51����

On March 28, the traditional L “Young Journalists” Forum was held, jointly organized by the Faculty of Journalism at 51���� Kazakh National University (KazNU) and the national newspaper Ulan.

The purpose of the contest was to encourage young journalists to develop their creative potential and implement fresh ideas. Over the forum’s nearly 50-year history, many of its winners have gone on to become leading professionals in the field. That’s why the forum’s main goal is to promote the creativity of young talents to a broader audience.
At the opening ceremony, speeches were given by Kanat Auesbai, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism at KazNU, and Kaken Kamzin, Doctor of Philology, professor, and lecturer.

In addition, the participants attended special lectures: media expert and journalist Amire Zhanibek spoke on “Modern Media Ethics: What to Keep in Mind?” and Ayazhan Bauyrzhankyzy gave a talk titled “New Trends in Journalism.”
Faculty members, students of the Journalism Department, and young correspondents from the Ulan newspaper for children and teenagers actively participated in the event.

Students Moldir Tuktibai (Journalism), Aruzhan Kadyrzhuma (Cinema and Media), and Ayaulym Yernatkyzy (Media Communications) gave presentations highlighting the unique features of their majors, the admissions process, and the creative entrance exams. One of the active students, Damir Yerbolat, performed his original song “Shynymen Unaidy” (“I Truly Like It”), and Sayat Tlemis presented his book titled “Advice from a Mediocre Journalist.”

Participants of the contest were awarded in the following categories:
“Best Article,” “Best Video Interview,” and “Best Audio Podcast.”

Winners of the “Best Article” category (1st place): Balmeken Kapalbay, Gulshat Koptleuova, Uldanay Maksut, Gauhar Abdulla.
Winners of the “Best Video Interview” category (1st place): Nurai Marat, Amina Turdakin.
Winners of the “Best Audio Podcast” category (1st place): Talshyn Duissenkhan, Amina Talgat.

The Grand Prize – “Best Young Journalist of 2025” – was awarded to Dilnaz Erdembekova.
In keeping with tradition, the title is passed on from one generation to the next. As the 2024 winner, Diana Agzamova, a first-year Journalism student, could not attend, the honor was handed over by Nurbibi Aitbaikyzy Alchinova, a second-year student and winner of the 2023 title.

The winners received KazNU badges, statuettes, commemorative water bottles, and books.
Writers Yrysbek Dabey and Kanat Abilkaiyr also supported the event by gifting their books to the young journalists and acting as sponsors.

Other sponsors included Nazym Tenelbaeva (Faculty of Journalism lecturer), Aibek Shegebai (director of Spacenglish Center), and Yerbol Medetbekuly (founder of the BAQ Media Creative Center and journalist).
Top participants were awarded free certificates for English language courses and creative exam preparation classes.

At the closing of the event, a panel of judges from the KazNU teaching staff — Berikbol Tolegen, Kuralai Bashanova, and Dastan Kastai — shared their concluding remarks.
Kuralai Bashanova also presented the book “Kargyn” by writer and playwright Dulat Isabekov to Gulshat Koptleuova, the 1st place winner in the “Best Article” category.

Looking into the bright eyes of the school students and applicants who stepped into the university for the first time, it was easy to see just how much it meant to them to be part of this forum and become winners.