Shukhrat Kayumov, Uzbekistan

Deputy-Minister
Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education
Young Leaders Program (’08)

From an early age, Shukhrat was interested in math and science and his enrollment into a lyceum specialized in math and physics paved the way for his career in science and higher education. In 1992, Shukhrat got accepted into the Tashkent Technical University where he specialized in Computer Science. He was among the best students and got awarded a Medal by the Uzbek Government. Eager to broaden his knowledge, from 1994 he also enrolled in the Tashkent State Economical University.

A fieldtrip to the National Diet Library

In1997, Shukhrat was appointed as Assistant to the Chief Consultant in the Presidential Office. Simultaneously, he enrolled in a Ph.D. program in the Tashkent State Technical University, where his research focused on mathematical modelling of river water lifting with pump stations.

After receiving his diploma in Software for Computers and Automatic Systems, Shukhrat went on doing research in Germany, at the Technical University Hamburg-Harburg for about one year. Upon returning to Uzbekistan he finished his Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a specialization in Accounting and Audit practices in industry at Tashkent State Economical University. And two years later, in December 2002, he received his Ph.D. degree for his research on “modeling and optimisation of operation modes of pumping stations”.

In the meantime, he had started working as program-manager of the Tempus-TACIS program at the Tashkent State Technical University and once he received his Ph.D. he became a lecturer at the same university.

Shukhrat has always been keen to take on new challenges. In 2001 he participated in a “Long Distance Teaching in Uzbekistan” project and he was selected as a guest lecturer for two months at Twente University in the Netherlands.

From 2003 till 2005, Shukhrat held the position of Vice Dean of the Faculty of Computer Technologies at Tashkent State University of Technology. In April 2005, Shukhrat moved to the Cabinet of Ministers where he worked as Specialist, and later Leading Specialist, in the ICT Department until his enrollment in the Young Leaders Program at GRIPS in October 2007.

After his graduation from GRIPS he returned to Uzbekistan and worked for a while as Vice-Director at the State Unitary Enterprise Unicon.uz, a center for scientific research until being appointed Pro-Rector of the Tashkent University of Information Technologies, the largest university in Uzbekistan.

Deputy-Minister

In the beginning of May 2012, Shukhrat was appointed Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education. His current duties include organizing and managing research activities in higher educational institutions; organizing competitions for scientific grants; monitoring and quality assurance of scientific research; supervising the implementation of modern information-communication technologies into the educational process of the higher educational institutions; and more.

Shukhrat with his classmates and Prof. Petchko

Shukhrat strongly believes that education is one of main the pillars of the future development of the nation. “Without experienced specialists, there will be no development”, he says. In his current role as Vice-Minister, Shukhrat therefore aims to implement the necessary reforms in education to enable future leaders and specialists to flourish.

Asked about his experience at GRIPS, Shukhrat says: “I learned about GRIPS through a friend who recommended me to go and study there. I am very thankful to my friend. While at GRIPS, I learned about international tolerance, and respect for other nations, cultures and customs. I also became a real fan of the magical country, Japan.”

“Certainly, my experiences at GRIPS have prepared me for my future endeavors. At first, I learned to look at work more attentionally, and with a clearer focus. Also, when I am now dealing with foreign organizations, thanks to my experience of studying with people from so many different countries and backgrounds in GRIPS, I find it much easier to understand other people’s mentalities and their way of thinking.”

Asked about what he finds most interesting or rewarding in his work, Shukhrat says “One of the most interesting aspects of my career is working with youngsters. It is fascinating to see how easily they solve difficult problems and tasks that looked impossible to us when we were their age. I am sure that Uzbek youngsters have very many prospects and opportunities for deepening their knowledge and enhancing their experience to become skilled, productive and educated members of the workforce.”

In his current position, Shukhrat is having a hard time finding the balance between work and the rest of his life but he loves spending time with his family. “Work is keeping me very busy but playing with my children and walking with my family helps me to rest and relax and gives me new energy. I also love to gather with my friends, especially with other GRIPS alumni and recall our beautiful memories of the time we spent in Japan.”