Academic growth & cultural discovery: A Pakistani Ph.D. candidate's journey in Shenzhen

Arriving during the final phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amir Hamza, a Pakistani Ph.D. candidate at Shenzhen University, said he was immediately struck by “well-managed planning and sophisticated arrangements” for international students by local authorities. For him, this efficiency and warmth was a real-world reflection of the long-standing friendly ties between Pakistan and China that he had long heard aboutAmir Hamza (3rd, L) and other international students pose for a photo during a Chinese cultural celebration at Shenzhen University. Photos courtesy of the interviewee

“Those slogans about Pak-China friendship I’d only read before truly came alive when I arrived,” he told Shenzhen Daily.

Under the supervision of Prof. Dai Yonghong of Shenzhen University, Hamza has been conducting doctoral research in political communication. He said the university’s School of Media and Communication, noted for its active research culture, has offered an ideal setting to study how politics and media interact in a fast-changing environment.

“The department’s resources and faculty support have helped me develop both intellectually and professionally,” he said.

Amir Hamza enjoys life at Shenzhen University.

He highlighted the international mix of students in his classes as a major asset. “Class discussions with peers from around the world have enriched our research,” he said, noting that collaborative work under faculty guidance has led to several published papers.

Beyond publications, Hamza and his classmates participate in conferences and study tours to historical and cultural sites that complement their academic training. Outside the classroom, students regularly gather for dinners and outings, building both professional networks and personal friendships across cultures.

Amir Hamza and other international students celebrate Chinese New Year and receive gifts from university management during an event at Shenzhen University.

Amir Hamza and other international students celebrate Chinese New Year together.

In 2022, he was awarded the Guangdong International Student Scholarship, which he described as “a huge encouragement” to pursue research and innovation. Hamza emphasizes Shenzhen’s role as a global tech and innovation hub. Regular visits to firms such as Tencent, Alibaba, DJI, and Oppo gave him insight into the city’s industrial dynamism.

Amir Hamza poses for a photo at Fenghuang Mountain Forest Park in Bao’an District.

“Walking the streets, seeing fast-moving traffic and busy startups in Nanshan — you feel the city’s momentum,” he said. He also highlighted the university’s modern research facilities and the many collaboration opportunities with bright peers.

Life outside the lab has been equally rewarding. Hamza also enjoys Shenzhen’s cultural diversity, citing outings to Dapeng Fortress, Dameisha, and the nearby Wailingding Island.

Amir Hamza visits Dapeng Fortress with Dr. Dai Yong Hong to explore cultural heritage and gain historical insights.

The international dorm kitchen has become a social hub. “We cook dishes from our countries, exchange recipes and stories — it’s where friendships grow,” he recalled, adding a lighthearted note about his popular homemade milk tea.

Hamza said that life in the city is filled with moments of everyday warmth, like learning Chinese from a night-shift security guard who wanted to practice his English and being delighted when local children would point and call out “wài guó rén” (foreigner) with curiosity and smiles.

Practical advantages of the city have made life easy. An extensive Metro network, bike-sharing, and efficient buses mean “every corner of Shenzhen is within reach.” Parks such as Shenzhen Bay Park and Talent Park provide green spaces for relaxation. He has taken advantage of university sports facilities — swimming and running have become part of his routine. He even learned to swim with help from Chinese friends.

Amir Hamza poses for a photo during a hike at Hongqiao Park in Guangming District.

Community engagement also remains important to him. With a long-standing interest in volunteer work, Hamza has found volunteering opportunities through the university and local organizations, allowing him to contribute to community support initiatives and deepen his connection to the city.

Looking ahead, he is considering staying in Shenzhen after graduation. “This city combines innovation, culture, and community. That’s why I’d be proud to make it my home and contribute to its future,” he said.