Don't Let Your Dreams Be Dreams

Date:14-06-2022   |   【Print】 【close

Abdur Rasool arrived in Shenzhen in July 2020 as a visiting student in the data mining lab of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was originally from Pakistan and graduated with a master's degree in Computer Science and Technology from Donghua University, Shanghai, in January 2020. 

After graduation from Donghua University, Abdur Rasool was searching for a highly competent research lab in China to pursue my Ph.D. in data mining. He heard about the research institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences from his foreign friends. After comparison, he decided to apply for the SIAT due to the high ranks in research quality than other research institutes.  

 

Abdur Rasool (Photo by his friend in SIAT) 

"SIAT has many advantages for me," said Rasool, "for instance, there are diverse research labs for computer applied technology, high impact in the scientific research community, global collaborations with high-ranking universities, and key labs." 

In recent years, SIAT has achieved another milestone in the form of university, which might be a workplace for him in the future. Meanwhile, it is located in China's vibrant and dynamic city, Shenzhen. 

"I could not wait until September to start my Ph.D. journey with SIAT," said Rasool, "My supervisor Prof. JIANG Qingshan, invited me to join the lab earlier if it's possible for me. On the following day after the invitation, I landed in Shenzhen, the young city of my dreams due to the technology hub of China." 

Abdur Rasool is working in the 'Key Lab for High-Performance Data Mining' lab now. Currently, he is engaging in a hot research topic of data storage in DNA. DNA digital data storage system is based on information technology and biotechnology. It is the process of encoding and decoding binary data to and from synthesized strands of DNA. He have contributed some research articles about this topic and published papers based on data mining techniques and applications. 

Some lab members are celebrating the birthday for Prof. JIANG Qingshan (middle). (Photo by SIAT) 

"I found a place which I was dreaming for my professional career," added Rasool, "SIAT is a compatible research institute where one can seek diverse knowledge by engaging with multiple research groups."  

All students are welcome to join the international and national conferences usually held to share the new scientific developments. The environment is relatively cherishing, where students and supervisors have a virtuous connection. Supervisors are compassionate in assisting the students in research work.  

Similarly, the international office is also benevolent to international students and experts. They conducted numerous cultural and creational activities to provide a chance to bring the international students and employees together. Furthermore, the campus is located along a beautiful river with perfect jogging and cycling tracks. 

 

Abdur Rasool enjoying various activities in and around SIAT. (Photo by SIAT) 

Shenzhen has rapidly progressed from a fishing village to China's Silicon Valley. It's the youngest 1st tier city in China with a $475.42 billion GDP, almost the same as Sweden. It has several world-class innovative enterprises, including the world's largest telecommunications equipment manufacturers HUAWEI, the most valuable Internet company Tencent, and Baidu operates China's largest search engine while investing in artificial intelligence.  

Meanwhile, many aspiring inventors, scientists, developers, and fin-tech investors have moved to Shenzhen to gamble their fortunes to pursue their science & technology dreams. I believe this city is in a prime location connected to Hongkong, and one can set up new companies focusing on research and development in science and technology.  

Additionally, SIAT and other well-known universities and campuses set up seminars and forums to encourage businesses, developers, and scientists to meet and greet to discuss their respective ideas and plans.  

Apart from the economic and scientific development, Shenzhen's environment, particularly public parks, stunning scenery, and mountains, are also the most significant reasons to have a happy time. I love traveling and visiting various tourist spots such as Dameisha Seaside, OCT East, and Luzui Mountain.  

Similarly, public transportation is efficient and clean. It is one of the most foreigner-friendly cities on the mainland, with signs and public announcements in 3 languages. In short, Shenzhen is one of my favorite cities on this planet due to its bright future for the young generation interested in science & technology development. 

 

Media Contact:
ZHANG Xiaomin
Email:xm.zhang@siat.ac.cn