Khudaiberdiev Begali from Kyrgyzstan, better known by his Chinese name Bai Long, is one of the Central Asian youths inspired by the Belt and Road Initiative who came to China to pursue education and entrepreneurship.

A graduate of the School of International Chinese Studies at East China Normal University, he reflects on his cultural journey from student life in Shanghai to returning to Kyrgyzstan as a BRI envoy, blending his passion for Chinese language and culture with a career dedicated to strengthening cross-border friendship.

His connection with China began in 2014 at Bishkek Humanities University, where his curiosity about Chinese culture first took root.

As China-Kyrgyzstan ties flourished under the BRI, he solidified his aspiration to explore China, his homeland's close neighbor, and decided to embark on his studies at ECNU in 2017. There, he immersed himself not only in language studies but also in the living tapestry of Chinese customs and cultures. Classroom debates with peers from all over the world, daily language practice, and cross-cultural exchanges all fueled his personal growth and passion.

Among his most cherished memories were ECNU's dragon boat races, where his team won three consecutive championships. In an interview by China Central Television, he recalled the synchronized paddling, the heart-stirring drumbeats, and the roaring crowds cheering them on. At that moment, he felt integrated into China's cultural fabric, and the spirit of teamwork and tenacity embodied in the sport became metaphors for his own journey.

After graduation, he joined a Chinese logistics company as a manager. His bilingual skills and cultural fluency helped expand operations across Central Asia from Bishkek to Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Almaty.

Yet, his true calling emerged beyond the office: teaching Chinese. He understood that language serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and began teaching after work. What started as part-time classes has grown into an ambitious vision to teach one million people Chinese. This number represents not just a goal but his deep commitment to fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.

Reflecting on his ECNU days, his eyes sparkled. His story was featured in a China Central Television documentary featuring five Central Asian youths, each sharing their unique bonds with China. They embody the spirit of the BRI with knowledge gained, friendships forged, and dreams realized through mutual learning.

Source: Official WeChat account of Global Education Center of ECNU at "ecnugec"