Nepalese Ph.D. student aspires to be part of Shenzhen's history

For Vivek Yadav, life has been a journey of connecting crucial dots — from the green hills of Nepal, to the familiar environment in India, a stop in the historic city of Tianjin, and finally, landing in the young, bustling metropolis of Shenzhen.

Vivek, hailing from Nepal, is a Ph.D. student in civil engineering at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS). For him, Shenzhen is more than just a dot on the map — it’s the place where he’ll forge a significant mark on his career and life.

Vivek Yadav, holding his master's degree certificate, takes a graduation photo at Beiyangyuan Campus, Tianjin University, in August 2025. Photos courtesy of the interviewee

“I’m not just stopping in Shenzhen; I’m staying here for four years,” the 25-year-old stated firmly. “Shenzhen is going to be a part of my success.” Vivek sees the city not as one following history, but as one actively building its own. “I want to be a part of that history.”

From the job site to the lab

Vivek’s journey to China began with a job that shaped his perspective. After graduating with distinction from India’s SRM Institute of Science and Technology with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, he landed a job working as an assistant quality control engineer for a Chinese construction company on the landmark Kathmandu-Terai Expressway in Nepal.

A young man fresh from college, Vivek was impressed by the advanced technologies used by his Chinese employer, and he also found himself drawn to the culture. At the same time, he quickly realized the vast potential for personal and professional growth, which inspired him to pursue advanced studies in China.

“It was a great opportunity to come to China and learn the language because so many Chinese companies are operating in my country,” Vivek told Shenzhen Daily. “Plus, China holds a very strong position in the global construction industry. I want to learn from the best so I can contribute back home.”

Vivek Yadav (R) poses for a group photo with Nepalese students at the International Cultural Festival of Tianjin University in May 2023.

Vivek began his postgraduate studies at Tianjin University in late 2023. However, his professional path pivoted dramatically in the summer of 2024 when he attended the Global Summer School at Tsinghua SIGS.

“During the two-week summer school, I got firsthand experience in the lab of the School of Ocean Engineering. I saw what and how they were working, and it really impressed me,” he recalled.

He was captivated by Shenzhen itself — a high-tech metropolis where “everyone is trying to make things more eco-friendly.” This ethos perfectly aligned with his research focus on green materials and composite structures for sustainable infrastructure.

Now pursuing a doctorate, Vivek praised Tsinghua SIGS for its state-of-the-art facilities. “I have everything: computers, laboratories that can simulate ocean waves, and the potential for collaborations with other top universities here in Shenzhen,” he said proudly.

A balanced life, a global ambassador

Though only a few months into his Ph.D. program, Vivek has embraced a full and balanced life due to the influence of his research professor, who encourages working hard, working wisely, and taking care of mental well-being. Beyond research and theory, Vivek likes to explore the city, attend cultural events, and create content for his social media accounts.

Vivek Yadav actively answers a question while attending the Tsinghua SIGS Global Summer School in 2024.

He is actively engaged in student life, joining the Graduate Union Students Committee (International Department) and registering as a Global Ambassador for Tsinghua SIGS. These roles help him connect with students from diverse backgrounds and build vital leadership skills.

“It’s a good time for me to invest, rather than just sitting idly in my dorm,” he said. “As a global ambassador, I get the opportunity to share my ideas and talk to more students. Why not use this opportunity while I’m here?”

Currently, Vivek is planning to launch a podcast, inviting professors to discuss their research and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Inspired by China’s tapestry

Beyond the campus, Vivek has become an avid traveler, exploring the vibrant cultural tapestry of China. Over the past two years, he has visited Beijing, Harbin, Shandong, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia, experiencing the country’s diverse food, languages, and customs.

Vivek Yadav enjoys the beautiful scenery sitting on the grassland in Ulanqab, a prefecture-level city in Inner Mongolia, in July 2025.

During a trip to Inner Mongolia, he met a local herdsman who was deeply content despite never having visited a big city of China. “It made me realize that we don’t need luxury to be happy,” Vivek reflected. “People can find peace in the arms of nature, even in places that aren’t highly modern.”

Vivek said that while Chinese culture is incredibly diverse — with 56 ethnic groups — the unifying factor is the deep patriotism shared by its people. “They are like a big garden with a lot of flowers,” he summarized.

Vivek Yadav poses for a photo during his visit to the Tang Guoan Memorial Hall in Zhuhai in October 2025. Tang was the first president of Tsinghua University.

As a Ph.D. student, Vivek sees himself not just as a learner, but as someone building a life in Shenzhen. “I’m building something I can give back to society,” he asserted. His long-term goal is to deepen his research and ultimately become a respected professor and a well-known researcher in his field.