What happens when the wisdom of the past meets the technologies of the future?
At Nazarbayev University’s Graduate School of Business (GSB), we believe that meaningful research emerges when we honor both—the cultural depth of our context and the disruptive challenges of our times.
It is in this spirit that we share with you the latest issue of Ulytau, our school’s research magazine. Named after one of Kazakhstan’s most symbolic mountains, Ulytau represents grounded strength and visionary ascent—just like the research and teaching we strive to cultivate at GSB.
This May 2025 issue brings together powerful stories on the role of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping the business landscape, while simultaneously exploring how Kazakh philosophical traditions—especially the timeless work of Abai Kunanbayev—can reimagine what ethical, holistic entrepreneurship could look like today.
You’ll find insights from our faculty on:
· AI and investor behavior
· Classroom innovation using simulations
· Student experiences with ChatGPT
· Consumer trust in AI-powered services
A landmark research project on Tolyq Business inspired by Abai’s concept of the holistic human being
Through Ulytau, we aim to make research more accessible, more relevant, and more connected to the needs of our communities—locally and globally. This magazine is not just about what we study; it’s about why we study it, and whom it serves.
We invite you to read, reflect, and share.
Warm thanks to our editor Prof. Shumaila Yousafzai and guest editor for this issue, Prof. Venkat Subramanian, and to all the contributors who bring this vision to life.
With best regards,
Prof. Joep Konings
Dean Graduate School of Business
At Nazarbayev University’s Graduate School of Business (GSB), we believe that meaningful research emerges when we honor both—the cultural depth of our context and the disruptive challenges of our times.
It is in this spirit that we share with you the latest issue of Ulytau, our school’s research magazine. Named after one of Kazakhstan’s most symbolic mountains, Ulytau represents grounded strength and visionary ascent—just like the research and teaching we strive to cultivate at GSB.
This May 2025 issue brings together powerful stories on the role of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping the business landscape, while simultaneously exploring how Kazakh philosophical traditions—especially the timeless work of Abai Kunanbayev—can reimagine what ethical, holistic entrepreneurship could look like today.
You’ll find insights from our faculty on:
· AI and investor behavior
· Classroom innovation using simulations
· Student experiences with ChatGPT
· Consumer trust in AI-powered services
A landmark research project on Tolyq Business inspired by Abai’s concept of the holistic human being
Through Ulytau, we aim to make research more accessible, more relevant, and more connected to the needs of our communities—locally and globally. This magazine is not just about what we study; it’s about why we study it, and whom it serves.
We invite you to read, reflect, and share.
Warm thanks to our editor Prof. Shumaila Yousafzai and guest editor for this issue, Prof. Venkat Subramanian, and to all the contributors who bring this vision to life.
With best regards,
Prof. Joep Konings
Dean Graduate School of Business