Me and the Expo
As the Expo is drawing closer, Haibao, mascot of the 2010 Shanghai world Expo, can be seen everywhere. I feel proud for being part of Shanghai and, thinking of my Expo experience starting from seven years ago, I’m far more eager than people around me to witness this great event. More importantly, I feel proud that GM is the official automobile partner of Expo 2010 along with our joint venture partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC). I’m pleased to have the opportunity to be part of the Expo and believe this is going to be a once-in-lifetime experience.
Seven years ago, after strict careening, I was chosen with another girl Zhang Fan to join the Chinese delegation to bid for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. At that time, I was a student learning French at Fudan University. With Vice-Premier Li Lanqing and State Councilor Wu Yi, we visited Paris in France and Monte Carlo in Monaco and did a three-minute final statement in front of the International Exhibitions Bureau officials and other national representatives, expressing Chinese young people’s passion for the Expo. This short statement was fully affirmed by the public, who said our excellent performance laid a foundation for the final success of Shanghai bidding. Looking back, I would like to say that the statement was just a true expression of our inner feelings and that every young man or women in Shanghai would have done what we did for this city.
"Sister Flowers" chosen
To select the right representatives to bid for the Expo, a large group of judges were organized including foreign ministry officials, university French professors, and television directors and so on. Contestants were judged in an all-around way in terms of professional ability, thoughtfulness, temperament and adaptability. After layers of screening, Zhang Fan and I won the glory for being beautiful, passionate, confident, open-minded, and infectious, which well represented Chinese youth in modern times. Besides, we were both fluent in French, and were local in Shanghai, which enabled us a deep understanding of everything happening in the city.
Then followed a month-long training, which was very memorable. With the help of professors from Fudan University and SISU (Shanghai International Studies University), we worked hard on the wording of the statement, which was subject to modification according to effects of our rehearsals; we learned relevant background knowledge about the State Development Council and the Shanghai World Expo application; several excellent TV anchormen were sent to help with our appearance and behavior. In order to show the best of ourselves, we adhered to strict work schedules and food standards. We had no water after 9pm and no meet in the whole month. We also tried to recognize all the faces of the State Council staff. Considering the overall image of the two, Zhang Fan cut her hair short, while I made my long hair straight, which turned out to be great.
The three-minute statement a big success
On July 2, 2002, Zhang Fan and I showed up in Bureau of International Expositions in Paris, France. Our three-minute presentation was the trump card in the last thirty minutes’ bidding for the 2010 World Expo, which entitled "youth as our evidence, the Shanghai World Expo will be a wonderful surprise to the world!" It was from media reports later that I got to know we did a wonderful job, the report said:
Taking their youth as evidence, the two beautiful young ladies won enthusiastic applause from the International Exhibitions Bureau and other delegates. Their hard work pays off. Their brilliant presentation not only displays the oriental beauty, but also demonstrates their passion, open-mindedness and self-confidence.
When a reporter asked if I was nervous, my answer was, “I was nervous when sitting in the audience because that was the first time I witness such a big event, but I became confident when I saw State Councilor Wu Yi and other delegation members, who had given wonderful speeches and received warm applause from the audience. I realized that moment was not only about us, but also about all Chinese youth behind us." Zhang Fan and I shook hands before going onto the stage--- we want to bring the enthusiasm and expectations from 7.2 million university students and 91 million secondary school students in China to the audience.
After that, I appeared at the Shanghai booth in the Monaco International Exhibitions Bureau, introducing Shanghai to the world. At 22:30 Beijing time, December 3, 2002, an exciting voice resounded in Monte Carlo, Monaco - "China Shanghai". I witnessed the success of the Shanghai World Expo bidding at the very moment, which I will never forget. Before that representatives of the International Exhibitions Bureau was in the conference room voting, while everyone else were in the lobby waiting, holding their breath. When the result finally came out, the venue became a red ocean--- the Shanghai delegation members, Chinese students and compatriots from around the world all shouted and hugged and waved the bright Chinese national flag in happiness, they also spontaneously grouped together to send their gratitude to the delegates for choosing Shanghai.
Seven years later, GM and I, and GM and the Expo
Today, I am a member of GM. GM will soon have its own Expo pavilion through co-operation with SAIC. I’m looking forward to be part of it, and be a volunteer to introduce to my colleagues and friends about the history of the Expo, and how GM is going to display the contribution auto industry has made to urban development and human life. This will be the continuation of my experience with the Expo! I'd like to thank GM for giving me this opportunity. I wish a big success for the EXPO and for GM !
