While students and faculty go about their daily routines, a dedicated group of logistics workers quietly ensures that every light is on, every meal is warm, and every corner of the campus stays clean. This International Workers' Day, we spotlight their stories, their devotion, and the heartbeat they provide to Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU).
Yin Yinghong: A Dormitory Guardian Who Brings the Feeling of Home
Yin Yinghong
Yin Yinghong has served as a residential guardian at SYSU for nine years, drawn to the role by the campus's warm and welcoming environment. Her daily mission is to ensure students feel safe and supported.
A student once fell seriously ill on campus, and Yin quickly coordinated emergency care to ensure the student received prompt treatment. When the student returned, Yin brought them homemade soup. "It felt like home," the student told her—words that have stayed with her ever since.
Looking ahead, Yin hopes to be the 'family member' students can turn to. "No matter what challenges they face, my door is always open," she said.
On this International Workers' Day, Yin adds: "This school is our shared home. Those going home can rest easy because we are watching over your 'home away from home.' And for those staying here—if you need anything, just let me know."
Li Dongsheng: Eight Years of Silent Dedication to Campus Safety
Li Dongsheng
Li Dongsheng, a security officer at the Safety and Security Office of SYSU, has been faithfully served at the administrative building on the South Campus for the past eight years. In his role, he focuses on ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment for faculty and staff. Through years of experience, he has developed a unique skill—by closely observing the micro-expressions and body language of visitors, he can effectively distinguish between those who are legitimately entering the building for work and those from outside who may intend to disrupt the office order.
Looking ahead, Li is committed to improving his academic qualifications and professional skills to better support the university community.
"The smiles on your faces are what make our guardianship worthwhile," Li said, encapsulating his dedication to the campus he serves.
Zheng Ronghai: Keeping the Lights On at SYSU
Zheng Ronghai
Zheng Ronghai, a former soldier and now the head of the maintenance team on North Campus, has worked at SYSU for 13 years since his honorable discharge from the military in 2012. Leveraging skills honed during his previous military service, he has served as a dedicated frontline electrician, ensuring the university's power infrastructure runs smoothly.
He recalls one of his most memorable moments: when a laboratory suffered a sudden power outage, Zheng rushed to repair the circuit without delay, quickly restoring electricity and allowing faculty and students to resume their experiments uninterrupted.
Looking to the future, Zheng hopes to grow further in his role and lead more young workers in building a stronger, more reliable power support system for education.
As International Workers' Day approaches, his commitment remains unchanged: "Hope I can ensure a smooth power supply this Labor Day too," he said.
Dong Yaokun: Caring for the Green Heart of the Campus
Dong Yaokun
Dong Yaokun has been a landscaping worker at SYSU for four years. With a background in horticultural management, he chose this job because the campus—rich with ancient trees and diverse plant species—offered the perfect ground for growth and learning.
One moment stands out: during a heavy rainstorm last year, Dong discovered a fallen tree blocking a campus road during a midnight inspection. He quickly organized an emergency team to trim, straighten, and clear the area. "Even in the downpour, we didn't feel tired," he recalled. "We just wanted to make sure the road was safe and clear."
"This International Workers' Day, we'll continue caring for the campus greenery," Dong says. "We welcome everyone to come and enjoy the beauty of SYSU."
Lin Toumei: Quietly Keeping the Campus Clean
Lin Toumei
Lin Toumei has worked as a campus cleaner at SYSU for over a decade, finding happiness in seeing students study in a clean and tidy environment. Her daily tasks include routine cleaning and enhanced disinfection to maintain hygiene. She takes pride in maintaining not just cleanliness, but a healthy, welcoming space for both students and staff.
As International Workers' Day arrives, she shares a simple message: "Ordinary workers quietly dedicate themselves to their posts every day. It's labor that makes life better."
Liang Weixiong: The Culinary Heart Behind Songtaoyuan Canteen
Liang Weixiong
For the past five years, Liang Weixiong has served as the head chef of the Songtaoyuan canteen at SYSU. A lifelong passion for cooking drew him to the role, and he has since found great pride in bringing his culinary skills to the campus community.
His most memorable moment is leading a major food festival during the university's centennial celebration. From menu planning to the final presentation, Liang and his team paid attention to every detail. "Seeing the satisfied smiles on the faces of leaders, alumni, students, and parents when they tasted our dishes—there's no better feeling than that," he recalled, noting the pride that comes from blending tradition with creativity.
Looking toward the future, Liang hopes to create meals that are not only delicious but also healthy and innovative.
As International Workers' Day approaches, his thoughts turn to his colleagues: "I want to say a heartfelt thank you to my team. Their daily hard work is what brings warm, flavorful meals to our campus community."
Chen Xiaolong: Keeping the Wheels Turning at Shenzhen Campus
Chen Xiaolong
Chen Xiaolong has dedicated over a year to keeping transportation running smoothly at SYSU's Shenzhen Campus. Previously working in Chengdu, Chen now takes charge of battery replacements, charging, and vehicle maintenance for the campus fleet.
"I really enjoy what I do," Chen says. "My goal is simple—do the job well."
Colleagues and supervisors praise Chen for his meticulous dedication, noting his consistent efforts. "His commitment ensures campus shuttles and shared bikes operate seamlessly, forming a vital link in our daily campus life," according to his supervisor.
As International Workers' Day dawns, we pay tribute to the unsung heroes of SYSU—those whose quiet dedication ensures our campus remains safe, clean, and vibrantly alive. Their tireless efforts breathe life into every corner of this institution, transforming routine tasks into acts of care that sustain our academic home. To each of these devoted workers: thank you for making SYSU a place we all take pride in calling our own. Your labor is the foundation upon which our shared journey thrives.
Writer: Fang Biling
Photographer: Chen Kaijia, Wang Zhongxi, Chen Caiming, Wang Xichen, Li Zheng Qian, Zhang Yan
