We met with Nikolai Sin, Head of Kazakhstan-based IT company ITG Solutions, to talk about the philosophical and existential questions that, sooner or later, confront us all. Yes, these are questions one could ask artificial intelligence. But the answers it generates will never reflect lived experience.
Our conversation began with cultural and ethnic identity, and with the family stories that shape the broader portrait of the Koryo Saram community.
What Korean Culture Means to Nikolai
“For me, Korean culture is the Korean phrases my grandparents spoke to me in childhood, often mixed with Russian. It’s my grandmother’s home cooking—dishes my mother and aunts still prepare today, slightly transformed but rooted in tradition. It’s the unquestioned authority of elders. It’s strict upbringing that evolves into high expectations. It’s family gatherings and commemorative dates.”
On Traits Often Associated with Koreans
“In my view, Koreans possess a kind of intensity—almost fanaticism—as an innate quality. They can immerse themselves completely in a process, dissolving into it without expecting a guaranteed result, yet still achieving remarkable efficiency.
When this intensity is directed toward work and discipline, it’s precisely why Koreans are respected in Kazakhstan. But there’s another side to it. The same trait can manifest in gambling or other addictions, turning a person’s potential against them”.
“I have this quality too. I’m fanatical about curiosity in my projects. Whenever I face a challenge at work, I need to get to the very core of it”.
Family, Childhood
“My maternal grandfather, Vasily Alexandrovich Kim, was deported in 1937 at the age of thirteen along with his siblings. Out of nine children, only he and his younger brother survived.
When raising us, he would always say: ‘The fact that I survived—and that you were born—is thanks to the hospitality of the Kazakh people. Never forget that.’ That message shaped our patriotism. I never wanted to live outside Kazakhstan. I have never found a place more comfortable than Almaty.”
The Story of Sin Yeon Bok
“My father’s father, Sin Yeon Bok, was drafted into the Japanese army at seventeen, toward the end of Japan’s involvement in World War II. He later escaped and returned to his native village, where he found only his younger sister and a single goat still alive.
When Soviet troops entered Korea, a conflict broke out between him and soldiers who tried to take the goat. He was arrested, placed in a train car with other prisoners, and transported to Kazakhstan in 1945. Upon arrival, however, there was no criminal case registered against him—whether it was never opened or simply lost.
He was released. Somehow, he learned of a settlement where ethnic Koreans lived—Ush-Tobe—and through tremendous effort made his way there. That’s where he met my grandmother and started a family.
There are two versions of his story. One suggests he was released immediately upon arrival. Another says he was held in Ridder until 1948 and chose to remain in Kazakhstan when others were repatriated. What I know for certain is that he kept his Korean name his entire life, spoke no language other than Korean, and feared men in uniform until his last days.
Ironically, his son—my father, named Ocean—became a military officer. My brothers followed the same path.”
Crisis and the Search for Meaning
“After moving to Almaty, my career accelerated. I achieved the goals I had set in childhood and university—but felt no fulfillment. Material success left a void. I experienced what people now call a midlife crisis.
I left everything and traveled in search of answers—to India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam. I met gurus and thinkers across different disciplines. Eventually, I realized that trying to understand everything is both impossible and pointless. I returned to the beginning—but with a deeper understanding of myself.
My crisis ended on the Andaman Islands. I was sitting in a café with no money, no return ticket, and no idea what I would do the next day. I worked there tending the fireplace in exchange for food. One day a man with a laptop sat across from me. He was an auditor from India inspecting a local bank. I told him I had a background in finance. By coincidence, my expertise interested him.
I worked with him for a month, helping prepare reports. When the project ended, he gave me exactly enough money for a ticket home.
There is always a way out—and in my life, it has always come through people. We live in a society.
When I returned, I understood something simple: find what you do well and practice it creatively, virtuously. Satisfaction lies in the process. If that work also sustains you financially, then you’ve found something unique—commit yourself fully.”
Finding His Strengths
“It took several years. I had always been a financier, but eventually realized it wasn’t my strongest side.
I discovered that my real strength lies in building connections and assembling teams to solve complex tasks creatively. And that desire to reach the essence of things—that’s also part of who I am.
Today, I’m deeply interested in IT and artificial intelligence—particularly in practical applications.”
On ITG Solutions and Artificial Intelligence
“ITG Solutions is primarily known as a strong infrastructure integrator. For us, artificial intelligence is not a trendy buzzword—it’s a tool for solving concrete, measurable business challenges.
Our strategic plan through 2030 is to transform from a traditional integrator into a hybrid company that combines systems integration, a Managed Services Provider (MSP) model, and the development of proprietary products.
We implement AI projects that help clients extract value from vast volumes of data generated by their businesses. Our customers include FinTech, Oil & Gas, Telecom, government institutions, and more.
Within our MSP model, we actively deploy AIOps—AI for IT operations. We create systems that not only respond to failures but predict them before they occur. This introduces a new level of operational predictability and cybersecurity.
Our strategy also includes building and scaling our own AI products.”
A Formula for the Human Being
At the end of our conversation, we returned to the idea of self-discovery.
“Can you define a kind of formula for a person?” we asked.
“A person,” Nikolai said, “is an instrument—one that must be prepared for inspiration to flow through it.
Three things are essential: a healthy body, a free and open mind that is not overloaded, and alertness—the readiness to sense inspiration when it appears.
But this works in both directions. The question is whether you will become an instrument for good—or for something else.”
Alina GATINA
- Комментарии
Загрузка комментариев...