Factory Worker Becomes First Chinese Head of Global IEEE Group

A man who once operated a grinding machine in a Chinese factory will now lead a prestigious global engineering organization with members in over 160 countries.

Gao Huijun, now a professor at the Harbin Institute of Technology, will become the first person from mainland China to serve as president of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society. The organization, founded in 1951, is a major branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

His path to this position started in rural Heilongjiang province, where he was born to farmworker parents. At 15, he left home to attend technical school in Shaanxi province, studying mechanical manufacturing.

After graduating in 1995, Gao worked as a factory grinder during the day. At night, he studied on his own to earn an associate degree in industrial enterprise management, followed by a bachelor's degree in 1997.

"To get my bachelor's degree, I had to pass 15 courses on my own," Gao later told Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. "I'd take four exams every three months, after work, with no teacher to guide me."

The obstacles were significant. His advanced mathematics and English skills weren't initially at the level needed for postgraduate studies, but he pressed forward anyway.

Why This Inspires

Gao's election breaks new ground for Chinese representation in global scientific leadership. His appointment shows that major international organizations increasingly recognize talent from diverse backgrounds and educational paths.

His story also challenges traditional ideas about academic credentials. While many engineering leaders come from elite universities and straight academic tracks, Gao built his expertise through night classes and sheer persistence while supporting himself with manual labor.

The IEEE Industrial Electronics Society focuses on advancing technology in areas like robotics, automation, and power electronics. Under Gao's leadership, the organization will continue connecting researchers and engineers worldwide to solve practical problems.

From grinding metal parts in a factory to guiding one of engineering's most influential societies, Gao's journey shows that passion and perseverance can open doors that seem permanently closed.