Editor’s Note:
In this installment of SIGS Graduate Stories, we hear from 2024 master’s graduate Aleksandr Tsoy, also known as Cui Sanya among his local friends, from Uzbekistan.
At SIGS, Sanya, who speaks five languages, excelled in his research relating to computational imaging and contributed back to the school’s community as an assistant at the International Students and Scholars Center among his other extracurricular activities.
Read more about his SIGS journey!
Aleksandr (Sanya) Tsoy’s story with China began in 2016 when he arrived at Yanbian University in Jilin Province to pursue his undergraduate studies. Sanya, a member of Uzbekistan’s Korean ethnic minority, was excited to explore China, particularly Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture’s local culture.
At Yanbian University, Sanya studied mechanical engineering, focusing on robotics. “Adjustment to life in China wasn’t easy, but I was lucky to have classmates willing to help,” said Sanya. It was at Yanbian University that Sanya began to study Chinese, expanding his language abilities that already included English, Uzbek, Korean, and Russian.
Sanya presents during a poster competition at the TBSI Retreat Conference 2023
After four years in Yanbian, Sanya was ecstatic to learn of his acceptance to SIGS. Moving to Shenzhen would mean exploring a new city in China. However, Sanya’s journey would not be without new challenges: his major in Data Science and Information Technology at SIGS required him to gain new skills in programming that he hadn’t studied as an undergraduate.
Sanya poses for a photo with his advisor Geng Zihan and classmates
“It was a hard transition. I spent a lot of sleepless nights studying,” said Sanya. “The classes at SIGS were very helpful in giving me the foundation I needed.” Dedicated to expanding his horizons, Sanya continued to challenge himself with a research topic different from his advisor’s. “My advisor Geng Zihan was very supportive of my research direction,” said Sanya.
Sanya recently published his first paper, which focuses on image-free single-pixel keypoint detection, addressing data security and privacy concerns with the use of human images in computer vision technology. The work has potential applications in clinical medicine.
Sanya answers questions from a new student on Registration Day 2022 as a student assistant at the SIGS International Students and Scholars Center
Outside of the classroom, Sanya joined the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) as a student assistant, helping international students navigate life in China, Shenzhen, and on campus. “I was inspired by my time at Yanbian University when other international students helped me to settle into a new environment,” said Sanya. As an assistant, he became a familiar face to many newcomers on campus.
Sanya performs with his band “Are you Happy?” (快乐吗) during school events
Sanya models the AR glasses he developed with his fellow classmates at SIGS
Helping newcomers transition into China and navigating language struggles inspired another of Sanya’s extracurricular ventures. With an international team of classmates, Sanya developed AR glasses that can capture surroundings and use large language model technology to create on-demand English lessons tailored to different language levels. Through this project, he interacted with corporations in Shenzhen, including TCL. The team also published its work at the international conference on Computer and Human Interaction CHI Italy 2023 under the title “VisionARy: Exploratory research on Contextual Language Learning using AR glasses with ChatGPT.” The project will allow more people access to language learning resources, facilitating cultural exchange and cross-cultural understanding.
Sanya’s multilingualism allowed him to connect with various cultural communities in Shenzhen, including the city’s Russian community (left, courtesy of Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School) and SIGS’s Korean community (right)
Sanya is fascinated by the innovative spirit of Shenzhen. He also admires the application-oriented approach to technology he has witnessed, including mobile payment using facial or palm recognition and drone delivery. “Once a technology is developed, it is tested and implemented,” Sanya remarked. He plans to draw upon this applied approach to technology and the skills he has gained at SIGS for his future work at an educational technology company in Uzbekistan.
“These were the hardest three years of my life—transitioning to a new field of study as an international student—but it was also the most rewarding,” reflected Sanya. After eight years of “growing up” in China, he has become a mature engineer dedicated to making a difference.
As part of the interview, Sanya also offered some advice to international students on how to make the most of their experience.
Learn the language to ease your experience in China.
Connect with both international and local students.
Don’t hesitate to seek academic help from faculty members, TAs, or lab mates. For personal issues, seek advice from local students, the ISSC, or the SIGS offices.
Take time to explore Shenzhen and beyond; while Shenzhen is a fascinating city fully equipped with high-tech advancements, it doesn't fully represent China—travel to other cities to gain a deeper understanding.
Stay resilient during tough times by seeking support from friends, family, or school counseling services.
Written by Alena Shish
Edited by Yuan Yang
Photos by Aleksandr Tsoy
Reviewed by Chen Chaoqun
