Recently, a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China was held in Beijing. Five foreign experts from Hainan, invited by the Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, attended the event. Afterward, they shared their insights and experiences with local media, expressing congratulations to China on this significant milestone and admiration for the country’s rapid development. They also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to support China and Hainan’s future growth through their professional expertise.
Honored to Represent Hainan
“I am deeply honored to represent the foreign experts in Hainan at this national reception,” said Kazakh expert Ruslan Tulenov. At the event, he met numerous foreign professionals from various fields who have contributed significantly to China’s progress. This experience, he shared, was a source of great inspiration for him. Over the past 15 years, Ruslan, who has a rare RH-negative blood type, has donated more than 6,000 milliliters of blood in China, earning him the title of “Ambassador of Sino-Kazakh Friendship.”
As the Global Press Officer for the Hainan International Economic Development Bureau, he continues to leverage social media and the Hainan Free Trade Port’s global investment hotline to share the policies and opportunities of the Free Trade Port with international businesses, actively promoting Hainan’s openness and telling China’s evolving story to a global audience.
Reflecting on 18 Years in China
American expert Tommy Coleman, who has lived in China for 18 years, 14 of them in Hainan, shared his reflections: “When I first arrived in China, there were very few foreigners, but at this event, I saw just how many people from around the world have now become a vital part of China’s development. I’m proud to be one of them.”
Tommy’s vlog series documenting the event garnered over 2.5 million views across various platforms. As an international communication officer for the Hainan International Communication Center, he plans to continue producing video content that shares Hainan’s story with the world, helping to amplify the voice of this dynamic province.
Building Bridges Through Research
Russian expert Ilya Cherkashin, who has a long history of leading research projects between China and Russia, said that the event gave him a broader understanding of China’s achievements. Both he and his wife, who have played key roles in their field, have high expectations placed on them by Hainan. They have mentored two top-level Ph.D. experts in sports science in China and published research in internationally recognized journals.
“As a professor at Hainan Normal University, I will continue to use my expertise to carry out our plans and contribute to the development of Hainan’s Free Trade Port,” Cherkashin stated.
First Visit to Beijing and New Inspiration
For Burmese expert Yin Minhui, this was her first visit to Beijing, and she was struck by the level of respect China shows for foreign experts, particularly during her experience at the Great Hall of the People. During her time in China, Yin has led numerous important research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation and the Hainan Provincial Postdoctoral Research Project. She hopes to carry the encouragement she gained from this trip forward, continuing to contribute to China’s scientific and agricultural development, especially in Hainan.
Advancing Hainan’s Scientific Research
German expert Vogel Florian Alexander expressed his pride at being part of a vibrant gathering of global experts to celebrate China’s achievements and future goals. Since arriving in China in 2019, Vogel has focused on scientific research and academic work. Currently, Hainan faces a shortage of experts in the materials science field, and Vogel, with his extensive experience in high-temperature structural materials, has been playing a key role in addressing this gap as a professor at Hainan University’s School of Materials Science and Engineering.
“We are working with partners across Hainan to build bridges of knowledge and friendship,” Vogel said. “I look forward to fostering more fruitful collaborations that will benefit even more people in the future.”
The five foreign experts (from left to right: Ilya Cherkashin, Vogel Florian Alexander, Yin Minhui, Ruslan Tulenov, and Tommy Coleman). [Photo provided by the Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology]
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