A New Journey, a Fresh Start | A Documentary on the First Gobi Expedition Selection Competition of STEP
2021-05-17
Because we believe, we see.
On May 15, in Shanghai, on the Jia Ding Ring City River Walkway, at 10:40 a.m., the sun was shining brightly, with a temperature of 34°C. It was just after the start of summer—the misty, rainy Jiangnan region was sweltering with intense heat.
A fiercely contested hiking race with 73 participants and a total distance of 30 kilometers is in full swing—after more than three hours of intense competition, the runners, their faces flushed with excitement, stride lightly and confidently as they rapidly close in on the finish line...
On the other side, the red finish line stands out vividly, flanked by several cannon-like lenses and a bouquet of blooming flowers—waiting for the lucky first racer to cross the finish line...
This was a qualifying race for an expedition to the Gobi Desert in Dunhuang. The participants were a team of high-tech enterprise managers, mostly born in the 1970s and 1980s—many of whom are office workers who don’t get much exercise in their daily lives. The fact that everyone managed to finish the race today is a testament to the results of their training over the past three-plus months. The winning team member in this competition completed the 30-kilometer hike in just 3 hours and 47 minutes—a performance worthy of a seasoned athlete.
This company is—STEP (STEP)—China’s leading robotics enterprise, a frontrunner in China’s intelligent manufacturing sector, and a global leader in elevator control systems.
Ji Yi, Chairwoman of STEP, participated fully in the selection race. Upon reaching the finish line, she said excitedly: “I started thinking about getting all our employees moving two years ago, and this year’s Gobi expedition has finally come to fruition. After three months of rigorous training, the transformation within our team has been truly astonishing. Before coming here today, I had my own expectations for each team member—there were several whom I didn’t think would make it to the finish line. But in the end, everyone completed the entire course, and their performances deeply moved me. Together, we’ve successfully pulled off this Gobi selection event. And in June, an even more challenging Gobi expedition awaits us. Our goal is to forge a ‘dream team’ that is ‘idealistic, daring, resilient, and capable of surpassing itself.’ ‘Because we believe, we can see.’ Today, the team members’ outstanding performance has only strengthened our conviction that STEP future is bright and full of promise!”
A sword’s edge is honed through sharpening.
Since the selection program kicked off on February 8, the difficulty level has gradually increased—from starting at 10,000 steps per day to running at least 6 kilometers three times a week, and then to running at least 8 kilometers three times a week. This progressive challenge enabled all the new “Shi Da Ren” participants to achieve their personal breakthroughs, and along the way, they faced numerous tests and set many remarkable records.
This is the sports event with the highest participation rate ever. From chairpersons and general managers to division general managers, BU heads, and department directors—spanning R&D, manufacturing, management, and sales—from the steady and experienced post-60s generation to the energetic post-70s and post-80s cohorts in their prime—STEP has truly mobilized its elite talent, throwing itself wholeheartedly into the effort to transform the status quo and achieve breakthroughs. The group’s team with the highest average age, led by team captain and CFO Mr. Li, remains committed to regular exercise, with each member meeting the weekly target of four sessions on average. During this Gou Xing training period, two team members stood out for their remarkable dedication: they ran every single day, rain or shine, for 70 consecutive days, accumulating over 600 kilometers each. Since entering the 8-kilometer run in April, a total of 40 team members maintained perfect attendance over five weeks. In just three months, the entire running group covered a total distance of 26,000 kilometers—enough to circle the equator more than halfway—and over 98% of the group participated consistently. To honor these “Baturu” warriors who completed seven consecutive runs, STEP created a special “Baturu” award. The coach from Yixing Power, the organization responsible for leading STEP Gou Xing journey, said: “We’ve guided hundreds of teams through Gou Xing before, but I’m truly impressed by your level of intensity. I’ve never seen a team so vigorous and determined. Every day when we open the Gudong app and see STEP team results, we can’t help but exclaim in amazement. Honestly speaking, your training regimen is as tough as traversing the Gobi Desert—you have absolutely no issues with physical endurance.”
This is an event that spans the widest geographic area. From the Shanghai headquarters all the way to multiple bases in Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Kunshan—whether it’s in offices, parks and green spaces near home, or even at business travel destinations—every day, different place names flicker across the Gudong group chat. The elite members of Xinshi Da are leaving their footprints across the entire Chinese land.
This is an event spanning the widest possible time frame. Almost every weekday—from dawn’s first light until just before work begins, and from after work until midnight—STEP employees are sweating profusely, running tirelessly all the way. And when the weekend rolls around, nearly everyone is out there clocking in with their runs, 24 hours a day. The inverter team, which usually ranks first in regular training performances, remains humble and composed. Taking advantage of the weekend, they organized a 20-kilometer training run through Moganshan, tackling mountains and crossing ridges to build up their physical endurance in preparation for the Gaoxing Challenge. Meanwhile, the robotics team organized a 20-kilometer run along the riverside trail on May Day—the Labor Day holiday—turning what could have been just another day off into a true celebration of sports. Finance Director Li often reminds everyone that, at the prime of their youth, they should give their all in everything they do. STEP employees not only talk the talk but also walk the walk, writing with firm steps a stirring ode to those who dare to strive and struggle.
A sword’s sharpness comes from constant sharpening. During the activity, the “New Era Talents” reaped abundant rewards. Many colleagues said that since graduating from university, they hadn’t engaged in such a large-scale, systematic training regimen—and as a result, their physical fitness has markedly improved. At the same time, their work efficiency has also significantly increased: tasks that once took them hours to complete now take much less time, and when overtime becomes necessary, they feel far more energetic and alert. This exercise program has been warmly welcomed by their families; there are countless examples of parents proactively helping with household chores, and spouses and children joining in the exercise activities themselves. One member of the variable-frequency team had long been overweight, but after several months of regular exercise, his recent medical checkup showed marked improvements in all his health indicators. His wife even presented the company with a banner of gratitude to express her appreciation. Moreover, this initiative has earned high praise from our clients. Every time we mention during client meetings that the company organizes sports activities for its employees, we notice a noticeable change in how our clients look at us—there’s admiration, anticipation, and even genuine respect in their eyes.
Globally, competition in the high-tech sector is intensifying, and at its heart lies the competition for talent. Enterprises must not only figure out how to attract and retain top talent but also find ways to enhance their employees’ physical health and mental well-being. This poses a significant challenge for decision-makers.
In its 11th year on the market, STEP has set a strategic goal of becoming an internationally renowned brand in the field of intelligent manufacturing. Today, it is boldly taking on the challenge of ascending to the ranks of world-class brands—a journey that is both long and arduous. Facing this new journey, STEP employees have adopted the slogan “Step out of your comfort zone and embrace a new future,” demonstrating through their practical actions along the Gobi Desert their profound understanding of their ideals and convictions.
Looking ahead to the Gobi expedition coming up in June—a 48-hour journey spanning 58 kilometers—they’ll fly from the picturesque Jiangnan region, with its apricot blossoms and spring rains, straight into the vast, desolate Gobi Desert. Amidst the scorching heat, they’ll traverse riverbeds, canyons, saline-alkaline flats, and the Black Gobi. Along the way, they’ll also encounter the ruins of Po Cheng Zi, Tar Temple, and the Da Mu Zi Mother-Child Gate. They’ll endure the trials of swirling sandstorms and chilling northern winds—but no doubt they’ll also be rewarded with an endless, crystal-clear expanse of starry skies.
Though the journey may be difficult, as long as you pay close attention, you’ll find beauty everywhere—especially the beauty that comes from walking your own path. That kind of beauty is particularly breathtaking, making you feel that all the hardship and sweat you’ve poured into it were truly worth it. Even if it hurts for two days, leaves you limping for a month, and darkens your skin for a year, you’ll carry these memories with you for a lifetime.
Let’s all look forward to the triumphant return of the STEP elite from the Gobi Desert.
Swipe left or right to see the highlights of the 6 teams.
Industry elites—including the new-generation pioneers—step forward one by one, united in purpose and working together in solidarity, devoting their utmost efforts and striving bravely to drive the development of the robotics and intelligent manufacturing industries. We have every reason to believe that China’s dream of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse will soon become a reality.
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