Foreign Innovators Pursue Chinese Dreams

"What does the future look like?" For an increasing number of young international students and entrepreneurs, the answer lies in China, a land where innovation meets opportunity and ambition finds fertile ground. Through young innovators' eyes, we see an innovative China that blends cutting-edge research, dynamic entrepreneurship and open doors for global talent.

Why China?

For many international students, the decision to study in China is driven by curiosity, ambition, and the country's growing influence on the global stage.

Timothy Hutagaol, an Indonesian student majoring in chemical engineering at Tianjin University, recalls how China's reputation for engineering excellence drew him in. "Six or seven years ago, China was already becoming a hub for engineering education. I didn't speak Chinese, but I saw the potential in the research facilities and the industry collaborations. Now, being here, I realize how welcoming China is to international talent," he said.

Moaaz Awan, a Pakistani PhD researcher in engineering management, represents the third generation of his family with ties to China. "My grandfather and father had connections here. So of course, I had that inspiration and dream to go to China. But beyond family history, I saw China's rise in global affairs and role as an emerging economy, and wanted to be part of it," he said. Back in 2011, people thought China wasn't a wise choice to study in, his colleagues suggested he should go to the West, but Awan chose the East. Many years down the line, now, they see the wisdom in his decision.

And some are drawn by China's sci-tech development. Nigerian Osuagwu Obinna Ikechukwu, a student at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), told Science and Technology Daily, "China is home to some of the world's most innovative companies. I wanted to immerse myself in this ecosystem, learn from it, and eventually bring those lessons back to Nigeria."

Meanwhile, coming to China helped French student Theo Yossa at UCAS see the world in a bigger picture. "It made me realize you can't truly understand global affairs without considering China's role which is very important in today's world," Yossa said.

Where ideas meet opportunity

For these students, China represents more than just a place to study in, and it is a land of opportunity.

One of the most striking aspects of China's innovation landscape is its emphasis on integrating industry, academia and research. Some innovative hubs, like high-tech zones, bring together startups, investors, researchers and government support under one roof.

Hutagaol highlights how these sci-tech parks facilitate growth. "We see companies here being fully supported by the government, collaborating internationally and pushing advancements in AI and robotics. As international students, we're encouraged to engage with these innovations and even promote them back home."

For Awan, China's policy design, synchronization and implementation leave big impressions on him. "Everything is streamlined. You can see well-organized office spaces, visa services, company registration, even ports for logistics. In many countries, these resources are scattered, making entrepreneurship difficult. Here, the government removes roadblocks and fosters high-quality growth," Awan said when pointing out the convenience of these innovative hubs.

Initially, Obinna was concerned about accessing research tools in Cixi, Ningbo, a relatively smaller place for research. "But when I arrived, I found all the facilities I needed right there. China extends its technological infrastructure even to developing regions, ensuring researchers don't face unnecessary hurdles."

Further promoting international cooperation

For international students, these sci-tech parks are not just workplaces but gateways to understanding how innovation thrives in a supportive ecosystem.

Akbayan Yerlankyzy, a Kazakh student at UCAS, is fascinated by China's data analysis and AI applications. "In Kazakhstan, we lack these technologies. After graduation, I want to integrate them into our research institutes, especially in agriculture and wildlife studies."

For Obinna, it's important to adapt China's model of integrating government, universities and private sectors to Nigeria's local needs, while Yossa believes that although many people in France know China is advanced, they don't realize the extent. He is keen to be the bridge to further promote exchanges.

For these international students, the openness in the "Chinese Dream" is something they've embraced for themselves. Awan said that there's an American Dream, a Western Dream, but there is also a Chinese Dream, and foreigners can be a part of it. He proudly said, "I'm living my Chinese Dream." Hutagaol reflected on how China's inclusive environment has shaped his ambitions. "China and its people even encourage us to be a part of [them to] work together to explore this innovation."

Yerlankyzy added, "China's doors are always open. The support for foreign students is incredible, and that's why so many of us see a future here."

China's rise as a technological and entrepreneurial powerhouse has created a unique environment where foreign students and professionals can thrive. As Yossa puts it, "China plays a huge role in the world economically, technologically and culturally. To understand the future, you have to understand China."

Source: Science and Technology Daily