On November 7, 2025, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) team travelled to Almaty to take part in the LLM Workshop hosted at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU). The event gathered researchers, students, and AI enthusiasts to discuss the future of the Kazakh language in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
As a member of the consortium, ISSAI extends its sincere gratitude to Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the Institute of Information and Computational Technologies, the A. Baitursynov Institute of Linguistics, and the Sh. Shayakhmetov National Scientific and Practical Center “Til-Qazyna” for their cooperation and support in organizing this remarkable event. Within this collaborative framework, ISSAI introduced the first prototype of the Qolda Model, a compact language-vision model designed to make advanced language intelligence truly accessible.
Batyr Arystanbekov and Aspandiyar Nurimanov presented their work on developing a light-weight vision-language model for the Kazakh language. Akylbek Maxutov shared insights on evaluating large language and vision-language models through the case of the Qolda Model. Dr. Zhanat Makhataeva discussed innovative interface modalities for generative AI interaction, while Zhaxylyk Tursunbayev and Galammadin Askar explored practical methods for deploying small LLMs on laptops and smartphones. ISSAI Founding Director Dr. Huseyin Atakan Varol emphasized the importance of developing Kazakh-centric AI technologies and fostering collaboration between academia and research institutions. Throughout the day, ISSAI data scientists presented their latest projects in large language and vision models, showcasing the institute’s leading role in advancing Kazakh-language AI.
The workshop proved to be a productive and inspiring exchange of ideas, strengthening ties between members of the research community and advancing the development of Kazakh-language artificial intelligence. ISSAI expresses its sincere appreciation to Al-Farabi Kazakh National University for hosting the event, particularly to Vice-Provost for Science Dr. Margulan Ibraimov and Dr. Madina Mansurova, Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, for their warm welcome, insightful dialogue, and strong commitment to promoting AI research and education in Kazakhstan.
ISSAI remains dedicated to developing inclusive, language-aware AI technologies and building meaningful partnerships that support the advancement of AI for the Kazakh language and beyond.