HEFEI — Almost every morning, Muhammad Jalal finds himself squeezed between shelves and equipment in a laboratory at Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province, collecting various types of experimental data.
"China's stunning development in biotechnology and its robust scientific research capacity never cease to amaze me. Studying here has brought me ever closer to my dream," says the 24-year-old Pakistani student, an undergraduate majoring in biotechnology. Over the past three years in China, he has witnessed the leaps made by the country's science and technology sector.
Jalal's bond with China began with a special experience during his childhood. "My family struck up a close friendship with a Chinese doctor in Pakistan. Her passion and professionalism left a deep impression on me. Also, a book about cancer I chanced upon encouraged me to pursue research in this field," says Jalal, noting that he was greatly impressed by China's remarkable progress in genetics and molecular biology, as well as the rapid application of China's medical and scientific research achievements.
"Having witnessed Chinese scientists developing vaccines at such an astonishing speed, I really felt the power of biotechnology. At that moment, I was sure that this was the path I wanted to take," says Jalal, who adds that China has remained committed to achieving high-level self-reliance regarding science and technology.
"Robots and artificial intelligence technologies are now widely applied in scientific research, and they are pushing the boundaries of science, making China an ideal place for me to delve deep into biotechnology and pursue my dreams," Jalal notes.
Currently, Jalal and his Chinese classmates are carrying out joint research into the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, exploring and verifying the efficacy of relevant drugs in a bid to find new breakthroughs for cancer treatment. His days are fully occupied with laboratory work, and careful guidance and patient mentoring from his supervisor serve as solid support for his research journey.
China has detailed a 2026 policy mix to bolster growth and innovation, and to promote high-standard opening-up. The country will expand access to its services market, including pilot programs in the telecommunications and biotechnology sectors, as well as wholly foreign-owned hospitals.
Such developments are filling Jalal with great enthusiasm. In Jalal's view, this is not only injecting a powerful impetus into the development of China's biopharmaceutical industry, but also building a broad platform for international exchanges and cooperation. "It enables international students to communicate and share opportunities for scientific and technological innovation," he explains.
According to Jalal, the development of China's production sector is brimming with vitality and dynamism, and the in-depth integration of artificial intelligence and biomedicine, as well as innovations in the fields of science, technology and industry, have constantly fostered new opportunities.
"This open environment has created more opportunities for scientific cooperation. I hope that one day, researchers from China and Pakistan can join hands to tackle challenges like cancer, and this dream is now well within reach," he says.
