By LONG Yun & BI Weizi

Professor Muhammad Kashif. (COURTESY PHOTO)

"As a scientist, our main task is to solve community problems and improve life quality," said a Pakistani researcher Muhammad Kashif, in a recent interview with Science and Technology Daily.

As an associate professor at the School of Electrical and Information Engineering at Tianjin University (TJU), Kashif has been fascinated by the world of electronics and other technologies since childhood. He recalled his excitement in seeing personal computers that were new and rapidly evolving in the 1990s. It was a time when possibilities seemed endless, and he was inspired by the groundbreaking inventions of that era. This early exposure to high-tech fueled his passion to contribute to sci-tech development.

Benefiting the community

Kashif believes that the primary goal of maximizing the effect of science is to tackle real-world problems faced by humans.

One of his primary research areas focuses on developing gas sensors and their applications. With gas being all around us, some are hazardous to our health. Due to gas cylinders still being used in many communities/countries, accidents can occur when cylinders are left open, leading to devastating consequences. Kashif's gas sensors are designed to detect flammable/explosive gases at room temperature, reducing the risk of explosions and accidents.

Furthermore, his research extends to sensors that can detect gases at lower limits. These advancements ensure not only personal safety, but also have significant implications for industries that require precision and safety.

At the same time, Kashif values sharing discoveries with worldwide counterparts through writing and publishing articles in scientific journals. "It's a collaborative effort to drive scientific progress," he said.

Sci-tech progress generating global benefits

In recent decades, China's rapid progress in science and technology has been evident on the global stage. Kashif sees China as a frontrunner in fields like telecommunications and 5G technology, which have the potential to transform the world in many positive ways.

Kashif said the implications of this technology transfer are profound. With 5G, China has not only revolutionized its own telecommunications infrastructure, but is also exporting this cutting-edge technology to other countries.

As countries adopt and implement 5G, they experience a leap in efficiency and connectivity and are able to carry out industrial upgrading, from manufacturing and education to healthcare and entertainment.

Moreover, it facilitates greater international collaboration, enabling nations to work more closely on shared experiences of innovation and discoveries. This collaborative approach also fosters a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.

From his perspective, China's strategy of sharing its technological advancement with the world not only benefits the scientific community, but also has a profound impact on the world.

BRI's far-reaching influence

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With joint efforts of all parties, this important initiative has progressed with vitality and benefited the world.

Kashif specifically mentioned the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the initiative. According to him, CPEC is regarded as a "game changer" for Pakistan's economy, and the BRI shares this transformative potential on a global scale.

He said that the BRI can accelerate trade between China and other countries by enhancing connectivity. For example, the initiative seeks to facilitate the flow of goods, services, and people-to-people exchanges by developing efficient transportation routes, including railways and roads. "This not only reduces transportation costs but also improves the quality of life for those living in areas connected to these routes," he said.

Additionally, the BRI fosters stronger economic ties between nations, creating opportunities for collaboration, mutual growth, and shared prosperity. Kashif highlighted the importance of scholarships and exchange programs, and applauded the Chinese government's efforts in this regard.

He believes that collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing are essential for driving innovation and progress, noting that various countries can excel in technologies, and by fostering collaborations, China can bridge the technological gap more effectively.

This article has been contributed by TJU.