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. Guangzhou Branch — ZHONG Zhuojian: Top Technician, Industry Pace-Setter
ZHONG Zhuojian, from Guangzhou, Guangdong, graduated in Logistics Management from Guangzhou Open University in 2020. He is now Squad Leader of Mechanical Team 2, Crane Section, Production Operations Department, Xingang Port Branch, Guangzhou Port Co., Ltd.
Since joining the port he has honed his skills to perfection, winning provincial and municipal portal-crane operator contests for several times. His honours include National Transport Technical Expert, National May 1st Labour Medal, Guangdong and Guangzhou Technical Expert, Guangdong Staff Economic-Technology Innovation Expert, Huangpu Craftsman, Guangzhou Port Group Gold-Level Expert and the 2022 OUC Outstanding Alumnus.
2. Hunan Branch — YU Xiaolong: Journey of “Lily Prince” to His Dream
YU Xiaolong, graduate of Hunan Open University (Xiangxi Branch) in Agricultural Economic Management (2018) and in Administrative Management (2021), is General Manager of Longshan Yinjiajie Eco-Agriculture Development Co., Ltd. His titles include National May 4th Youth Medal, National Rural Youth Wealth-Creation Leader, Hunan Self-Improvement Model, Hunan Enterprise-Innovation Star, Silver Award in the 7th China International “Internet Plus” College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition National Final, and OUC Outstanding Alumnus.
3. Hunan Branch —SHEN Changjian: Turning a Rapeseed into a Rural Revival Dream
SHEN Changjian, from Baiyun Village, Sixingang Town, Linli County, is enrolled in Administrative Management at Hunan Open University (Changde Branch) since 2022. Deputy to the 13th and 14th National People’s Congress and current President of the Linli County Grain & Oil Development Research Association, he was named “Touching China Top 10 Figure”, “Hunan Most Dream-Chasing Person” and “Hunan Model Worker”.
4. Hunan Branch — BU Weiwei: from CNC Apprentice to National Technical Expert
BU Weiwei, from Xiangtan, Hunan province, is a senior engineer, senior CNC milling technician, machining-centre technician and senior assessor for milling workers, as well as a referee for Hunan and national skills contests. He now serves as Key Skills Leader at Jianglu Machinery Electronics Group Co., Ltd.
Fifteen years on the shop-floor have taken him from ordinary CNC miller to senior engineer of China North Industries Group, specialising in precision CNC milling and technical research. His honours include the 70th Anniversary of the PRC Commemorative Medal, National Technical Expert, National Youth Post Expert, National Excellent Individual for Employment & Entrepreneurship, Hunan Technical Expert, Hunan Youth Post Expert, Hunan May 1st Pioneer, first batch of Xiangtan Outstanding High-Level Talent and first batch of Outstanding Lotus-City Craftsman. In 2024 he received the National May 1st Labour Medal and the OUC Outstanding Alumnus.
By OUC