At 62, he answered the call, steering China's "heart": The profound insights from the legendary life of Jiang Shangzhou

At 62, he answered the call, steering China's "heart": The profound insights from the legendary life of Jiang ShangzhouStill worrying about your luck? Jiang Shangzhou's story might offer a new perspective. This legendary figure, who took the helm of China's chip manufacturing industry at the age of 62, has a life story more captivating than any drama, brimming with valuable life wisdom

At 62, he answered the call, steering China's "heart": The profound insights from the legendary life of Jiang Shangzhou

Still worrying about your luck? Jiang Shangzhou's story might offer a new perspective. This legendary figure, who took the helm of China's chip manufacturing industry at the age of 62, has a life story more captivating than any drama, brimming with valuable life wisdom. His life is full of dramatic turns, from top student to farmer, from technical expert to reform pioneer, ultimately becoming a "steadying force" for China's chip industry. Let's retrace the turbulent journey of this legendary figure, exploring the secrets behind his success and the profound lessons he leaves behind.

I. A Top Student's "Metamorphosis": From Ivory Tower to the Fields

Born in 1947 into a revolutionary familyhis father, Jiang Yizhen, later became the governor of Fujian ProvinceJiang Shangzhou enjoyed a privileged upbringing and a strong academic environment, laying a solid foundation for his studies. He displayed exceptional talent from a young age, consistently topping his classes and becoming a standout student.

From Longyan, Fujian to Beijing No. 4 High School, and then to Tsinghua University's Department of Radio Engineering, Jiang Shangzhou's academic path was seemingly smooth. Admission to Tsinghua University, in that era, was a coveted honor, and his future appeared bright. However, fate played a cruel trick.

In 1966, the "ten-year period of upheaval" shattered the peaceful campus life. Jiang Shangzhou had to put down his beloved textbooks, leave the ivory tower, and join the tide of the times. He was assigned to a factory, starting with the simplest operations and gradually mastering complex processes. His hands, once smooth and fair, became calloused, but he never complained. He understood that labor was glorious, and knowledge needed practical application to reach its full potential.

Later, he was sent to the countryside, living and working alongside farmers, experiencing the hardship of "sweat dripping onto the soil." He bent his back, learning to plow, sow, and harvest, feeling the warmth of the land and understanding the farmers' hard work. This unique experience gave him a deeper understanding of society and life.

Despite the turmoil and uncertainty, Jiang Shangzhou never gave up learning. Amidst the roar of the factory and in the rural fields, he seized every opportunity to read voraciously, constantly enriching his knowledge. He knew that knowledge is power, and only through continuous learning could he better adapt to the changes and development of the times. This experience not only tempered his will but also laid a solid foundation for his future success. He considered this period a valuable asset, drawing life's wisdom and strength from it.

II. A Turning Point: Returning to School, Going Overseas

The restoration of the college entrance examination system in 1978 marked a turning point in Jiang Shangzhou's life. With his solid foundation and years of self-study, he was admitted to Tsinghua University for postgraduate studies. Years of hard work finally paid off, a great encouragement for him. Even more surprisingly, he won a scholarship for overseas study.

In 1979, Jiang Shangzhou embarked on his studies in Switzerland, attending the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich's Institute for Communication Technology. In Switzerland, he dedicated himself to his studies and research, tirelessly exploring the mysteries of communication technology. His talent and hard work earned him the recognition of his professors and classmates.

In 1987, Jiang Shangzhou received his doctorate and returned to his homeland, joining the Foreign Investment Enterprise Management Bureau of the State Economic Commission. Here, he applied his advanced knowledge and management experience gained abroad to his work, contributing to the country's economic development. This overseas experience broadened his horizons and laid a solid foundation for his future career. He considered this an indispensable part of his life, integrating it into his personal philosophy.

III. "Want Land? Don't See the Mayor, See the Market!": From Technical Expert to Reform Pioneer

If the first 30 years of his life were a period of accumulating strength for future success, then the next 20 years were a time of achieving remarkable accomplishments in various positions.

In 1991, at the beginning of Hainan's establishment as a province, there was a great need for talent. Jiang Shangzhou, as an expert, was sent to Hainan to participate in economic planning. He keenly realized that land resources were invaluable assets for Hainan's development and needed to be used rationally. He boldly proposed the idea of establishing a land trading center and personally led the team in in-depth research, ultimately promoting the establishment of China's first land trading center.

To break down old ideas and promote the market-oriented allocation of land resources, Jiang Shangzhou proposed the slogan "Want land? Don't see the mayor, see the market!", which caused a sensation at the time. He firmly believed that only through market forces could land resources reach their maximum value. Under his leadership, Hainan's land trading market gradually became standardized and transparent, injecting new vitality into Hainan's economic development. Jiang Shangzhou was therefore hailed as "the first person in China to auction land."

In 1997, Jiang Shangzhou was appointed Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Economic Commission. In his new role, he continued to demonstrate his boldness, innovation, and actively promoted Shanghai's reform and opening up and economic construction, contributing his wisdom and strength to Shanghai's rise. This experience demonstrated his outstanding leadership and innovative spirit, laying a solid foundation for his later leadership of SMIC.

IV. At 62, Answering the Call, Steering China's "Heart": The "Steadying Force" of China's Chip Industry

2009 was a challenging year for both Jiang Shangzhou and China's chip industry. SMIC was in trouble and urgently needed a capable and decisive leader to guide the company out of its predicament. At that time, Jiang Shangzhou was 62 years old and suffering from a serious illness.

Faced with this situation, many advised him to rest and enjoy his retirement, but Jiang Shangzhou resolutely accepted the challenge, because he knew the importance of SMIC to China's chip industry and understood his responsibility and mission. "I cannot retreat; I must step forward!" This was the truest reflection of Jiang Shangzhou's heart at that time.

After taking office, despite his illness, he tirelessly devoted himself to his work. He went to the front lines, understanding the company's operating conditions and market demands, and formulated a series of practical development strategies. He led the company's team to overcome difficulties, constantly innovating, and ultimately led SMIC out of its predicament, achieving profitability and promoting the company's continuous growth.

Under Jiang Shangzhou's leadership, SMIC not only made technological breakthroughs but also gained international respect. He was like a "steadying force," protecting the development of China's chip industry. This experience showcased his strong sense of responsibility and mission, as well as his outstanding leadership and strategic vision.

Jiang Shangzhou passed away in 2011 at the age of 64. His life was full of legend, leaving behind a precious spiritual wealth. He used his actions to interpret what responsibility, dedication, and contribution mean.

V. Reflections on Jiang Shangzhou's Story

Jiang Shangzhou's life is like a captivating film, full of drama and tension. Throughout his life, he experienced the changes of the times and the twists of fate, but he always maintained an optimistic spirit, a diligent attitude toward learning, and the courage to take responsibility, ultimately realizing his life's value.

His story also prompts us to reflect on life: In a rapidly changing world, how do we maintain our enthusiasm for learning and continuously improve our abilities? When faced with life's choices, how do we make the right decisions and bravely shoulder our responsibilities? When encountering difficulties and setbacks, how do we maintain an optimistic attitude and steadfastly move toward our goals?

Jiang Shangzhou's story tells us that there are no shortcuts in life. Only by working diligently, continually learning, and striving for progress can we create our own brilliant lives! His spirit will inspire generation after generation to contribute to national development and national rejuvenation. His life is an inspirational legend worthy of repeated study and contemplation.

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