A new word appearing in the Chinese vocabulary just a few years ago is now being heard more frequently. "Haigui", refers to those who return to China after studying overseas. They bring back technology, management skills, and different cultures. Many see them as a symbol of China's growing attraction. Today, we bring the story of Luo Qiyi, a Haigui working in a high tech company in Shanghai.
Shanghai is one of the youngest of China's big cities. This may be why it easily accepts new things, and even actively seeks them out.
Luo Qiyi was aware of that seven years ago. He moved here from North America to Shanghai and joined a company developing interventional and minimally invasive medical devices.
He already had eight years experience in the field.
Luo and his colleagues made it possible for China to produce the devices by itself.
"A company like ours is not only a high-tech business. This small device you see is used as coronary stent. We call it a half-science-half-art thing..."
Even though his family had settled down in the US, Luo didn't reconcile himself to the quiet and well-off life. But it wasn't easy to make the decision to return, either.
Luo Qiyi, Chief technology officer of Microport Medical, said, "First, I came to Shanghai alone, I told my neighbor (in the us) that I work in Shanghai now. He said it's a long long commute. I said yes, as a commuter, I come home once every two months."
Now the Luos are completely settled in Shanghai. Two years ago, Luo and his colleagues won the State Award for Technology Innovation. He's always proud to show the Award certificate to visitors.
Luo Qiyi said, "You are so warmly welcomed, and you feel you are so important, and can do a lot of important work here."
But that doesn't mean he's happy with everything.
"After all the two countries have different systems. sometimes the people here are slow."
Though he has complaints, Luo sees much more that's positive.
"this is a big market for new products. I am very excited for that.."
Microport has several/many Haigui. They are from various provinces, and studied in various countries.
Over the last 30 years, more than 70,000 Haiguis have come to Shanghai, making the city the number one destination for those who have studied overseas.
(CCTV September 1, 2009)
