November 30, 1999
American University of Central Asia – is a mine of best specialists American University of Central Asia has a definite niche in educational system of Kyrgyz Republic. AUCA Alumni are employed in best honorable positions of private and public sectors, some of them continue their education in the prestigious international universities around the world. It is very difficult to achieve such results without strong faculty, which is rightly a honor of AUCA. Zarylbek Isalyyevich Kudabaev is a striking confirmation of strong faculty and one of the most valuable faculty members of the university. Dr. of Economics, Cand. Sc. (Physics and Mathematics), honored economist of the Kyrgyz Republic. The list of Mr. Kudabaev is not limited with it. His experience is 40 years, during his service Mr. Kudabaev was awarded with honorary state medal “Dank” for preparations and successful implementation of first in Kyrgyz Republic population census. With such colossal experience Mr. Kudabaev was invited to work in position of Dean of Economics Department of AUCA. Since 2006 up to now Dr. of Economics Kudabaev keeps his professorship in AUCA. Mr. Kudabaev, tell us, how did you decide to teach in AUCA after civil service? I can say American University of Central Asia is the best in the region. It has very specific atmosphere. Since 2005, as I left civil service I had no doubt considering where I will go to teach. I was already familiar with American educational system; in 1994 I was visiting professor in University of Kansas, USA. I received and am receiving a lot of offers from other universities and organizations. Before I accepted an offer from AUCA, I was doing my own research. This is my main position in principle – to work full-time as faculty and to not combine with other activity. What is the uniqueness of the Department of Economics in AUCA? The Department of Economics is a “blacksmith’s shop” of high quality specialists. Formerly, I was just a simple teacher in Technical University and made my career till the vice-rector’s position. We prepared and are preparing good specialists in the Department of Economics of AUCA. I’m proud of that I personally invited faculty, which are on the highest political positions in the country and combining their major job with teaching, for instance, our faculty member Abdygulov Tolkunbek Sagynbekovich is acting chairman of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic. What do you think of system and policy of the American University of Central Asia, which differs from state universities? At large, I agree with pursued policy in the university. For example, with skills of successful management and leadership abilities, I left the position of Head of Department of Economics, because I clearly understand and heartily support the policy of AUCA – we have to give an opportunity to young specialists to gain required experience on executive positions, to open their potential. But I always speak out my opinion and give recommendations when they are necessary. How do you evaluate the potential of modern students? Prior to I was appointed as Dean, I was invited to the examination board, at defense of diploma theses by students of economics. I had already been amazed of seniors’ being well grounded. At the moment, general level of education and requirements has a tendency to reduce each year. There are different impacting factors, including school education. Nevertheless, American University of Central Asia endures the competition; its alumni successfully continue their career. We skim the creams. It is pleasant to work with our students, you can be sure that you will find gifted young peoples, but of course there are also slow ones. Each student demands personal approach, because we know, they are individuals. I always adhere closely to the principle of teacher doesn’t just teach, he/she also learns. I never enter into a classroom with a knowledgeable air, like I’m all-knowing expert. Only keeping confidential relations, it is possible to reveal strong and weak sides of each student. Every year the largest number of university entrants is applying to economics departments, what is awaiting them? This profession is quite promising, despite that it has some kind of “vogue”, remained from soviet era. Our country can provide with job placement, university is competitive. Alumni, like faculty, fill high rank positions, we are proud of them. The Department of Economics is distinctive springboard to successful future. We are able to have every chance to make prospering economy. At large, our population has high level of literacy; country is compact by territory and population. And most important thing is, we have to teach our students to find a problem and its required solution. I think, we are managing to shaping this skills in our students.