Wang Mengping, 24, a Hani woman from Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (in Southwest China's Yunnan Province), is the conductor of the China-Laos Lane Xang EMU (electric multiple unit) train. She is the youngest Chinese conductor working in Laos. As she has developed her career during the past several years, she has taken delight in witnessing the rapid development of the China-Laos Railway.

Youngest Conductor 

During the past decade, China has experienced rapid development in its rail infrastructure and industry. That, in turn, has promoted economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between Chinese and residents of other countries. Wang is an outstanding example of the numerous cadres and workers (with organizations related to railway transportation services) who have made tremendous contributions to the promotion of China's rail development during the past decade. 

In 2017, Wang enrolled in the Lao department, at Kunming Metallurgy College (in Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan Province). Two years later, she was sent to the National University of Laos, as one of the exchange students between China and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Since then, she has had a deep bond with the Laos.

During the summer of 2020, Wang began working at China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co. Ltd., under China Railway Corporation. In September 2021, she applied to work in Laos after she learned the company planned to send some employees to Laos to participate in the construction of the China-Laos Railway. 

"The China-Laos Railway is not only a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013), but it is also a flagship project of the deep friendship between Chinese and Lao people ... I, a Party (Communist Party of China) member, should become a forerunner of building the cultural bridge between China and Laos," Wang says. 

During the past year, she has witnessed the rapid development of the China-Laos Railway. Now, Wang, 24, is the conductor of the China-Laos Lane Xang EMU train. She is the youngest Chinese conductor working in Laos.

Becoming Ideal Self 

Wang will never forget December 3, 2020. That was the day she joined the Party. The China-Laos Railway started operation one year later, on December 3, 2021. "I take pride in witnessing the rapid development of the China-Laos Railway," Wang says. Many of her colleagues have been impressed by her strong sense of responsibility, and by her eagerness to learn. Wang was determined to make constant efforts to improve the services on the China-Laos Lane Xang EMU train.

Given her persevering efforts to realize her life's goal, and to pursue her dream, Wang has gradually become her ideal self. "As a Party member, I have felt obliged to do my bit to promote national development and prosperity. Only when our mother country becomes a prosperous, powerful State, can our small families live in peace and harmony," says Wang.

Despite her tight schedule, Wang manages to find time to read books, to broaden her vision and increase her knowledge. 

In the report to the 20th CPC (Communist Party of China) National Congress (held in Beijing in October 2022), Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed China will promote high-standard opening up. "We will steadily expand institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards," Xi has been quoted as saying. He also stressed China will accelerate its transformation into a trader of quality, promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and make endeavors to preserve the diversity and stability of the international economic landscape, including economic and trade relations. 

Keeping in mind the spirit of the congress, Wang maintains a realistic, down-to-earth work attitude. "I will work harder to promote the construction of the China-Laos Railway," she says. 

Women of China (WOC) recently interviewed Wang. 

The following is an excerpt of that interview:

WOC: How does it feel being the youngest Chinese conductor on the China-Laos Lane Xang EMU train?

Wang: I'm lucky I have had the opportunity to contribute my wisdom and strength to the promotion of the construction of the China-Laos Railway. As I try my best to solve difficulties in my work, I receive immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. 

WOC: Compared with men, what advantages do women have in working as train conductors? 

Wang: I believe women conductors have advantages in providing quality services to passengers. For example, the women tend to be thoughtful and warm-hearted, and they have good communication and coordination skills. Also, women tend to be more careful than men, and women can cope with a sudden crisis and potential risk rapidly.

WOC: What can train conductors do to improve their work?

Wang: Train conductors should strive to increase their professional knowledge, so they can guarantee trains' safe operation. They should also try their best to improve work efficiency.

Photos Supplied by the Women's Federation of Xishuangbanna, Yang Yongquan and Interviewee 

(Women of China English Monthly March 2023 issue)