Video and photos by Lin JianpingWhatbegan as a fascination with Chinese language and culture has blossomed into a grand pursuit for Mehmet Akif Tutuncu, who started a business in Shenzhen a couple of years ago.
来自土耳其的马瑞克（Mehmet Akif Tutuncu）一开始只是对汉语和中国文化有着浓厚的兴趣。然而，这份不经意的兴趣却引领他来到深圳，并在几年前开启了一段创业之旅。In this dynamic city, Akif has not only found a second home but also began an entrepreneurial journey fueled by his unwavering passion.在充满活力的深圳，马瑞克不仅找到了自己的第二故乡，更在这座城市点燃了由热情驱动的创业火花。In 2009, Akif embarked on a voyage that reshaped his life and career, moving from Ankara, Türkiye, to Beijing to attend a year-long immersion program for Chinese studies at Beijing Jiaotong University.
2009年，马瑞克离开土耳其安卡拉，踏上了前往北京的旅程，在北京交通大学开始了为期一年的汉语学习。A year later, he transferred to Shenzhen University to study business Chinese and became one of the first international students to graduate from the university with a bachelor’s degree in 2014.一年后，他来到深圳大学攻读商务中文，并在2014年成为该校首批获得学士学位的国际学生之一。
Mehmet Akif Tutuncu works in his office.
马瑞克在办公室办公。
After graduation, Akif gained extensive professional experience at several companies in Shenzhen. Transitioning from procurement duties to sales responsibilities before eventually assuming leadership over Pacific region affairs, his career is continuously ascending.毕业后，马瑞克在深圳的多家公司积累了丰富的职业经验。他从采购职责转向销售职责，最终负责公司的太平洋地区业务，职业生涯稳步上升。Drawing on his vast knowledge of and experience in the electronic components field, Akif founded TNC Electronic (Shenzhen) Co. a couple of years ago. The company focuses on exporting electronic components from China to Türkiye and European countries.凭借在电子元件领域的深厚知识和经验，马瑞克在几年前成立了腾希电子（深圳）有限公司，专注于将中国电子元件出口至土耳其和欧洲各国。His selection of the electronic components sector was strategic — he had recognized the growing need for local production post-pandemic. “I chose the electronic components field because the previous company I worked at was engaged in this area, and I see the potential of foreign markets in this industry,” Akif told Shenzhen Daily in fluent Chinese.认识到后疫情时代对本地生产需求的增长，马瑞克果断选择了深耕电子元件行业。“选择电子元件领域，是因为我之前的公司就从事这一领域，而且我看到了这个行业在外贸市场上的潜力。”马瑞克说着一口流利的中文。Nevertheless, he is also well aware of the challenges of running a business amid a global economic slowdown. Akif remains optimistic about the future despite the difficulties, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the business world.尽管全球经济放缓给企业经营带来了挑战，马瑞克仍然对未来保持乐观，并意识到在商界坚持不懈和适应变化的重要性。
Akif shows to Shenzhen Daily journalists a tea bar machine designed by his company.
马瑞克向记者展示由他的公司设计的茶吧机。
While recounting his entrepreneurship story, Akif proudly showcased one of his company’s products — a tea bar machine that he considers a milestone for his company. “It’s designed by ourselves. We’ve registered the brand and are selling it overseas. Seeing it gives me the drive to create more,” Akif said.在分享他的创业故事时，马瑞克自豪地展示了公司的一款产品——一台标志着公司发展里程碑的茶吧机。“这是我们的原创设计。我们已经注册了品牌，并在海外销售。看到它，我就会更加努力。”马瑞克说。Produced in Cixi in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, the machine is available both domestically and internationally, according to Akif. “It was an existing product, but we’ve enhanced its features to suit non-Chinese users’ habits. Currently, it’s selling in Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and several Middle Eastern countries,” he said.这台在浙江慈溪制造的机器，不仅在国内市场有售，还远销海外。马瑞克介绍说：“它原本就是一个现成的产品，但我们对其进行了功能优化，以适应非中国用户的使用习惯。现在，它已经在土耳其、阿塞拜疆以及几个中东国家上市销售。”For companies engaged in international trade, Shenzhen’s geographical location offers a significant advantage, particularly in terms of exports, Akif noted.马瑞克指出，对于从事国际贸易的企业来说，深圳的地理位置提供了显著优势，尤其是在出口方面。Shenzhen’s proximity to major ports like Yantian and Shekou, coupled with the accessibility of ports in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, ensures efficient maritime transportation. Additionally, the comprehensive air transportation services at the Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong airports offer additional logistics options.他认为，深圳靠近盐田、蛇口等主要港口，加上广州和香港港口的便利性，确保了高效的海上运输。同时，深圳、广州和香港机场的全面空运服务为企业提供了更多的物流选择。To budding entrepreneurs eyeing Shenzhen as a business locale, Akif suggested that it is crucial to first immerse oneself in Chinese culture and understand the local mindset. “The initial stages may be challenging, but once the business is established and stable, the rewards can be substantial,” he shared.对于有意在深圳创业的企业家，马瑞克建议首先要深入体验中国文化，理解当地思维模式。“创业初期可能会遇到挑战，但一旦业务稳定，回报将是巨大的。”他分享道。Intending to return to Türkiye after completing his studies, he came to realize that Shenzhen is a great place to live after spending four years in the city. “Before I knew it, 14 years have flown by, and I’m still here,” Akif said with a laugh.
原本计划学业完成后返回土耳其的马瑞克，在深圳生活了四年之后，发现这座城市是安居乐业的好地方。“不知不觉，14年过去了，我还在这里。”马瑞克笑着回忆。Having lived in China for almost 15 years, Akif said that, culturally, he feels like he is half Chinese. “Once I arrived in Shenzhen, I didn’t want to leave. Had I chosen Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, I might have returned to Türkiye. But I felt Shenzhen is like home,” Akif said, not hiding his fondness of the city.在中国生活了近15年的他，早已融入了这里的生活。他对这座城市的喜爱溢于言表。“来了深圳，就不想离开了。如果当初选择了北京、上海或广州，我可能已经回土耳其了。但深圳让我有了家的感觉。” 
Akif poses for a photo in front of his company.
马瑞克在他的公司前留影。
Like many Shenzhen residents, Akif said he came to the city to work, earn a living, and better his life. This common goal has made his time here very fulfilling. “As for moving elsewhere, I’m not sure I’d find the same level of convenience,” he said.马瑞克说，和许多深圳居民一样，他来到深圳是为了工作、谋生和改善生活。而这个目标让他在这里的生活变得充实。“如果搬到其他地方，我不确定还能不能享受现在这样的便利。” “I feel like 24 hours a day is not quite enough for me,” he joked, noting the city’s growth over the past 14 years and its fast-paced lifestyle.马瑞克也见证深圳14年来的飞速发展和快节奏的生活。“我感觉一天24小时都不够用。”他半开玩笑地说。Akif is most satisfied with the city’s safety, urban management, convenient public transportation that makes getting around the city a breeze, and a clean and hygienic environment that contributes to a high quality of life.马瑞克对深圳的治安、城市管理、便捷的公共交通以及干净卫生的环境感到非常满意，这些都为高质量的生活提供了保障。However, he thinks the city could benefit from an increase in the number of hospitals and schools. “Given the large population, it's imperative that these essential services are expanded to meet growing needs. Despite this, the work that the Shenzhen government has done so far is commendable,” he said.不过，他也认为深圳可以在医院和学校的数量上进一步改善。“考虑到庞大的人口，扩大这些基础设施以满足不断增长的需求是至关重要的。尽管如此，深圳政府至今所做的工作还是很好的。”“Shenzhen is a very good city that not only welcomes Chinese citizens but also embraces international talent, which can help Shenzhen develop better,” Akif added.“深圳是一个伟大的城市，它不仅欢迎中国公民，也拥抱国际人才，这有助于深圳更好地发展。”马瑞克说。A soccer enthusiast since childhood and former soccer player, Akif became actively involved in the local football scene when he arrived in Shenzhen and established the first expat fan association for the Shenzhen Football Club.作为从小就是足球迷的前足球运动员，马瑞克一到深圳就积极参与本地的足球活动，并成立了深圳足球俱乐部的首个外籍球迷协会。Over the years, he has also organized some soccer clubs and participated in the soccer league for expats in Shenzhen.多年来，他还组织了一些足球俱乐部，并参加了深圳外籍人士的足球联赛。Looking ahead, Akif aims to expand his business by opening a factory in Türkiye and leveraging his expertise in electronic components. He is also a strong advocate for closer collaboration between Türkiye and China, believing that there is significant room for growth in their partnership.展望未来，马瑞克计划在土耳其开设工厂，利用他在电子元件领域的专业知识扩大业务。他坚信土耳其与中国的合作有着巨大的发展潜力，并积极推动两国更紧密的合作。
内容来源：ShenzhenDaily
记者：Zhang Yu
