Founder & CEO, Xander Group

Iskander Akylbayev is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xander Group, a strategic advisory firm serves as a Q2Q (quality-to-quality) platform—facilitating high-impact partnerships between emerging markets and established global hubs. With over 15 years of experience in diplomacy, strategic policy, and international cooperation, Iskander has played a key role in shaping foreign policy dialogue and driving regional initiatives across Central Asia. He has held influential positions such as Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Council on International Relations, Senior Fellow at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan, and Senior Advisor to the National “Qazaqstan” Television and Radio Corporation. His portfolio of work spans Track II diplomacy, think tank development, and strategic communications on behalf of public institutions and private enterprises. Recognized as a leading voice on Central Asian affairs and global strategy, Iskander is a recipient of several prestigious international fellowships. These include programs at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, Harvard University’s Arms Control Negotiation Academy (ACONA), the Asia Society’s Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, the Atlantic Council’s Millennium Fellowship, European Union’s Visitors Program (EUVP) and the Pacific Forum’s Young Leaders Program. These fellowships underscore his commitment to fostering global dialogue and advancing leadership in diplomacy and innovation. As a thought leader, Iskander regularly contributes to major international media platforms such as The Diplomat, Foreign Policy, Al Jazeera, BBC, and TRT World, offering insights on regional dynamics, security, and international cooperation. He is frequently invited to speak at global forums, advise institutions, and participate in high-level exchanges across Asia, Europe, Eurasia, and North America. Iskander holds a Master in Public Administration (MPA) from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Tsukuba (Japan). He is a recipient of the Li Ka-shing Foundation Scholarship and the Japanese Government’s MEXT Scholarship. His international academic journey includes internships and research experiences at The Japan News by Yomiuri Shimbun and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Overall, Iskander’s mission is to create meaningful bridges between regions, institutions, and innovators—leveraging his experience to foster inclusive growth and forward-looking partnerships in a rapidly changing world.