From an ordinary textile worker to a national skills competition champion, then a two-term deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), Wang Xiaofei, senior technician of the Dezhou Hengfeng Group in Dezhou city, has gone through a journey of perseverance and dedication that has shaped her extraordinary path in life.

Born to a modest rural family in Dezhou, East China's Shandong province, Wang started her career as a textile worker after graduating from a technical school in 2003. Thanks to relentless efforts in honing her skills, Wang stood out in the company's selection in 2008, and eventually shined in the national competition, winning the top prize.

Over her two decades in the textile industry, Wang, together with her colleagues, has devised several upgrades to textile production techniques, resulting in a reduction of six workers per shift in a workshop with 43 machines and an increase of over one ton in daily output.

In 2018, Wang was elected as a deputy to the 13th NPC. Recognizing the responsibility, she has maintained close connections with frontline workers and delved deeper into various industries to listen to their voices and understand their concerns.

Wang said that only by getting close to the people at grassroots level can she more effectively propose suggestions, and help address their concerns.

To fulfill her duties, Wang actively participates in training sessions, surveys and inspections, gathering feedback directly from the frontline.

File photo Wang Xiaofei, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), shares her stories of innovating textile techniques and her experiences in serving the people during the fifth session of the 13th NPC, on March 8, 2022.

Based on her surveys, Wang made suggestions to the NPC to improve enterprises' independent identification system for vocational skills, which were well-received by relevant departments.

Her efforts have yielded positive results, with over 1,000 employees in her company benefiting from the system, leading to an increase of skill subsidies, improved benefits, and enhanced sense of fulfillment among workers.

During her terms as an NPC deputy, Wang has visited numerous enterprises and communities, gaining insights into people's concerns and aspirations. Her research on issues facing private enterprises in Binzhou city of Shandong led to the submission of a suggestion to support the better development of private enterprises, which was highly valued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Development and Reform Commission.

File photo In September 2018, Wang Xiaofei, a deputy to the National People's Congress, participates in a survey on compulsory education in rural areas. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

In her seven years as an NPC deputy, Wang has submitted a total of 58 suggestions to the top legislature.

In the past, I mainly focused on my own industry. After becoming an NPC deputy, I began to broaden my horizons, gaining deeper insights into other industries, and striving to enhance my knowledge in legal and political aspects, she said.

Zhang Baoshan contributed to this story.