The Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy (NU GSPP) is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of our NU GSPP students at the NASPAA Student Simulation Competition held at Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest!

Congratulations to Askar Tazhanov (MPA 1st year), Kamila Zhexekeyeva (MPP 1st year), and Lailo Ilkhamzhanova (MPP 2nd year) for their remarkable participation and success in this prestigious international event.

Askar’s team, representing the MPA program, secured 1st place among 8 teams, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. Meanwhile, Kamila’s team, including herself from the MPP program, achieved a remarkable feat by being shortlisted in the top 3 teams alongside Askar’s team.

This globally recognized competition, held in 13 universities worldwide, challenged participants in 5 rounds via a special NASPAA platform. The case focused on developing policies for hosting migrants, emphasizing human rights, national budget considerations, and relations with neighboring states.

The competition, featuring the Host Nations Simulation by DMS Academy, unfolded on February 24th, 2024. It proved to be a day filled with meaning, education, and excitement as students from around the world engaged in an immersive learning event, utilizing a computer simulation designed for public service education.

Sharing his experience, Askar Tazhanov expressed, “I really enjoyed working in one team with students from foreign universities and being on equal terms with them. Our high-quality education allows us to compete internationally. We were the only country from Central Asia, and I think it is good that we participate and let the world know that we are able to compete and win.”

Kamila Zhexekeyeva, despite being a 1st-year MPP student, secured a position in the top 3 teams, emphasizing, “NASPAA competition and its results proved to me the effectiveness of teaching methods in GSPP, as well as its applicability and international standard that made it possible to rank this high.”

This competition not only forged strong bonds between teammates but also provided opportunities to build networks, learn from judges’ experiences, explore Hungary, and broaden perspectives on public policy.

We are immensely proud of our students for exemplifying the spirit of good governance and making significant strides in the field of public policy. Your achievements inspire us all!