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Profile
Saule Zholdayakova is a Doctor of Engineering and an internationally recognized expert in hydrogen energy, specializing in hydrogen production, storage, and transportation technologies. She currently serves as Acting Head of the Department of Alternative Energy and Head of the Hydrogen Technology Research Laboratory at KMG Engineering LLP (subsidiary of National Oil and Gas company KazMunayGas ) in Kazakhstan, where she leads strategic initiatives on low-carbon development and hydrogen implementation.
Saule completed her full academic path in Japan at Tokai University, earning her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in engineering with a focus on hydrogen energy systems and advanced materials. During her studies, she conducted research in hydrogen technologies and gained international experience through collaborations and internships with leading companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Panasonic. She is a recipient of prestigious international scholarships, including the Bolashak Kazakhstani governmental scholarship program and the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation, the College Women’s Association of Japan and Kokudoikueikai scholarship program.
Her professional work focuses on advancing hydrogen technologies in Kazakhstan, including the development of metal hydride materials for safe hydrogen storage, implementation of the first pilot green hydrogen system projects, and contribution to national strategies for decarbonization. Under her leadership, one of the first hydrogen competence centers in Central Asia was established, supporting research, industry collaboration, and capacity building.
Saule is actively involved in international cooperation and has contributed to projects and discussions with organizations such as UNIDO, GIZ, OSCE and other global partners. She is also passionate about education, mentoring young professionals, and promoting the role of women in STEM and clean energy sectors.
Currently, Saule balances her professional work with motherhood and is raising her young child, which has further strengthened her commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future through clean energy solutions.
*Dr. Zholdayakova will be joining from Kazakhstan via Zoom
Hybrid Meeting Details
The meeting will be both in person and online.
ONLINE (Zoom) from 11:30 to 12:40 JST
IN PERSON at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan from 11:30 to 14:00. Doors will open at 11:00.
Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan
Marunouchi 3-2-3 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
(Fifth floor of Marunouchi Nijubashi Building)
Accessible by Hibiya Station (Mita Line), Nijubashimae Station (Chiyoda Line), or Yurakucho Station (Yurakucho Line)
COST:
|
In Person Tickets for Members
|
7000 yen |
|
In Person Tickets for Non-members and Guests
|
8000 yen |
|
Online Tickets for Members, Non-members,
and Guests residing in Japan
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1000 yen |
Online Tickets for Members, Non-member, and Guests residing overseas
|
Free |
* In person tickets are limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Members may invite one guest.
* In person ticket fees are not refundable after May 6, 2026
* Online ticket fees are not refundable
Lunch and drinks will be served following the meeting, so we ask that you select your preferred meal option (meat, fish, or vegetarian) during registration. The menu options are listed below for your reference:
LUNCHEON MENU
Meat Menu
Appetizer: Mashed Potato with Tarako and Butter
Main: Chicken Breast Cutlet with Creamy Curry Sauce
Bread
Dessert: Milk Pudding
Beverages: Coffee or Tea
Fish Menu
Appetizer: Mashed Potato with Tarako and Butter
Main: Sautéed Red Snapper and Shrimp with Sauce Américaine
Bread
Dessert: Milk Pudding
Beverages: Coffee or Tea
Vegetarian Menu
Appetizer: Green Salad
Main: Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato, Eggplant and Zucchini Gratin
Multi-grain Bread
Dessert: Assorted Fruits
Beverages: Coffee or Tea
*If you have any food allergies, please notify us by contacting generalmeetingmanagers@cwaj.org before May 8, 2026
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HOW TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT
Complete registration and payment on the Wild Apricot system. For in-person participants, your registration is not confirmed until you complete payment.
*If you encounter any difficulties with the online payment process, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance at cwaj_dba@cwaj.org.
IN PERSON Attendance (RSVP by May 6, 2026)
ONLINE Attendance (RSVP by May 11, 2026)
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General Meeting Team
Director: Shigeko Nagaoka
General Meeting Managers: Joan Rodgers Doi and Rina Jiang
General Meeting Program Coordinator: Monami Mogi and Ruth McCreery
Contact: generalmeetingmanagers@cwaj.org
