A pandemic made us realize: How wonderful it is to gather together at annual events!
None of us could have predicted that as the 2020 New Year bell tolled, the entire nation would be grappling with the pandemic. After spending days at home during the Spring Festival holiday, the impact of the outbreak still prevented a return to work. Suddenly, my mind drifted back to the last large-scale gathering before the pandemic—Oulu’s annual gala—and a wave of warmth surged in my heart, making me realize how much deeper my affection for the company had grown.
On January 18, 2020, Nanjing Oulu Electric Co., Ltd. held its 2019 Summary and Recognition Conference alongside the 2020 New Year Celebration at the Hemantang Grand Hotel. Under the theme “Innovation, Pragmatism, New Vitality, New Journey,” all employees of Nanjing Oulu Electric and Zhongzhi Electric, as well as leaders from various companies in the Zhongzhi Smart Technology Park, gathered together to reflect on the achievements of 2019 and look ahead to the new journey of 2020!
This year's annual event was distinct from previous editions. Prior to the evening celebration, the company organized four indoor team-building activities: Sit to Stand, Fast Reflexes, Magic Spinning Circle, and Flour Relay. These games were designed to alleviate daily work pressure, enhance communication among colleagues, and strengthen team cohesion.
In the Sit to Stand game, team members demonstrated excellent coordination, with most groups completing the challenge within the allotted time.
Fast Reflexes required players to stay highly focused, follow the referee’s commands, and quickly grab bottled water — the team that collected the most bottles won.
Magic Spinning Circle brought endless laughter and kept everyone entertained.
The final game, Flour Relay, was not only creatively named but also innovative in execution. Team members used playing cards held in their mouths to transfer flour, and the group that moved the most flour into a container within the time limit emerged victorious. This activity lasted the longest and allowed everyone to fully enjoy themselves.
The winning teams were from the Frequency Converter Sales Department, the Servo Motor Business Unit, and the Wind Generator Market Department.
At the annual gathering, Mr. Jiang Hua, Chairman of the Board, delivered an inspiring speech. He reviewed the achievements and joyful moments of 2019 with all attendees, acknowledging and affirming the remarkable results and outstanding accomplishments made possible through the collective efforts of the entire Oulu family.
He expressed sincere gratitude and conveyed heartfelt blessings to everyone. At the same time, he outlined the vision and plans for the journey ahead in 2020, filling us with hope and motivation to strive together with unity and dedication, jointly painting an even grander blueprint for Nanjing Oulu Electric.
To enhance the cohesion and centripetal force of all team members and stimulate employees' enthusiasm for work, the company recognized and commended outstanding individuals and groups for their performance in 2019. Honorary certificates and bonuses were awarded across multiple categories, including:
Rising Star, Outstanding Employee Award, Execution Excellence Award, Service Star Award, Outstanding Team Leader Award, Management Star Award, Innovation and Improvement Award, 5S Advanced Group/Individual Award, and Outstanding Performance Progress Award.
These awards represent the leadership’s affirmation and gratitude for the dedication and achievements made by these employees and teams throughout the past year. They serve as role models and a source of inspiration for all of us!
During the awards ceremony, the event was further enlivened with exciting prize draws and an interactive "Shake for Golden Rat Red Packets" session via WeChat. This year's lottery featured five categories of prizes: the Warm-hearted Prize, Fourth Prize, Third Prize, Second Prize, and First Prize.
Unlike previous years, the lottery mechanism was updated: names scrolled rapidly on a large screen, and the guest drew winners by calling out “stop” at random moments. The name displayed on the screen when the scrolling stopped would be the winner. This innovative approach significantly heightened the excitement and engagement of the evening. Every winner was all smiles, radiating joy and adding to the festive atmosphere of the annual gathering.
The "Shake for the Golden Rat" red packet game required participants to shake their phones rapidly as soon as the host gave the signal. The first to finish within the time limit would win cash prizes of varying amounts. We all held our breath, waiting for the host’s command, then shook our phones vigorously — the venue instantly erupted into cheers and excitement.
Whether someone won a major prize or not, we cheered and celebrated together, beaming with joy. For those who didn’t win, the company also thoughtfully prepared exquisite and practical gifts, ensuring everyone received a pleasant surprise.
The 2020 New Year celebration gradually drew to a close as our Chairman led everyone in singing True Hero, bringing a perfect end to the year 2019 amidst unity and shared inspiration.
Looking back at the company annual gala we held before the pandemic—so lively and touching—the time spent together was fulfilling and joyful. They say there is no winter that cannot be overcome, and no spring that will not arrive. We have come through an extraordinary winter; now plants are sprouting, spring mountains are within sight, and the season of renewal is upon us.
The company has now resumed operations. We return to our work and continue to pursue our dreams, striving together with everyone. The pandemic cannot shut out friendship, nor can it lock away our dreams. Go, Oulu! Go, China!