Serik Naryssov is a prominent Kazakh sinologist and diplomat whose career has combined academic distinction, high-level state service, and sustained intercultural engagement. A graduate of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), he was among the first students admitted to the newly established Department of Chinese Studies in 1989 – a pivotal moment in Ka­zakh­stan’s intellectual and geopolitical evolution. At a time when the newly independent republic was beginning to articulate its foreign policy priorities, the launch of the Chinese Studies program marked a strategic investment in long-term regional expertise. Mr. Naryssov seized this opportunity with foresight and dedication, laying the academic groundwork for a career that would significantly shape Kazakhstan’s diplomatic engagement with China. His training at KazNU combined intensive language study with deep immersion in Chinese history, philosophy, and political thought, equipping him to operate as both a scholar and a practitioner of cross-cultural diplomacy.
Driven by a strong early interest in history and the fate of the Kazakh diaspora in China, Mr. Naryssov chose to pursue Chinese over Persian or Arabic. He underwent rigorous language training and spent a formative period at Xinjiang University in Urumqi as an exchange student. He later completed postgraduate studies in International Relations at Peking University, deepening his understanding of Chinese politics and foreign policy.
Mr. Naryssov launched his diplomatic career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, initially serving as referent and attaché. From 1995 to 2001, he was posted to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in China, rising to the rank of second secretary. He later held positions as first secretary and counselor at the Ministry in Astana.
In 2004, he was appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), representing Kazakhstan at one of the most significant regional multilateral institutions. He also served as a personal interpreter for the President of Kazakhstan during high-level negotiations with Chinese leaders. His efforts contributed to key achievements in Kazakh-Chinese relations, including the establishment of consular services, progress in nuclear nonproliferation talks, and expanded economic cooperation.
In recognition of his academic and diplomatic contributions, Mr. Naryssov was awarded the Order of Parasat – one of Kazakhstan’s highest civilian distinctions. He also received a special medal from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University for outstanding service to education and international cooperation. As a committed alumnus of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Mr. Naryssov actively supports future scholars through financial assistance to students and regular guest lectures on Oriental Studies and diplomacy. His continued involvement with academic institutions reflects a strong belief in the transformative power of education to cultivate thoughtful, globally oriented professionals.