Being among the first students of a new institute is both a great honor and a serious responsibility. On September 10, the academic year officially began at the Belarusian National Technical University’s (BNTU) Chinese-Belarusian Institute of Outstanding Engineers. During the opening ceremony, Timofey Shishko—a student from the inaugural master's cohort—joined university leadership and Chinese partners in pressing the symbolic "start" button. The young man brings with him four years of study at the BNTU Instrument-Making Faculty; he is now pursuing a master's degree at the Faculty of Information Technologies and Robotics and holds the distinction of being one of the first students in this unique international project.
For Timofey, choosing this university was never a matter of chance. A genuine interest in science led him to a strong team of laser scientists, with whom he began working early in his undergraduate studies:
"At one point, I became deeply fascinated by research work. I learned that BNTU had assembled a strong team of scientists specializing in laser technologies—people with whom one could collaborate productively. That was the deciding factor: a sincere interest in the field and specific individuals I wanted to follow."
Timofey’s student years have been exceptionally productive. During his bachelor's studies, he not only took top places in university-level mathematics and physics competitions but also immersed himself deeply in research activities.
"Since my first year, I have been conducting research at the BNTU Research Center for Optical Materials and Technologies. During this time, I have co-authored two scientific articles and published over twenty conference abstracts. Furthermore, I actively participate in state scientific research programs and spent two years working on a grant I secured myself," the master's student shared. It was precisely this background and active engagement with technical processes that proved decisive for admission to the joint institute established by BNTU and Nanjing University. Upon learning of the new educational program, the student researched the Chinese university and decided to apply. The selection process included an interview conducted in English.
“We were interviewed by representatives from Nanjing University, BNTU, and the SINOMACH corporation. They assessed our English proficiency and asked about our professional interests, life goals, and expectations regarding the studies. A couple of days later, I received a preliminary acceptance notice. The competition was fierce; far from everyone was selected.”
“What do you think played the decisive role in the selection process—specialized technical knowledge alone, or other skills?”
“The ability to communicate fluently is crucial. A student might have an excellent grasp of complex technical processes, but if a language barrier prevents effective communication, they simply won't be able to get the most out of a master's program abroad.”
The institute’s curriculum follows a “1+1” model. During the first year, master's students undergo academic training at BNTU, while the second year takes them to China, where theory is closely integrated with practice.
“We will spend the second year directly at SINOMACH Digital. It will be a hands-on internship where we tackle real-world production challenges faced by the company. We’re looking at a continuous process where learning is tightly interwoven with actual work,” Timofey explained.
The institute’s core areas of study focus on artificial intelligence, digital engineering, and smart manufacturing. Timofey is convinced that these technologies represent the future:
“Artificial intelligence and information technology form the foundation necessary for the development of any modern industry. Effective automation helps accelerate workflows and minimize the human factor.” Since the Chinese university and the corporation cover a vast range of areas, I look forward to fruitful collaboration that goes beyond just AI; I am also very keen to prove myself in the field of laser technologies.
– What opportunities does studying at the joint institute open up for students?
– Going to China to study is a huge step forward in itself. Nanjing University is a global leader in artificial intelligence development, so becoming a student there means gaining access to cutting-edge knowledge. Moreover, graduates of the program receive two diplomas: one from the Belarusian institution and one from the Chinese partner, – the master's student emphasized.
For those wishing to follow in his footsteps and enroll in the institute in the future, Timofey Shishko advises against wasting time:
– It is important to have practical work experience under your belt. The sooner you start developing in a field that truly interests you, the better. You need to be able to showcase your diverse strengths. If you are already pursuing a path directly related to your education, you will definitely have a competitive edge.
Timofey himself does not plan to stop there. After defending his master's thesis, his plans are to study at BNTU graduate school and obtain an academic degree. Studying at the Chinese-Belarusian Institute of Outstanding Engineers will be a reliable start for him, which will help turn scientific goals into reality.
