On 2 March 2026, ZHU Xianbo, an outstanding alumnus of the Open University of China (OUC), was named a 2025 “Great Country Craftsman Person of the Year”, for his exceptional technical achievements and craftsmanship. The selection was jointly organised by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and China Media Group.

ZHU Xianbo has long been dedicated to working on the front line of production and scientific research. He has contributed to over 100 vessel constructions, participated in more than 20 major national research projects, resolved over 70 welding technical bottlenecks, and improved more than 40 welding processes. His accolades include 14 national patents, three awards from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation for scientific and technological progress, and over 100 innovation achievements at provincial, municipal, and corporate levels.

In recent years, through his workshops including “Model Worker Innovation Studio” and “National Skills Master Studio”, ZHU Xianbo has led his team to deliver education and training, including more over 5,000 teaching hours, benefiting more than 150,000 participants. The courses cover theory, practical operation, the cultivation of craftsmanship, and so on.

ZHU Xianbo has mentored an impressive cohort of talent, including 1 “'Great Country Craftsman, 5 national technical experts, 1 skills leader for the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, 4 recipients of the Liaoning Province May Day Labour Medal, over 150 specialist welders, and 13 champions of various national welding skills competitions. He has trained over 3,000 special equipment welders in total. 80% of Dalian's senior shipbuilding welders have learned under his guidance. His original welding operation training has increased the examination pass rate from 30% to 90%, injecting strong momentum into the development of the industry.

During his time at the university, ZHU Xianbo systematically studied professional knowledge and cultivated solid practical abilities and an innovative spirit, which laid a firm foundation for him to become a top-tier craftsman. Through his actions, he has embodied the spirit of the “Great Country Craftsman”, demonstrated the calibre of Open University students, and brought honour to his alma mater. His achievements are not only a personal glory but also a source of pride for all students of the OUC, and they will inspire more members of the Open University community to study diligently and strive for excellence.

Profile

ZHU Xianbo enrolled in the Mechatronics and Automation programme at the Dalian branch of the Open University of China (OUC) in the autumn of 2017. He is currently a ship welder at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. under the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, where he also serves as the corporation's chief technician. He is the leader of the “ZHU Xianbo Model Worker Innovation Studio” and the “WANG Guoquan Skills Master Studio”, and has participated in the construction of several key projects. His honours include National Model Worker, “Great Country Craftsman” talent, the National May Day Labour Medal, and National Technical Expert. He also receives a special government allowance from the State Council.

By Foundation Secretariat (Alumni Liaison Office)

Published: 5 March 2026