At Guangxi Guigang Iron and Steel Group Co Ltd in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Huang Chenghui, deputy director of the preparation workshop of the steel rolling plant, has built a reputation for technical excellence and a spirit of perseverance over his 16 years of frontline work at the company.

Huang has played a key part in establishing and developing the roll machining production line from scratch.

His persistent efforts have led to a series of technical breakthroughs. Among them was the transformation of the wire-cut electrical discharge machining conductive system, which significantly extended the lifespan of essential components like molybdenum wires. His innovative approach enhanced the efficiency of the tools and technology by more than 40 percent, earning him the honorable title of "Guigang Craftsman".

Huang Chenghui, a deputy to the National People's Congress, works at the preparation workshop of the steel rolling plant at Guangxi Guigang Iron and Steel Group Co Ltd in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.  [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Reflecting on his career, Huang said that while technical work may appear monotonous, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges and the joy of success make it all worthwhile for him.

In 2023, Huang's dedication to his craft propelled him to the national stage as a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), where he embraced his role as a bridge between the government and the grassroots.

Huang diligently gathered suggestions and opinions from his fellow workers and advocated for their aspirations and concerns at annual NPC sessions.

Through in-depth dialogues and heartfelt exchanges, Huang learned about the pressing need of industrial workers for streamlined pathways for professional advancement.

At the first session of the 14th NPC in 2023, he presented suggestions for eliminating hurdles on career advancement and elevating the status and benefits of skilled workers, which received prompt responses from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, leading to the establishment of a self-assessment mechanism for skilled workers within Guigang Group.

In 2024, Huang broadened his focus to vulnerable groups, as he championed policies to provide incentives and assistance to elderly individuals who have lost their only child, receiving positive feedback from the National Health Commission.

Ahead of this year's NPC session, Huang conducted a meticulous survey, during which he found pressing public concerns about rural healthcare insurance and the emerging challenges faced by workers involved in new forms of employment.

Based on his findings, Huang submitted a set of suggestions to the session on enhancing rural healthcare insurance, safeguarding the rights and interests of workers in new job landscapes and protecting the rights and interests of workers during the upgrading and transformation of the manufacturing industry.

Huang Chenghui (second from the right) discusses with his workmates about technical details. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

As an NPC deputy from the private sector, Huang said he is happy to see the adoption of the Private Sector Promotion Law.

 "I am most delighted that the law provides substantial support for technological innovation in private enterprises," he said.

The law guides private businesses to strengthen fundamental and cutting-edge research, develop core technologies in key fields and promote the development of cutting-edge cross-disciplinary technologies according to national strategic needs, industry development trends and global technological frontiers.

Huang said that private enterprises are highly responsive to market trends. “We react swiftly to market needs. Whatever the market demands, we immediately turn to research and development to adjust and optimize our products,” he said.

Huang Chenghui (second from the right) participates in a research visit in order to make high-quality suggestions to NPC sessions. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Huang suggested that it is necessary to promptly improve policy support to facilitate the effective implementation of the Private Sector Promotion Law.

Particularly, he called for efforts to optimize services, standardizing policy implementation and providing targeted support to alleviate burdens and mitigate risks for private enterprises, thereby assisting them in achieving sustainable development.

Huang Chenghui is interviewed by media outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during the third session of the 14th National People's Congress. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Feng Tian contributed to this story.