Kyrgyzstan Leaders Visit Westcliff to Learn from a Global Model of Innovation

Westcliff University recently welcomed a distinguished delegation of university leaders and government officials from Kyrgyzstan, as part of a global exchange of ideas centered on higher education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The visit reflected Westcliff’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and building meaningful academic partnerships across borders.

The delegation included deans, professors, and representatives from Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and  Kyrgyzstan State Technical University. Their goal: to better understand how Westcliff has become a globally recognized institution with students from more than 120 countries and how its approach to career-first education and real-world learning can inform Kyrgyzstan’s own academic landscape and economic goals.

Learning from Experience: Globalization, Innovation, and Real-World Impact

Leading discussions were two of Westcliff’s most seasoned leaders:

• Dr. Barry Sandrew, Director of Entrepreneurship at Westcliff. A neuroscientist and internationally recognized serial entrepreneur. His workshop was titled: Universities as Startup Incubators: Fundraising, Management & Sustainability
• Dr. George J. Sayegh, Dean Emeritus and Professor at the College of Technology & Engineering, who brings decades of experience in global higher education. His workshop was all titled:  Launching Lean: Bootstrapping University Startups with Minimal Resources.

Throughout the day, the delegation explored a variety of subjects including Westcliff’s organizational structure, global reach, and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Conversations ranged from student-centered learning models and faculty collaboration to innovative programming such as the SMART MBA Capstone Program—a unique initiative that connects students directly with business and executives for hands-on consultancy experience solving real world business issues. 

One of the key case studies discussed was PurposefulBuying.org, a student-created e-commerce platform born from the SMART MBA Capstone that is a cross-roads of education and social responsibility. The platform supports Pahar Trust, a nonprofit that provides education and improved living standards to communities in Nepal. Delegates were particularly inspired by how students developed and managed the platform from concept to launch, combining classroom knowledge with social impact.

Almaz Kadyraliev, a visiting representative from Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy was particularly intrigued by this project and reflected saying, “We are trying to learn how to integrate education with social projects, for a mutually beneficial experience much like how Westcliff has done with Purposeful Buying.” Almaz, coming from an economic perspective also talked about Westcliff’s global reach saying, “We are a small country but we also border China, a region Westcliff is familiar with and draws many students from, so that global perspective is invaluable to us.”

The Future of Education: AI, Startups, and Global Collaboration

A major focus of discussion was the role of AI in education and business. Westcliff has emerged as a leader in this space, with President and CEO Dr. Anthony Lee advocating for the thoughtful integration of generative AI across academic operations.

Dr. Sandrew cited his recent appearance on the Westcliff Podcast with AI expert Kirby Ferguson, where they discussed the concept of innovation as a remix of existing ideas—a bold challenge to the myth of originality.

Ainura Ryspaeva, from Kyrgyzstan State Technical University, was particularly engaged by this conversation: “Many of our students dream of starting their own businesses. Hearing how Westcliff supports these ambitions through student-led projects and advanced technology like AI is inspiring. I’m excited to bring these insights back to share with my colleagues and students. I praise Westcliff for being ahead of the curve on this”

Dr. Sandrew, having an incredible wealth of knowledge when it comes to starting and running a business with 34 patents to his name and decades of feature film & TV accomplishments including productions for all the major Hollywood studios. He spoke in depth about what it takes for an idea to become a business, saying, “In today’s competitive market, an idea alone isn’t enough. Execution is everything. You must prove there’s a viable market for your idea and that it can deliver real impact.”

Westcliff’s Global Impact: Alumni, Mentorship, and Career Advancement

The visit also highlighted the personal and professional stories of Westcliff’s global community.
Shima Safi, a Westcliff MBA alumni from Afghanistan, now works with Westcliff’s Department of Global Engagement, supporting campuses in Nepal and global partnerships. She shared her journey from student to full-time staff and explained how these global relationships are built and sustained.

Shambhu Siwakoti, a peer mentor and current DBA student from Nepal, spoke about Westcliff’s flexibility for working professionals and its focus on practical learning:  “What set Westcliff apart for me was the emphasis on practical knowledge. It isn’t education that is just about passing an exam or checking a box, it is about real world application. It is also flexible, it is tailored for working professionals, people like me who are also working on a startup business which is a huge undertaking. Westcliff makes it possible to do that and not only that but is incredibly helpful in that pursuit.” On the networking opportunities that Westcliff provides Shamhu said, “I love working cross-culture. So opportunities like this to network globally is always amazing.” 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

The week also included opportunities for informal networking. Noaman Patne, a student club leader and E-Biz Challenge participant, shared insights from his global education journey spanning Dubai to Irvine. Currently developing a 3D printing business, he discussed the unique blend of opportunity, affordability, and community that Westcliff provides saying, “Southern California, the weather is amazing, the career opportunities are incredible especially if you are looking to start a business.”

Ruslan Askarbekov, a visiting professor of computer science from the International University of Kyrgyzstan College of Technology, who after speaking with Patne even expressed interest in Westcliff’s MBA program after learning more about their structure, focus, and flexibility for international and online students. 

Looking Ahead

With Westcliff’s 30+ years of experience and a proven record of innovation, the visit offered a meaningful exchange of ideas. Topics like faculty collaboration, program design, and long-term sustainability were explored in depth.  The delegation left with actionable insights and new ideas to bring home—ranging from AI integration to nonprofit student projects, startup incubation, and educational best practices. Westcliff is deeply honored to host global partners who share our vision for a more connected, empowered, and innovative future in education. This exchange isn’t just about what we’ve built, it’s about what we can build together.