Hong Kong youngster taps fresh rural experiences

YINCHUAN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tong Chun Wai, a 35-year-old Hong Kong citizen, has found a new career in a village at the foot of the Helan Mountain in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

"After working at the grass-roots level for a year, I have truly participated in the national campaign of rural vitalization and learned a precious lesson in the countryside," said Tong.

Tong graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and started his own business in his home city before pursuing a master's degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

What amazed his friends and families was his decision afterward -- to work in Yinchuan, Ningxia's capital city, as a grass-roots cadre.

"I just wanted to have a deeper understanding of the mainland and do something meaningful," he said.

Tong's new post was in Xingsheng Village, where he works as an assistant to the village head.

The work at the grassroots level is sharply different from what he did in his own business. He needs to undertake all kinds of detailed and time-consuming tasks, from writing job briefings to helping villagers apply for social insurance.

"Initially, I was a bit frustrated, as the work here needs more patience, attention, and time than I imagined. But I've constantly been adapting myself to the new post as I know I need to be with the villagers to understand their real needs," he said.

Tong made full use of his talents to help local residents make a better life.

After finding that the vegetables and fruits grown in the village's greenhouses were low-value-added varieties, Tong contacted strawberry growers from east China's Jiangsu Province and rented out the greenhouses to them at much higher prices.

"It's more convincing to show them the result than just windbaggery. Many of the residents are still sitting on the fence, but we've made it very clear that we would offer unconditional technological support as long as they're willing to grow strawberries. We also take charge of the sales of the fruit," he said.

Education is another sector Tong pays much attention to. This summer, an after-curriculum class, which he had planned for a long time, opened smoothly, providing free teaching of mathematics, English, and Chinese culture to about 80 pupils.

To Tong, coming to the northwestern region was a move following his inner voice.

"Money has never been the only goal in life," said Tong. "I will stick to the path I've chosen and fully participate in the rural vitalization drive."