Guests attending the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Forum watch a performance by humanoid robots at the forum's exhibition area in North China's Tianjin, May 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

　　When Usman Ahmed first arrived in China in 2017, his ambitions were modest — to learn Mandarin, experience a new culture and broaden his horizons.

　　Nine years later, the 32-year-old from Pakistan is pursuing a PhD focusing on AI at Yangzhou University in Jiangsu province. His journey took an unexpected turn as he witnessed China's rapid technological evolution up close.

　　"Living in China gradually changed my plans," said Ahmed, who first joined a Chinese-language program at Shandong Normal University in Shandong province.

　　"What particularly impressed me — coming from a software engineering background — was how deeply technology was already integrated into everyday life," he said.

　　This observation propelled him to pursue a master's degree in software engineering, and later, a doctorate focusing on AI.

　　"What I appreciate most is that AI in China is not limited to academic discussion," Ahmed said. "There is a strong connection between research, industry and real-world applications. That environment suits the kind of researcher I want to become."

　　Looking ahead, Ahmed hopes more young people can benefit from educational exchanges with China, much like his own experience. He also sees particular promise in AI cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization framework.