Ihtesham Ghani (R) with his classmates at the Bavarian Cultural Night event at the Shenzhen Technology University in Pingshan District on Sept. 25, 2024. Photos courtesy of the interviewee

Ihtesham Ghani, better known by his nickname Shami, is a Ph.D. student from Pakistan currently studying optomechanical engineering and applications at Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) in Pingshan District. Since arriving in China in September 2023, he has been adjusting to life in a new country, diving into research, and exploring everything Shenzhen has to offer.

For Shami, choosing China for his higher education wasn’t a difficult decision. He was drawn to the country for both academic and personal reasons. “China is one of the leading countries in science and technology right now,” he said. “That really appealed to me as a researcher. Plus, Pakistan and China have always had a strong friendship. We often say our countries are ‘iron brothers.’ That connection made me feel comfortable coming here. China doesn’t feel like a foreign country — it feels like part of a bigger family.”

His decision to study at SZTU was influenced by his professor. “Our research interests match really well, so I wanted to work under his guidance,” Shami explained. When he found out that his professor had moved to SZTU, it made the choice easier. He also saw it as a good opportunity to start fresh in Pingshan, a growing district in Shenzhen.

Ihtesham Ghani (L) and other international students during a tour in Pingshan District on March 19.

Shenzhen made a strong impression on Shami. “I was surprised to learn that just 40 or 50 years ago, it was a very different place,” he said. “Now, it’s a modern city with amazing infrastructure — especially the Metro system. I really like Gangxia North Station. It feels like something from the future.”

As someone working in a field closely related to electronics, Shami believes Shenzhen is the right place to be. “Shenzhen is ahead of many cities in electronics. It’s not just a center for China, but a global hub.” That sense of belonging has stayed with him throughout his time in Shenzhen. 

From university staff to his classmates and even everyday people he meets in the city, Shami said he’s always felt welcome. “They are friendly and always ready to help if I get stuck,” he said. 

He’s also been enjoying the cultural side of China. “I visited the Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville. It was great to see traditional Chinese performances and learn more about the culture.”

Ihtesham Ghani (L) at the Bavarian Cultural Night event at the Shenzhen Technology University in Pingshan District on Sept. 25, 2024. 

Shami hopes to graduate in 2026. After that, he’s keeping his options open. “I’m thinking of doing a postdoc or maybe joining the industry. I’d like to stay in Shenzhen if possible. It’s easy to live here as an international student — many people speak English, and the city is very open and diverse.”

He also praised SZTU’s efforts to connect students with companies and potential employers. “The university regularly holds career events where different companies visit the campus. It’s a good opportunity for students to network, find internships, or even land a job. It’s a win-win for both students and companies.”