About Us

History and Background
connect:ashgabat was founded by Faiz Hakim as part of a school project, driven by his aspiration to bridge gaps in expatriate resources and experiences in Turkmenistan. The idea emerged from a discussion with his teacher, Mr. Batyr, who highlighted the lack of comprehensive resources, such as interactive maps, for expatriates. Inspired by this need, Faiz envisioned connect:ashgabat as a platform to support expatriates through personalized guidance and digital tools. His involvement in youth-focused programs, such as Dewan Muda Malaysia’s mock and youth parliament programs, has provided him with a deep understanding of Malaysia’s political landscape, strengthening his resolve to foster diplomatic and cultural exchange initiatives.

The challenges connect:ashgabat aims to address include a scarcity of essential resources for expatriates, limited collaborative partnerships, and a general lack of knowledge among expatriates about Turkmen culture and language. The project was designed to fill these gaps and ensure a smoother transition and cultural immersion experience for expatriates.

Key Objectives and Focus Areas

connect:ashgabat’s primary objectives include serving as an expatriate companion, offering curated exploration guides, and fostering cultural exchange through various initiatives. Its key focus areas encompass providing comprehensive information on local attractions and organizing online activities and classes. Programs such as Turkmentor and Expakit aim to enhance cultural exposure, while conNEXT seeks to bolster local entrepreneurship, particularly for artisans. The platform’s connect:ED initiative promotes Malaysian education, creating pathways for Turkmen students to engage with Malaysian institutions.

The initiative targets expatriates, Turkmen students, and local businesses. Although its initial focus was solely on expatriates, the project has since expanded to cater to a broader audience, reflecting its commitment to inclusive community support and growth.

Amenities and Activities  

connect:ashgabat offers a variety of amenities and programs tailored to its audience’s diverse needs. The attractions guide includes information on cultural and historical sites, eateries, shopping venues, parks, landmarks, and entertainment facilities. Turkmentor provides language education, allowing users to learn Turkmen through guided lessons and exercises led by experienced mentors. Expakit offers expatriates insights into Turkmen customs and culture, along with practical resources for daily life, including housing agent connections. conNEXT supports local arts and crafts entrepreneurs, while connect:ED focuses on promoting Malaysian tertiary education and providing capacity-building opportunities through online resources.

All amenities are delivered online, ensuring accessibility and a seamless user experience for the global community.

Partnerships and Support  

connect:ashgabat is proud to collaborate with notable partners, including the Malaysian Embassy in Turkmenistan, the Turkmenistan Embassy in Malaysia, and several private Malaysian universities. These partnerships play a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic relations, fostering people-to-people connections, and creating cross-cultural bridges through the platform’s digital resources and initiatives.

Team and Leadership  

The core team of connect:ashgabat is led by founder Faiz Hakim and co-founder Kerven Batyrov, who are dedicated to connecting expatriates with Turkmenistan’s vibrant culture and local communities. Contributors and volunteers benefit from hands-on experience, networking opportunities with key stakeholders, and recognition for their work, enhancing their professional portfolios and credentials.

Impact and Achievements

Although connect:ashgabat is a newly established initiative, it is building a strong foundation for future impact. Recent collaborations with embassies highlight the platform’s potential to contribute meaningfully to both Turkmen and Malaysian communities, fostering greater understanding and cooperation.

Future Plans  

The project plans to expand by organizing online events and activities to further engage and connect communities, promoting cultural exchange and learning opportunities.

Contact and Engagement  

For formal inquiries, contact Faiz Hakim at faiz-hakim@connectashgabat.com (in English or Malay) or Kerven Batyrov at kerven-batyrov@connectashgabat.com (in Turkmen and Russian). Individuals interested in volunteering can reach out to volunteer@connectashgabat.com, while those seeking partnerships or collaborations can contact collaboration@connectashgabat.com.