By LONG Yun & GONG Qian

Mr. Matthias Sendzik and his wife. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Three years ago, Mr. Matthias Sendzik, a German engineer, embarked on a remarkable journey when he decided to seize what he described as a "a unique opportunity" in China – to live and work there.

He was offered a job at Volkswagen Anhui, the German company’s joint venture in east China, and he decided to say yes to this big step "just within hours,” a decision supported by his family. People get such an opportunity only once in their lifetime, he remarked.

Key words to describe China

"The key words for me to conclude the impressions on China are development, clean air and friendship," he said in a recent interview with Science and Technology Daily.

He highlighted the readiness of people to offer assistance in daily situations, making him and his family feel at home.

His two sons are studying in Nanjing, another eastern city in China renowned for its history, culture and progress in science and technology. Sendzik said they have embraced their new lives in China enthusiastically: "They are really happy about [coming to China]. Now they enjoy their life in Nanjing at the university."

Sendzik’s experience of working with Chinese colleagues has been one of seamless integration. He leads a team of over 30 Chinese staff and said he is very happy with them. He emphasized their strong work ethics and experience in the automotive development sector and admired their commitment to their work: “I've never seen such hardworking people who put their heart and soul into their jobs.”

Sendzik also holds Chinese innovation capability in high regard: “People can develop something completely new with these people in China, whether it's a technique, a product, a way of thinking or a collaboration model.”

Safety is a paramount concern for Sendzik and his family. In China，this demand was fully met. He shared that they feel secure in China at all times, emphasizing the presence of helpful individuals who go out of their way to assist.

The fruits of Chinese modernization

China has proved itself to be one of the most dynamic and creative countries in the world, and its rapid rise in recent years has captured the world's attention.

“In many developments, China's ideas and innovations have prevailed," Sendzik said. He finds the Chinese path to modernization driven by technological progress, political support and market demand.

Anhui is a prime example of how Chinese modernization is benefiting the nation. Sendzik highlighted the development of the automotive industry in Anhui and the emergence of new companies, thanks to the government’s efforts to attract businesses to the region. Anhui, he said, has successfully transformed itself into a hub of automotive development and innovation.

Sendzik called Chinese modernization, which aims to improve people's quality of life, going in the right way. He applauded the punctuality and speed of China's high-speed trains and the versatile mobile payment platforms which facilitate daily activities, from public transportation payments to shopping.

"I even saw the Alipay used in my hometown," Sendzik said, noting that Alipay's influence is expanding worldwide and is transforming the payment landscape.

He is also impressed by the availability of shared bicycles and electric motorcycles in China. According to him, in Germany, regulations limit the use of shared electric vehicles, but in China, they have become a common and efficient mode of transportation, promoting a sense of freedom and environmental consciousness.

"In the future, the Chinese path to modernization will continue to reach 'Chinese speed' in a number of areas," he said.

This article is also contributed by Anhuinews English, Anhui New Media Group.