing Laboratory of Graduate School of Management (equipment for this laboratory was purchased with the help of Magnum Cash and Carry) is equipped with a video camera, microphone and Tobii Glasses 2, a mobile eye tracking system, which provides objective data about consumers' perception of different trademarks and brands and allows to identify hidden factors that influence on decision-making process. With the help of this technology, it is possible to study visual perception of consumers when making a purchasing decision. The laboratory allows to conduct applied research using neurobiological analysis tools and expert conclusions for business. This project has no analogues in Kazakhstan.

** The simulation room of Mediation Center and Center of Excellence  is equipped with four video cameras, microphones and voice recorders. Used to resolve disputes and conflicts which may arise in the learning process, for example, between a student and a teacher (student and administration, employee and manager, etc.). Situations are played in the simulation room, audio and video are recorded, which makes it possible to analyze the process. The room is also used for conducting studies with focus groups, and conducting in-depth interviews with possibility to monitor the process from the adjacent sector: whether methodology is not violated, whether there is pressure on the respondents.