Dr. Sandy Edward Hinga: 2013 PhD graduate from the School of Environmental Sciences. 

He works as Minister of Trade and Industry of Sierra Leone.

Unlike Wuhan, where autumn is in full swing, the Republic of Sierra Leone, located in West Africa and bordering the Atlantic Ocean, maintains a hot and rainy climate. Mr. Sandy Edward Hinga, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Sierra Leone, is committed to boosting investor confidence in his country, striving to foster a favorable development environment for national enterprises, and creating excellent conditions for the growth of the industrial and private sectors.

Ten years ago, Sandy walked through the gates of China University of Geosciences full of aspiration and enthusiasm. After a short farewell following his master’s graduation, he returned to campus this time as a doctoral candidate. Strolling slowly in the familiar East Campus, Sandy still remembers his feelings when applying for the doctoral program at CUG—first the anxiety and nervousness during the application, then the excitement and joy upon learning of his acceptance. Reunited with CUG once again, Sandy was ready to embrace a bright future.

During his master’s studies, Sandy had already published papers in SCI journals. With outstanding academic performance and a proactive academic attitude, he won the title of Excellent International Student of Hubei Province and scholarships. Sandy said that during his postgraduate studies, CUG’s rigorous and pragmatic school spirit, diligent and studious academic atmosphere, and peaceful and comfortable living environment deeply influenced him, motivating him to constantly shape and improve himself and strive for a better and promising future.

Before pursuing his doctoral degree in Environmental Science and Engineering at the School of Environmental Studies, CUG, Sandy studied as an exchange student at Yale University in the United States for one year. "CUG is a university particularly dedicated to geoscience research. Even renowned geology professors at Yale University often mention 'China University of Geosciences' and praise it highly for having a dedicated geological museum as a university," Sandy said proudly.

Whether during his master’s or doctoral studies, when facing difficulties, Sandy liked to walk along Lumo Road in the evening—either in tranquility or amid hustle and bustle. The street at night had a unique healing power. Even now, as a minister of a country, he still deeply misses the time he spent relaxing on Lumo Road.

When asked what impressed him most about CUG, Sandy said without hesitation: "I want to say to my Chinese teachers: I will always be grateful to you, thank you for your careful guidance!"

During his studies, whenever Sandy turned to any teacher in his field for help with any question, they would patiently and wholeheartedly assist him, leaving an unforgettable impression on him. His academic experience at CUG has had a profound impact on his personal character and professional development. Against an interdisciplinary background, his creativity has been strengthened and his research capabilities enhanced.

When talking about his affection for CUG, Sandy has so much to say. He misses campus life, sports events, and customs and culture at CUG; he misses his classmates who accompanied him for years, and the teachers at the Office of the College of International Education who selflessly offered help and support. For him, everything at CUG is unforgettable. "I will always be grateful to the Chinese government for giving me the opportunity to study, and to CUG for providing me with learning conditions. CUG will always shine brightly in my heart!"

In the interview, Sandy believes that the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Africa Community with a Shared Future proposed by President Xi Jinping are remarkable. The Belt and Road Initiative provides an opportunity and support for the building of the China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, and China-Africa cooperation enriches the practical content of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Ten China-Africa Cooperation Plans and the Eight Major Actions are great initiatives to achieve win-win cooperation between China and Africa.

Source: Alumni Association of China University of Geosciences