As golden autumn ushers in a new journey, warmth fills the heart. With the promising arrival of the 2026 fall semester, the Group’s headquarters is brimming with a heartfelt sense of home. On the morning of August 29, the “Building Growth—Love Knows No Time Difference” symposium for overseas employees’ families and children was held in a spirit of warmth and camaraderie. Attending the event were Zhang Xiangyang, Chairman of the Group; Zhong Yiming, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee; Chen Guoli, Vice General Manager and General Manager of the Overseas Branch; Li Guang, Vice General Manager and General Manager of the UAE Branch; and Guo Qiyun, Chairman of the Trade Union and Chief Economist, among other leaders. Heads of relevant headquarters departments, management personnel from the overseas branch headquarters, as well as representatives of overseas employees’ families and children from the Nantong region gathered together to share bonds between home and enterprise and to discuss growth and steadfast commitment. The symposium was chaired by Wang Xiaqian, Vice Chairwoman of the Trade Union.

At the outset of the event, under the guidance and explanations of Guo Qiyun, Chairman of the Trade Union, family members and children jointly toured the Group’s 70th‑anniversary exhibition. Through a series of precious historical photographs and an array of remarkable project achievements, the exhibition vividly retraced Nantong Construction’s seven-decade journey of continuous legacy and relentless progress, allowing attendees to deeply appreciate the original aspirations and sense of responsibility of their parents as they took root in the construction industry and pursued their dreams overseas.

At the symposium, Chairman Guo Qiyun delivered a heartfelt address. On behalf of the Group’s trade union, he extended a warm welcome and profound respect to the families and children of overseas employees. He noted that over more than four decades of international expansion, generation after generation of Nantong Construction workers have ventured across the seas, working tirelessly and striving for excellence, thereby enhancing the global reputation of Nantong Construction. Behind these achievements lies the quiet support and unwavering encouragement of every family. He encouraged the children to take their parents as role models, set ambitious goals, hone solid skills, and transform their parents’ spirit of perseverance into the confidence needed for personal growth, so that they may mature into capable individuals and contribute to the nation at an early stage. At the same time, he pledged that the Group’s trade union will continue to serve as a caring “family” to all employees, providing meticulous and comprehensive services and safeguards, ensuring that overseas staff can work with peace of mind, their families feel reassured, and their children enjoy a happy childhood.

Zhang Xiyang, Deputy General Manager of the overseas branch and Chairman of the Trade Union, gave a detailed briefing to all attendees on the Group’s strategic roadmap for overseas business development. Through vivid photographs of actual project sites and compelling footage from construction sites, the children gained a firsthand glimpse of their parents’ dedicated work far from home, while family members came to better understand the overseas working environment their loved ones face, deeply appreciating the sense of responsibility and steadfast commitment that spans mountains and seas.

The segment featuring speeches by children and family representatives was filled with warmth and deeply moving. Three students from different school‑age groups shared their personal stories of growth: Li Tianxi, a third‑grader at Chaohui Primary School, expressed her understanding of her father in simple, heartfelt words; Meng Yan, a freshman at Rugao Middle School, offered reflections on self‑discipline and diligent study, bringing great comfort to her father who works in the United Arab Emirates; and Zhang Ziyi, a first‑year university student at Nantong University, recalled childhood visits to see her family and the long‑awaited reunion with her father after the pandemic, showcasing the resilient character unique to the children of construction workers.

The remarks delivered by the three family representatives were equally moving. Li Jia, a professor at Nantong University and a national Level‑II psychological counselor, captured the shared sentiments of countless overseas employees’ families with three key words: “understanding, steadfast support, and companionship.” Shao Jingjing recounted the quiet sacrifices she has made as a healthcare worker, single-handedly shouldering the heavy responsibilities of her household. Meanwhile, Chen Lingwei, a client manager at China Life Insurance, shared her unwavering commitment to balancing her professional duties with devotedly nurturing her child’s growth. Each heartfelt statement and every warm word touched the hearts of all in attendance, profoundly conveying the arduous struggles of overseas builders and the invaluable spirit of selfless dedication exhibited by their families.

Chen Guoli, Deputy General Manager of the Group and General Manager of its overseas subsidiary, delivered a speech. Drawing on more than a decade of experience working abroad, he deeply appreciates the hard work of frontline employees overseas and is profoundly grateful for the quiet sacrifices made by their families. Reflecting on the Group’s journey in international operations, he extended his heartfelt respect to all employees stationed overseas and to their families, who have provided steadfast support. He emphasized that the company will always be the strongest backing for its overseas staff and their loved ones, and pledged to continue organizing such caring initiatives. Finally, he wished all family members peace and prosperity, and the children good health, happiness, and robust growth.

Finally, Zhang Xiangyang, Chairman of the Group, delivered a concluding address. On behalf of the Group, he extended sincere gratitude to the families who have long stood by and supported the company’s overseas operations, offered warm wishes to the dedicated students of JianGong University, and paid high tribute to all cadres and employees working on the front lines abroad.

Chairman Zhang Xiangyang pointed out that this year marks the 74th anniversary of Nantong Construction Engineering Group. Generation after generation of its employees has carried forward the corporate spirit of “hard work and pioneering, daring to lead,” taking root in Nantong, expanding nationwide, and venturing overseas. At present, the Group is firmly implementing its eight-character business strategy of “shrinkage, cost reduction, capability building, and international expansion,” with overseas markets now serving as a crucial strategic pillar for the company’s high‑quality development. These achievements, attained across mountains and seas, are the result of the tireless efforts of our overseas staff—and they would not have been possible without the selfless dedication of their families, who uphold filial piety, manage households, and nurture talent with care. It is precisely the steadfast support of these home‑front families that enables our overseas teams to focus wholeheartedly on overcoming challenges; meanwhile, even in an environment where daily companionship is scarce, their children have grown increasingly mature and resilient.

Chairman Zhang Xiangyang emphasized that putting people first and caring for employees has always been the unwavering guiding principle of Nantong Construction. This symposium and exchange event is not only a heartwarming gathering that brings colleagues together in a spirit of familial warmth, but also a meaningful initiative to express gratitude, pay tribute, and unite as one—aiming to ensure that every act of dedication is recognized, every effort is respected, and every step of growth is nurtured.

He offered the children three earnest pieces of advice: Cultivate gratitude and grow with optimism. Understand your parents’ steadfast dedication and the hardships they endure; always cherish a heart of thankfulness and maintain a spirit of striving, so as not to let down their expectations or squander your precious youth. Carry forward the craftsman’s spirit and forge ahead with unwavering determination. Embrace the pioneering spirit of construction workers, nurture a character marked by resilience and hard work, and an indomitable will, striving to become the idealistic, capable, and responsible young people of the new era. With the world at your feet and the vastness of mountains and seas in your heart, set sail toward your dreams. Broaden your horizons, keep your country and family close to your heart, maintain a positive and upward‑looking outlook on life, and courageously pursue the aspirations that dwell within you. In doing so, you will build a remarkable future, give back to society, and serve your nation with all your might.

Chairman Zhang Xiangyang has instructed the Group’s Trade Union, its overseas branches, and all functional departments to continuously strengthen and refine their care initiatives for overseas employees. They are to institutionalize services such as family support, student assistance, and aid for those in need, thereby precisely addressing the urgent concerns, difficulties, and aspirations of overseas employees’ families. The goal is to ensure that hardworking employees can focus on their work without worry, that those who remain steadfast in challenging environments feel supported and valued, and that their families enjoy lasting happiness. By fostering a warm and caring corporate culture, we will unite our people, pool our strengths, and lay a solid foundation for the Group’s sustained and steady expansion of its overseas operations.

Though mountains and seas may separate us, warmth knows no bounds; we build and witness growth, and love knows no time difference. This family‑bonding symposium is a heartfelt initiative by the Group’s Trade Union to put our eight‑character management principle into practice and deepen our care and support for overseas employees. It also serves as a warm gathering between the company and the families of its workforce. We hope that through this event, every act of dedication will be recognized, every effort honored, and every step of personal and professional growth nurtured. Moving forward, the Group’s Trade Union will continue to serve as a caring “family” to our overseas staff and a thoughtful “close confidant” to their spouses and children, addressing with sincerity and compassion the pressing concerns and challenges faced by their families. By uniting the strength of home and enterprise, we will safeguard the Group’s overseas endeavors, enabling them to forge ahead and write new chapters of success.

(Trade Union, Wang Xiaqian)