Twenty local expatriates -- entrepreneurs, managers, technicians and scholars -- received Magnolia Silver Award yesterday for making out-standing contributions to Shanghai's development.
Each got a framed certificate and a silver medal at a ceremony presided over by Vice Mayor Yang Xiaodu.
The awards are made annually by the city government's Foreign Affairs Office.
A total of 371 expatriates have received silver medals since 1989. Medal-holders are eligible for gold Magnolia Award, given in the fall, which allow winners to stay in Shanghai for five years without a visa.
"I feel pleased that my efforts to improve Sino-Japanese relations have been recognized by the city," said Katsufumi Maki, a Japanese-language teacher at Shanghai Ganquan Middle School.
The first teacher to receive a silver magnolia, Maki promised to continue his activities to be worthy of the honor. The former radio broadcaster began teaching Japanese at the middle school in 1998.
Katja Hellkotter, who represents the Delegation of German Industry & Commerce Shanghai, was the only female winner. She was recognized for dedication to environmental cooperation between Germany and Shanghai.
The early blooming white magnolia, whose "eye always looks toward the sky," has symbolized Shanghai's "pioneering and enterprising spirit" since being named official flower in 1986.
(eastday.com July 25, 2002)
