Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

DR. Nihad Cheraga, from Algeria, has resided in Guangming District for over a year. As the business strategy manager at the Times High Tech Industrial Park in Guangming Science City, she holds great confidence in its future and takes pride in her role in helping shape it.

“I think after five years we’re gonna see a different Guangming. We will see another level of Guangming, just like Silicon Valley in the U.S.  I’m very optimistic about this,” she told Shenzhen Daily during a recent interview.

High expectations

Her optimism is fueled by the remarkable progress she has witnessed firsthand, particularly in the attraction of high-end institutions. One recent success was her company’s collaboration with a U.K.-based academy’s Shenzhen branch, which resulted in an influx of top talent and innovative concepts.

“We have the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory incubator, [which was] mainly designed for the startups. Recently, we [finished] signing [a] contract with a U.K. academy’s Shenzhen office, and we landed them in our park. Through them, we are trying to attract more talent that have good results in their laboratory,” she explained.

She also mentioned an upcoming forum, which will bring together academicians, researchers, and scientists to discuss the advancement of the science city and its flourishing biotech industry. “They will talk about the innovation going on and how much the Chinese Government is supporting this field and industry. I feel the officials here are really doing a great job by promoting what’s going on in Guangming Science City.”

Envisioning the city’s future, Dr. Cheraga said, “Let’s say in terms of research institutions, I expect it’s going to be the best in the whole country. Maybe the best in the world. I would say it will go there because with all the funding and the capital pouring in here, we will end up [with] the best technologies, the best equipment, [and] the best researchers.”

Community connections

Dr. Cheraga actively engages in creating connections within the community by organizing English-language events where both locals and expats can network and exchange ideas.

Reflecting on her journey to Guangming, Dr. Cheraga acknowledged that her academic background in biomedical engineering has significantly influenced her role in business development. Her ability to bridge the gap between science and commerce has greatly contributed to her initiatives.

Although she holds a doctoral degree in biomedical engineering, her present work focuses on business development, communication, and internationalization of the district.

Dr. Cheraga said that her strong background in science enables her to understand the various scientific projects within the science city.

Some aspects of her role in the science city were not familiar to her when she began. The communication and cooperation with the government is totally a new skill that she developed during work, according to her.

Recounting a memorable experience in which she lent her voice to a promotional video for Guangming, a task entrusted to her by the district’s foreign affairs bureau, she said, “I’m really glad, and this [was] a really good experience for me. I will never forget it.” That experience strengthened her bond with the community.

Speaking of her role as a Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador, a program initiated by EyeShenzhen and Shenzhen Daily, she said, “One of the most recent events was a cruise trip to witness the Shenzhong Link, which was a truly amazing experience for me. It was my first time aboard a cruise ship here. The architectural marvel and the monumental project connecting the two cities left me impressed.”

Through attending various events, Dr. Cheraga has established numerous friendships. Recently, she proposed hosting English-language social gatherings as a means of connecting expats and fostering cultural exchanges among them. “I try to connect the foreigners here, to give them a platform to know each other, to understand more about the culture of different countries,” she explained.

Collaborating with the foreign affairs bureau, Dr. Cheraga is now hosting these social events to facilitate interactions between foreigners and locals. Her endeavors have not only expanded her social circle but also enriched the community environment. “I want to make new friends in the process. Basically, I’m very happy that I achieved this part, and I can say that my WeChat now is full of friends,” she added.

Guangming hospitality

Dr. Cheraga faced several challenges upon arrival at the science city. Reminiscing about one of the difficulties she encountered, she said that she had trouble getting a cup of coffee, which was frustrating because she is a coffee enthusiast.

“When I said it out loud, they bought a coffee machine for me. Then, within six months, now we have our own coffee shop in the industrial park. So every morning I can just go downstairs, grab my coffee, and start my work,” she recounted.

Content with the supportive atmosphere of her workplace, she noted that the bonds she has formed with colleagues transcend professional relationships —some have become great friends.

In regard to career plans, Dr. Cheraga hopes to continue working at the science city for several more years. Expressing her passion for the city, she said, “I really love Shenzhen. I’m planning to apply for a green card if I can get it, of course.”