Who says research can't be exciting? In late October, Jiangsu University (JSU) in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, hosted the 2nd Jiangsu Province and 1st Yangtze River Delta Foreign Postgraduate Research Symposium. The event created a vibrant atmosphere for next-generation scholars from around the world to exchange ideas and collaborate across disciplines.

"The symposium was a gathering of global perspectives," said Tran Quang Vu, a 25-year-old Vietnamese student at Nanjing University (NJU) in Nanjing, Jiangsu. "What truly struck me was not just the academic rigor, but also the personal stories and national aspirations embedded in each scholar's work."

For Tran, who had been studying Dream of the Red Chamber, the classic Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) novel, Nanjing felt like the living embodiment of the Grand View Garden from the book.

"The city taught me that China engages with the world not as a newcomer, but as an ancient civilization confidently reasserting itself," he said.

Bridging global knowledge

This literary connection soon evolved into a scholarly one. Tran became fascinated by China's growing influence on global politics and economics, and by how traditional Chinese philosophies "offer a humanistic framework that resonates with the challenges of our time". This interest led him to study international relations at NJU.

Speaking at the symposium, Tran shared his research and insights into studying and living in China with fellow young scholars.

"This experience deepened my connection to China," he said. "It showed me the country not in isolation, but as a pivotal hub within the dynamic Global South — where diverse international narratives converge and engage in meaningful dialogue."

Munazza Ijaz, a 30-year-old Pakistani PhD candidate in molecular plant pathology at Zhejiang University (ZJU) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has followed a unique academic path. When she first arrived in China at the end of 2022, she experienced culture shock, struggling with unfamiliar food, customs, and lifestyle. "But what once felt strange has now become a part of my daily life," she said.

With an agricultural background, Ijaz saw China's embrace of nano-enabled agriculture as a transformative opportunity, particularly for enhancing crop yields, plant protection, and resource efficiency — areas closely aligned with her own research interests.

Her time at ZJU has been marked by impressive achievements, including 45 publications, and has reshaped her academic perspective. "The university's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research has broadened my understanding of how different fields can intersect to address complex challenges in agriculture."

Eddah Sure, a 30-year-old Kenyan student at Shanghai University (SHU), has also experienced a similarly transformative journey in China.

Arriving in 2018, she was amazed by the country's technological advancements. "Technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and smart manufacturing are not just theoretical concepts taught in classrooms — they are actively applied in sectors such as energy, healthcare, transportation, and education," she said.

This exposure inspired Sure to pursue a computer science degree at SHU, specializing in AI, driven by a desire to bring China's innovations back to Kenya.

During her research, Sure faced the challenge of integrating complex crystal structure data into her AI models. With guidance from her professors and support from her lab mates, she eventually overcame the obstacle.

"The collaboration and encouragement I received from my professors, industry experts, and Chinese teammates taught me that real progress in AI isn't just about solving technical problems — it's about ensuring that such technologies empower everyone equally," she said. "It's crucial that technological advancements are accessible and beneficial to all societies, not just a select few."

Sure's focus on technological equality was further highlighted in her speech at the symposium, where she discussed the future of countries in the Global South, particularly in Africa, amid the rise of AI.

"Kenya, like many African countries, has a strong and growing partnership with China," she said. "I hope to be part of the next generation of professionals who strengthen this bridge — not just through trade and infrastructure but also through science, technology, and innovation."

mengwenjie@i21st.cn