In the 1990s, Kazakh ophthalmologist Dr Saulebek Kabylbekov embarked on a mission to bring his medical expertise and compassionate spirit to China. For 25 years, he has illuminated the lives of over 200,000 patients at Daqing Ophthalmology Hospital with his exceptional surgical skills. To better connect with his patients, he diligently studied Chinese. In 2023, he was bestowed with the highest honor for foreign experts in China – the Chinese Government Friendship Award.