"Our philosophy is straightforward: build rock-solid foundations and cultivate broad international vision," Guo says. "Going abroad expands horizons and enables scholars to actively participate in global discussions. Returning home allows them to enrich domestic research and elevate Chinese Egyptology globally."

　　Guo rejects the notion that "niche" implies a lack of value. Understanding cross-cultural exchanges and mutual learning, she argues, remains profoundly relevant to modern global discourse, and requires sustained investment and stable platforms.

　　The center pursues multiple strategies for disciplinary vitality: intensive talent cultivation and overseas exchanges, open platforms connecting dispersed scholars, and digital tools that lower barriers to primary sources.

　　"The solution for obscure disciplines isn't making them trendy," Guo notes. "It's establishing sustainable mechanisms for cultivation, exchange and dissemination. As long as people want to learn, can teach and continue researching, even seemingly obscure fields can develop vibrant traditions."

　　For young researchers like Zhang, the discipline offers both aesthetic beauty and contemporary relevance.

　　"Ancient Egyptian civilization may seem quiet, its script a silent language," she says. "In that silence, we hope to build something resonant. Studying how ancient civilizations met across oceans reminds us that human societies have always been interconnected."

　　As the center enters its second year, Guo's aspirations center on a single goal: evolving from "having a center" to "forming an academic community".

　　"Looking five years ahead, I hope our center serves as an influential platform within Chinese academia and a recognized collaborator internationally," she says.