Dressed in his signature gray work uniform and sporting a pair of frameless glasses, Yao Jinjian, director of the Machining Department of the Trial Production Engineering Research Institute of Gotion High-tech Co in Hefei, East China's Anhui province, is widely regarded as an energetic, passionate and down-to-earth industrial worker in the new era.

Born in a village in Tongcheng city in 1989, Yao's journey toward becoming a key player in China's new energy industry began in 2016, when he joined Gotion High-tech, where he was assigned to learn from experienced mentors in the fields of lithium battery equipment and tooling development. In his early years, he dedicated himself relentlessly to master the intricacies of battery production, laying a foundation for his future work.

In 2019, Yao took the lead in establishing a tooling development and design team within the company. Under his efforts, the team successfully developed a series of new tools and equipment that significantly enhanced the efficiency and quality of lithium battery production. In less than five years, the team filed nearly a hundred patents.

One of Yao's most notable achievements came in 2023 when his team made a breakthrough in non-destructive recycling technology for lithium battery modules, a development that filled a critical gap in the industry.

"When I realized that even a small innovative change could directly improve product quality and benefit people's lives, I knew that this was the true driving force behind innovation," he said.

Yao Jinjian (middle), director of the Machining Department of the Trial Production Engineering Research Institute of Gotion High-tech in Hefei, East China's Anhui province, and a deputy to the National People's Congress, talks with workmates about product development. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Yao's dedication to continuous improvement is evident in his daily work, which includes conducting inspecting the lithium battery production lines twice a day. From checking the tightness of screws to examining the wear on positioning pins, Yao ensures that potential issues are identified and resolved before they can disrupt production.

Since his election as a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) in 2023, Yao has embraced his role as a speaker for his community, advocating for the advancement of China's new energy industry through both technological innovation and policy support.

During the NPC session in 2023, Yao proposed establishing a public platform for the export of new energy products and reducing export tariffs, which received positive responses from relevant government departments.

Last year, Yao turned his attention to the development of electrochemical energy storage and the promotion of new energy heavy-duty trucks. He emphasized the importance of strengthening policy support for strategic emerging industries, particularly in the area of new energy storage.

Yao noted that China's leading position in electrochemical energy storage technology should be leveraged to establish a new energy storage standard system that suits China's national conditions and in line with international practice, thereby driving the high-quality development of the industry.

He stressed the need to advance enterprise-driven technological innovation, with companies playing a central role in decision-making, research and development, and the transformation of scientific achievements into industrial applications.

He also advocated for increased investment in research and development by private enterprises, encouraging them to explore cutting-edge technologies and pursue original, groundbreaking innovations.

Yao Jinjian (second from right), director of the Machining Department of the Trial Production Engineering Research Institute of Gotion High-tech Co in Hefei, East China's Anhui province, and a deputy to the National People's Congress, talks with workmates about product technology. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

His vision includes fostering a deep integration of innovation, industry, capital and talent chains, with a focus on supporting both leading enterprises and small- and medium-sized tech companies.

Beyond his technical contributions, Yao is deeply committed to nurturing the future generation of engineers and technicians. He acts as an enthusiastic mentor for many young people, sharing his experiences and promoting the value of careers in manufacturing.

"China is a manufacturing powerhouse with a complete industrial chain," he said.

"There is a great need for engineers, technicians, and skilled workers. Graduates entering the manufacturing sector have immense potential to contribute and have a promising future.”

Emphasizing the importance of practical research and understanding the needs of industries and enterprises, he encouraged his peers to actively engage in research and study and act as advocates for the development of the real economy and the manufacturing sector.

Yao Jinjian (right), director of the Machining Department of the Trial Production Engineering Research Institute of Gotion High-tech Co in Hefei, East China's Anhui province, and a deputy to the National People’s Congress, works with his workmate on tooling product. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

As this year's NPC session approaches, Yao is diligently preparing his suggestions, which he said will focus on the continued development of the new energy industry and pressing issues such as workers' education and healthcare.

"I strive to ensure that every suggestion I put forward is grounded in reality, reflects the concerns of the people and ultimately leads to tangible improvement in people's lives," he said.

Wang Ping and He Renxuan contributed to this story.