Digital transformation of East Kazakhstan Region: smart cities, innovations and creative economy

Digital transformation of East Kazakhstan Region: smart cities, innovations and creative economy

14.02.2025 23:53:15 473

East Kazakhstan region is rapidly developing in the direction of digitalization, introducing modern technologies into various industries. Large-scale projects are being implemented in the region to develop “smart” cities, automate public services, support IT startups, and expand access to the Internet.
Digitalization of cities is one of the main priorities of the region. Currently, 26 digital initiatives are being implemented, three of which use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Thus, an intelligent system called “PACS” has been introduced in the healthcare sector. It helps to detect oncological diseases at an early stage. Currently, this system is operating in 20 medical institutions and has processed more than 13 thousand medical images using artificial intelligence.
In addition, business processes in state bodies have been automated, digital registers of data have been created, reporting has been systematized, and important documents have been digitized. In 2025, similar work will also be carried out in the departments of education, culture, and energy.
- Another step towards the security of the region is the “O.P.E.R” intelligent surveillance system. More than 5,000 video cameras are operating in the region, 300 of which have video analytics capabilities. This technology helps law enforcement agencies respond quickly and improve public order. Thanks to these projects, the East Kazakhstan region has scored 77 points in the national rating of “smart” regions, entering the top three, - noted Arnur Turarov, head of the department for the development of digitalization and informatization.
Special attention is paid to the development of information technologies in the region. In 2024, 96 IT events were held in the region, including hackathons, master classes, business forums and trainings. 3,107 IT specialists participated in these events, and 95 of the best startups were provided with financial and administrative support.
At the Digital Almaty 2025 international forum, held in early 2025, the DOGS team won the “Best AI Startup Idea” nomination. Their LIFT project is an educational platform for learning blockchain and new technologies. This achievement proves that the youth of East Kazakhstan are competitive in the field of high technologies.
The “Bitrix24” system has been introduced to effectively manage digital initiatives in the region. This system allows for online monitoring of project implementation, automation of tasks, and coordination of work.
In the first stage, the Hematology Center in Ust-Kamenogorsk and a 600-seat school in the city of Ridder were introduced into the system. The construction of the Hematology Center has been underway since 2020, is currently 80% complete and will be completed by the end of 2025. The construction of the school in Ridder has begun and the necessary contracts have been signed.
The development of Internet infrastructure in the region is a priority. Currently, 219 settlements (96.7% of the population) are covered by the Internet. The remaining 138 settlements should be connected to the network by 2027, but local authorities plan to accelerate this work to 2026.
To improve the quality of the Internet:
•160 schools have been equipped with Starlink satellite Internet.
•25 antenna-mast structures are being built along the republican roads;
•Fiber-optic communication networks are being laid to eliminate "white spots" in the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk.
East Kazakhstan prioritizes modern technologies, digital security and the comfort of the population. The use of artificial intelligence, automation of public services, support for IT startups and the development of high-speed Internet are important steps that will turn the region into a technologically advanced region.
East Kazakhstan is confidently stepping into the digital future and striving to improve the quality of life of every citizen through digital technologies.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/akimvko/press/news/details/934223