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Small Hometown, Big Dreams: Dr. Zhao Jianing’s Road to a PhD

By Dusitong 1002580019, Guo Jiangtao 1002577366, Ji Hui Jie 1002581060, Feng Xiaozhu 1002477293, Feng Xiaotian 1002477292

Kuala Lumpur – Dr. Zhao Jianing grew up in a rural village in China, where life was simple and educational resources were limited. Today, she is a PhD researcher at Universiti Malaya (UM), carrying a story shaped by hard work, courage, and the belief that education can change a person’s future. “I grew up in the countryside, where life was simple and educational resources were limited,” Dr. Zhao said.

“But my parents always believed education could change a person’s future.” Before continuing her studies, Dr. Zhao worked for three years. That experience helped her understand the working world, but it also made her realize that she needed deeper knowledge. “Experience alone was not enough,” she said. “I needed more knowledge, better training, and a wider perspective.”

Dr. Zhao continues her PhD journey at Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Her journey later took her to the United Kingdom for a master’s degree. It was not an easy chapter. She faced language barriers, academic writing challenges, and cultural differences. Still, she continued. “Sometimes I had ideas, but I could not express them clearly in English,” she said. “There were many lonely nights, but every difficulty trained me to become stronger.”

“Your hometown may be small, but your dreams do not have to be.”

“Malaysia reminds me that learning is also about listening, respecting differences and understanding the world with a wider heart,” she said. Her classmate Yang Jiaqi described her as humble and hardworking. “She does not like to show off, but she always takes her work seriously,” Yang said.

Universiti Malaya’s campus has become part of Dr. Zhao Jianing’s journey of research and growth.

Her PhD journey is also supported by the Chinese Government Scholarship, which she sees as both recognition and responsibility. Her supervisor, Kenny, said she has shown resilience, steady growth and the potential to make meaningful contributions through research. Dr. Zhao also returned to her hometown to speak to secondary school students.

At Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Education, Dr. Zhao shares the academic environment that has become part of her PhD journey.

For her, it was a meaningful moment. “I saw my younger self in them,” she said. “Being born in a small place does not mean having a small future.” Her story shows how an ordinary beginning can become a wider path through patience and education.