Hafedh Abdulkhaleq Mohammed Al-Qafaf, from Yemen, completed his bachelor's degree in electronic information engineering and master's degree in management science and engineering at Donghua University. He is also a young entrepreneur, dedicated to connecting the Chinese and Arab markets by introducing high-quality Chinese products to his home market.

Over the past seven years, he has gone from knowing no Chinese to taking root in Shanghai, pursuing his entrepreneurial dream in what he calls his second home.

His life-changing decision to study in Shanghai came from his strong interest in China's rapid economic development and the numerous opportunities the city offers.

Although he felt stressed by the unfamiliar environment, different dietary habits, and a completely different classroom rhythm, he never thought of backing down. Through repeated practice and constant adjustment, he not only overcame the challenges but also formed a deep bond with the city.

After his preparatory language studies, Hafedh enrolled at Donghua University. However, after the first semester, the pandemic struck, and he returned to Yemen, switching to online learning. Despite challenges like time differences, unstable internet connections, and limited study resources, he persevered to keep up with his studies.

During this period, he also began to observe the local market and noticed that Chinese products, especially solar panels, were gaining popularity in Yemen. He realized that these products were what his home country needed and made up his mind to bring quality Chinese goods back to Yemen and contribute to its development.

In 2022, Hafedh returned to Shanghai. He actively participated in various trade fairs and expos. He viewed these events as excellent opportunities to broaden his horizons and gain insights into industry developments and technological frontiers. He has attended the China International Import Expo almost every year, and these experiences have further deepened his understanding of the Chinese market and its industries.

After obtaining his bachelor's degree, he chose to stay at Donghua to pursue a master's. During his graduate studies, he focused on logistics and supply chain management, worked on his thesis, sought to publish journal papers, continued his internships, and strengthened his overall abilities. An internship at Avatar, a new energy vehicle company, gave him a deeper understanding of corporate operations and industrial chains, and further clarified his future direction.

In 2026, he took the crucial step by registering his own company to export Chinese products to Arab countries. He is proud to contribute to trade and development between China and Arab nations.

Looking back on a journey marked by challenges and perseverance, he said that it is these experiences that have helped him put down roots in Shanghai and strengthened his resolve to pursue his dream. Beyond becoming an influential businessman, he also hopes to promote cultural exchange and economic cooperation between China and Arab countries in the future.

Source: Official WeChat account of Donghua University International Education Center (ID: "DHU-IEC")