Michelle Teope-Shen: A foreign counselor in the small “United Nations”

Reform and Opening up has brought sweeping changes

Photo: Michelle and a child she sponsored

Speaking of Reform and Opening up, as a foreigner who has lived in China for over 30 years, Michelle feels as much as any Chinese does about the sweeping changes in China. She came to China in 1987 and married a Chinese man in Beijing in 1990."Back then, we needed to queue in line and have Liangpiao [coupons for food or grain used in a PRC economic program between 1955-1993] to buy steamed buns," said Michelle,"Today, we order food via smart phone and delivery takes only 30 minutes. It's really amazing."

“Another great thing is high-speed railway," added Michelle.“When I came to China in 1987, I worked in Beijing. When I wanted to go to Hangzhou to buy some clothes and fabrics, I was told that I needed my employer’s permission to go there by train. But today, I am free to go by either plane or train and we have high-speed rail. The whole public transportation system in China is quite convenient and efficient. I never thought that there would be such remarkable change."

As the chairman of Beacon of Love, a charitable organization focused on providing financial support to children with congenital heart disease, Michelle also feels deeply about the positive changes made in Chinese society’s attitude to charity.It was difficult to convey the idea of charity when I first mentioned it. But today, with the ever-growing openness of China, the idea of providing financial aid to those in need has become more and more popular and many young people love to be volunteers.