Zhu Xiaokun Led Qianxiang People to Stride Forward into a New Countryside

Zhu Xiaokun, Chairman of the Board of Tiangong International, was born in the 1950s. He always tells others, "I am the son of a farmer." At the age of 51, Zhu Xiaokun fully embodies the characteristics of entrepreneurs who grew up in rural areas of his generation: perseverance, diligence, simplicity, kindness, ideals, lofty career aspirations, and a sense of social responsibility.

Zhu Xiaokun started pushing a wheelbarrow and carrying manure at the age of 13. He went to work in the fields at 5 a.m. every day and earned 6-7 work points a day. He still clearly remembers that at that time, he could not eat rice. He would drink a large bowl of porridge in the morning, but feel hungry as soon as he reached the river embankment, and then spend the whole day carrying earth to build the embankment. Living in such difficult conditions, Zhu Xiaokun, with a strong will, made up his mind to lead the villagers out of poverty and bring them a prosperous and peaceful life.

It is perhaps this desire for a happy life and the determination to lead the villagers out of poverty that have kept Zhu Xiaokun from giving up. Since the 1980s, when he took over the village-run enterprise, he has tried various businesses – from hardware manufacturing to copper handles, from plastic bottle caps to long-distance high-power antennas – until finally deciding to focus on high-speed steel cutting tools as the core product. With rapid development in recent years, Tiangong International has become the world's top producer in terms of output of high-speed steel cutting tools and high-speed steel.

While leading Tiangong International to grow stronger, Zhu Xiaokun has also led Qianxiang Village to gradually become prosperous. Entering Qianxiang Village, one can see small bridges over flowing water, green corridors, red flowers and green grass, villas, and cars – a beautiful, civilized, and modern rural community, like a village bathed in idyllic scenery.

Zhu Xiaokun said pragmatically, "I started the enterprise to improve my own life. Now my life is already very good, and personal wealth no longer means much to me. For me, abiding by the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation, respecting the elderly and caring for the young, helping the poor and the weak, and benefiting the hometown people are what make me feel worthy of my conscience and free from guilt."

Today, the elderly in the village not only receive free grain but also RMB 60, 80, or 100 of pocket money every month. During the Spring Festival, the village delivers fish and meat to their homes. The village also organizes trips for the elderly.

In addition to respecting the elderly, Zhu Xiaokun also attaches great importance to caring for children. Qianxiang Village has set up a scholarship program, rewarding students who are admitted to key senior high schools, junior colleges, undergraduate universities, and postgraduate programs. Not long ago, a female college student from the village was admitted to a postgraduate program and received a one-time reward of RMB 20,000.

Qianxiang Village has built a modern elderly apartment and Tiangong Square. To solve the housing problem of thousands of migrant employees, the village has specially built nearly 30 buildings with 450 residential units, each covering an area of over 100 square meters.

"Leading the villagers and employees to become prosperous together is a kind of happiness!"

Zhu Xiaokun said. "I don't play cards or dance, and I have no fashionable hobbies. I love my work. Now life is better, and leading the villagers to become prosperous together brings me great happiness!"