INSPIRING GENERATIONS: ITECA CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF EDWARD STRACHAN BY CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH
IN HONOR OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF EDWARD STRACHAN, THE FOUNDER AND FIRST HEAD OF ITECA KAZAKHSTAN EXHIBITION COMPANY, ITECA HELD A NUMBER OF IMAGE ACTIVITIES DEDICATED TO THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE HEAD.
Iteca organized a student business project competition “I CHOOSE TOURISM!” and also opened a coworking space for students of KazUMR&WL named after Ablai Khan. The choice of the Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages named after Ablai Khan as a partner is symbolic. This university played an important role in the professional development of Edward Strachan – it was here, 30 years ago, that he began his career. For decades, the university has remained a leading multidisciplinary scientific and educational institution, providing professional training in 10 languages of the world.
On April 9, 2025, the grand opening of a new student coworking space took place within the walls of the Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages named after Ablai Khan. The new coworking space has become not only a comfortable place for studying and working together, but also a platform for the implementation of creative ideas, startups and professional growth of students.
Supporting the youth has always been an important area of social responsibility for Iteca. By investing in initiatives such as student coworking spaces, Iteca contributes to the sustainable development of society, opening up new opportunities for students to learn, share experiences and realize their potential. Inspired by the example of Edward Strachan, the company continues to support the aspirations of young professionals for knowledge, innovation and leadership, creating conditions for the formation of the future professional community of Kazakhstan.
On April 25, 2025, as part of the KITF 2025 Tourism and Travel exhibition, the final of the student business projects competition “I CHOOSE TOURISM!” was held, where 1st-4th year students presented their innovative projects for tourism development.
The purpose of the competition is to attract youth to the implementation of innovative tourism projects, to cultivate a sense of patriotism by raising awareness of youth about the tourism resources of Kazakhstan. The competition is aimed at identifying creative ideas in the field of tourism. At the first stage, the best works were selected and admitted to the final of the competition. And the competent jury, which included representatives of Kazakhtourism NC JSC, the Kazakhstan Tourism Association, teachers of Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages named after Ablai Khan and the management of Iteca, selected the best works. The winners received cash prizes. According to the results of the competition, the best were:
- Karina Zhumabay, Aiganym Akynkozhakyzy – the 3rd year students with the project “Tourism without borders: the first tourism route for inclusive tourism in Kazakhstan” - Certificate for 300,000 KZT;
- Madiyar Kadirov – the 2nd year student with the project “Opening of the Cityhub capsule hotel in Almaty” - Certificate for 200,000 KZT;
- Yenlik Kasebayeva, Musa Musabekov, Madiyar Atemov, Adilzhan Daryn – the 1st year students with the project “Secrets of antiquity and the power of the earth: a scientific and educational excursion for schoolchildren” - Certificate for 200,000 KZT;
- Akerke Zekenkyzy, Nuraiym Zhanibekova – the 3rd year students with the project “Cruise tourism on the Caspian Sea: opportunities and problems” - Certificate for 100,000 KZT;
- Akmaral Ualihanova – the 1st year student with the project “Development of agro- and ethnotourism in Urzhar village” - Certificate for 100,000 KZT;
- Zhanaiym Zakir, Aldana Kalabay – the 1st year students with the project “Innovative approach to tourism development in Almaty” - Certificate for 100,000 KZT.
The initiatives carried out have become a symbol of the succession of generations, respect for roots and the desire for development. Iteca is proud that in honor of the 60th anniversary of its founder, it was able to contribute to supporting talented youth and promoting ideas that will determine the face of the tourism industry in Kazakhstan in the future. 
Edward Strachan believes in the power of education, innovation and cooperation, and today’s success of students is the best proof that these values continue to inspire the next generation. Iteca will continue to support projects that help to reveal the potential of youth and strengthen the image of Kazakhstan as a dynamically developing country.
