During its Labour-Appreciation Month in May, the Open University of China (OUC) invited staff and students across its system to share stories of “Craftspeople and Model Workers Around Us.” The call received an enthusiastic response. These stories vividly illustrate how students and staff stay grounded, strive for excellence and devote themselves to serving their communities.
1. Fujian Branch — WANG Cheng: A Courier’s Life of Service
WANG Cheng, an undergraduate in Public Administration (autumn 2024) at the Fujian Branch of the Open University of China (OUC), works as a shuttle courier for SF Express in Fuzhou. Since joining the company in 2019, he has remained dedicated to his front-line role, demonstrating strong commitment in every parcel he handles. His outstanding performance earned him the Fujian May 1st Labour Medal in 2020, the National May 1st Labour Medal in 2024 and the title of National Model Worker in 2025.
2. Ningbo Branch — XIA Youyi: Forging a Career with Skill
XIA Youyi, a Civil Engineering (spring 2020) undergraduate at Ningbo Open University, heads the Zhejiang Erjian Construction Group’s Master-Craftsman Studio. Starting as an ordinary construction-site apprentice, he combined diligence with innovation to grow into an exemplary craftsman for the new era. His honours include “Zhejiang Technical Expert”, “National Housing & Construction Sector Technical Expert”, “National Youth Post Expert”, “Zhejiang Outstanding Craftsperson”, “Zhejiang Top Craftsman for New-Era Contributions”, the Zhejiang May 1st Labour Medal and the National May 1st Labour Medal.
Through diligent study, relentless practice, problem-solving innovation and relentless resolve, XIA Youyi, once ordinary front-line worker, has become one of Zhejiang’s “Top Contributory Craftsmen” – being an epitome of countless infrastructure workforce and an inspiration to front-line workers.
3. Ningbo Branch — SHI Pengfei: Breaking Monopolies with Precision
SHI Pengfei, an undergraduate in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing & Automation (Spring 2025) at Ningbo Open University, is Workshop Director of Ningbo Sinyuan Bur & Tool Co., Ltd. and Vice President of the trade union of the group corporation. Since joining Sinyuan, he has tackled every task with a dedicated mindset. He has also served as a deputy to the 14th Zhejiang Provincial People’s Congress, and earned multiple honours, including “Gangcheng Craftsman in 2020”, “Zhejiang Craftsman in 2021”, Zhejiang May 1st Labour Medal in 2023, Zhejiang Model Worker in 2024, and National Model Worker in 2025.
Passionate about his work, SHI remains rooted in the front-line production and leads his team to develop more precise, intelligent, and efficient dental instruments. His story vividly illustrates that with craftsmanship and perseverance, even the most modest post can yield extraordinary value.
4. School of Medal Castings — LI Yunhu: Always Striving to Be the Best
LI Yunhu is a CPC member, professor-level senior engineer, senior technician, State-Council special-allowance expert and National Model Worker. He holds many titles, including Qilu Craftsman, Chief Qilu Technician of Shandong Province, Shandong Technical Expert, Shandong Light-Industry Chief Technician, Top-Level Craftsman Technician of Shandong Hardware Industry, Shandong May 1st Labour Medal Winner, Shandong Model Worker, China Foundry Master Craftsman, National Technical Expert and Expert Referee (gold-level) of the National Industry Vocational Skills Competition.
For years, LI honed his skills on the workshop floor, eventually becoming a nationally recognised master who has helped raise China's casting industry on the global stage. Staying true to his original aspiration, he passes on his craft, training younger workers into craftspeople and industry pillars. His journey exemplifies the spirit of the striving and continuous growth.
By OUC