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Mr. Azis Abakirov is a leading figure in the Kyrgyz IT sector.
He founded the IT company “Unique Technologies “in 2003 and went on to establish the Kyrgyz Association of Software and Service Developers (KSSDA) in 2008.
He was instrumental in the creation of the High Technology Park (HTP), which was officially established under national legislation in 2011. He also founded the IT Academy, dedicated to nurturing talented young professionals. Since May 2023, he has served as the CEO of the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic.
In 2009, he participated in the JICA program “Strengthening Central Asian Economic Organizations” implemented by PREX, which had a lasting impact on his career and vision.

*Unique Technologies  https://utgr.com/

*The Kyrgyz Association of Software and Service Developers: https://kssda.kg/

*KOIDA Bishkek IT Academy: https://www.bit.koida.tech/

 

Reflections on the Program

It has been 15 years since I participated in the training program in Japan, but the experiences and lessons I gained remain vivid in my memory. After founding my IT company in 2003, I went on to establish an IT Association in Kyrgyz.

At the time, many experts voiced concerns about Kyrgyz’s future. A landlocked country with limited natural resources was, to them, at a disadvantage. But I believed otherwise. I was convinced that with talented individuals and a sharp vision, the IT and software development sectors could flourish—even in a country like Kyrgyz.

The internet has become our “ocean,” opening new possibilities and allowing us to reach clients abroad. Participating in the program in Japan shortly after founding the association was an invaluable opportunity. I learned not only about the role and operations of economic organizations but also gained insight into how Japanese chambers of commerce, small associations, and companies operate—particularly the concept of Kaizen (continuous improvement). I often revisit the materials I received during the program to this day.

The idea that society, the business sector, and government can work together as a triangle to support industry left an impression on me. Inspired by this model, we replicated it in Kyrgyz. In 2008, we founded the Association of Software and Service Developers—a modest but active organization. Many of our projects were made possible thanks to what I learned during the program.

We may not have mineral wealth or access to the sea, but we have capable people, internet connectivity, and knowledge—much of which came from Japan. Our guiding principle became: “Live in Kyrgyz, work with the world.”

Today, our development association has grown to include around sixty-member companies, while about five hundred firms belong to the High-Tech Park. Our association plays a mother-like role to the IT ecosystem in Kyrgyz, guiding policy proposals to the government and helping to launch key institutions such as the High-Tech Park and the IT Academy. We have built a vibrant community in the tech industry.

One of the most important things I learned from Japan is the value of relationships—“Don’t burn the bridge.” Building trust step by step and maintaining lasting connections has been crucial to our progress.

Current Work and Focus

After 12 years of leading the Development Association, I recently passed the baton. I also stepped down from the presidency of Unique Technologies, the company I founded in 2003.

Today, I focused on activities that contribute to society. Promoting Kyrgyz honey is both a personal passion and a business venture. As the CEO of the High-Tech Park, I have been involved in national projects, including preparations for Kyrgyz’s participation in the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo.

I learned in Japan that business associations and communities have the power to shape a nation from the ground up. This bottom-up approach guided our initiatives in Kyrgyz, and now I hope to see the High-Tech Park evolve even further.

Our motto remains: “Live in Kyrgyz, work with the world.” I want to inspire Kyrgyz people with the belief that they, too, can engage globally from right here at home.

Twenty years ago, I was the only software developer in Kyrgyz. Today, there are many companies and a new generation of young people who view IT and software as promising careers. The environment and technology are evolving rapidly. While we must continue to learn and adapt, I believe that with determination, anything is possible.

I am currently considering drafting a book about Kyrgyz’s journey—a story I hope can serve as a model for other countries.

Vision for the Future

Establishing the High-Tech Park and enabling outsourcing of software development to Kyrgyz was just the beginning. Moving forward, I want to see Kyrgyz talent contributing to the world—not just through outsourced services, but by creating original technologies, start-ups, creative projects, and innovative products.

To achieve this, we must inspire our youth to dream bigger and strive to contribute globally. I want to help kindle this ambition within them.

 

A Message to PREX

For 35 years, PREX has been a guiding light for many of us. I am profoundly grateful for our long-standing relationship and continued support.

Those who participated in PREX programs—whether through program or collaborative projects—each discovered something valuable. Even small realizations can lead to meaningful actions. I believe these actions, taken together, have made the world a better place.

 

A Message from PREX

From an early age, he admired Japan. This Kyrgyz entrepreneur did not just start a business—he dreamed of working with Japan and turned that dream into a reality. But he did not stop there. Believing in the potential of his country, he built institutions and associations to support others, especially the next generation.

After joining a PREX program on strengthening economic organizations in 2009, he brought back ideas that led to real change—founding the High-Tech Park, energizing the IT industry, and launching the IT Academy. His energy and leadership continue to inspire.

At the core of it all is a deep love for Kyrgyz and a desire to make it a better country. I was amazed to hear he is now thinking of publishing a book to share Kyrgyz’s story with the world.

When we spoke, he had just come from the CES tech expo in the U.S., was visiting Japan for the Expo planning meetings, and would next attend the World Economic Forum in Davos—not for personal gain, but for the future of Kyrgyz.

His dedication is deeply moving, and I always feel compelled to support his vision in any way I can. Please be sure to visit the Kyrgyz pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo—it is a country well worth discovering.

(As of January 2025)

 

Information on the Kyrgyz pavilion in EXPO 2025

The foundation of the art concept for the Kyrgyz pavilion is the idea of merging the worldviews of two great cultural figures—Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov and Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki.

What is most important in their works, and what unites these primaries? Their young protagonists always dream of a better world, fearlessly face challenges, live in complete harmony with the surrounding natural environment, and are ready to protect it to the very end.

Chingiz Aitmatov’s creative narratives represent our cultural code, the gene of our identity, the essence of our ideas and national character. At the same time, we are absolutely enchanted by the bright, sunlit, clear, and magical worlds of Hayao Miyazaki. The journey of his small yet courageous protagonists reflect our own path—the path of our people, who live surrounded by the majestic mountains of Central Asia, carrying a deep history yet exploring the world as if through the eyes of a child.

https://www.expovisitors.expo2025.or.jp/pavilions/d1344f8a-b379-49d4-8db1-11e500760dd8