Foreign Media Awardees for 2025 Announced by Kazakhstan, Spanning Over a Decade and Three Dozens of Countries
In a celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the winners of the "Kazakhstan Through the Eyes of Foreign Media" contest. The competition, which honours international journalists whose work brings Kazakhstan's culture, economy, and innovations to readers around the world, has grown in significance over the years, reinforcing Kazakhstan's role as an emerging destination for tourists, investors, and storytellers worldwide.
The contest attracted over 100 submissions from more than 30 countries, showcasing the global interest in Kazakhstan's cultural richness, modern development, and investment potential. The winners were selected across various categories, including Sports, Culture, History, and Traditions, Tourism, Digitalization, Economy, and International Relations.
In the Sports category, Matt Fitzgerald of the United States was recognised for his work on Kazakhstan's Journey into the World of Tennis: How a Nation Designed its Growth in a Global Game. Arukhan Akpanbetova of Uzbekistan won in the Culture, History, and Traditions category for her work on Abay's Legacy. Marina Mkrtchyan of Armenia triumphed in the Tourism category for her piece on Burabay National Park - Contemplating Beauty in Harmony with Oneself.
The Digitalization category was won by Mohammed Ali Pasha of Pakistan for his work on the Role of Astana Hub and Digital Transformation of Kazakhstan. Derya Soysal of Belgium was the winner in the Economy category for her work on Kazakhstan's rise as a Global Crypto Hub.
The winners will be invited to an immersive program in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and the Turkistan Region. The itinerary includes visits to key historical and cultural landmarks, meetings with government officials, local experts, journalists, and cultural figures. Participants will also experience elements of the steppe's nomadic heritage as part of the program.
The 2025 contest was supported by partners including Kazakh Tourism, Otandastar Foundation, Astana International Financial Centre, Astana Hub, and Verny Capital. These partnerships further highlight the growing significance of the event, positioning Kazakhstan as a hub for tourism, travel, and innovation.
The Kazakhstan Through the Eyes of Foreign Media contest continues to promote Kazakhstan's cultural richness, modern development, and investment potential, providing a platform for international journalists to share compelling stories about this dynamic nation.
