The Wuxi High-Tech Zone (Xinwu district) hosted an award ceremony in the district's business center of science and technology on April 25, to honor its model workers in celebration of International Labor Day.

Wei Duo, Wuxi Xinwu district Party secretary, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech, appreciating the efforts made by workers from all walks of life that have contributed to regional prosperity.

Model foreign employees are honored at the award ceremony in Wuxi Xinwu district on April 25, in celebration of International Labor Day. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 100 domestic and foreign model employees were invited to the ceremony, including Jake Hooson, a talented foreign editor from China Daily.

Jake, 26, from Lancashire, northwest England, has worked in China for almost two years. His job responsibilities involve reviewing and editing English stories for publication across a range of websites, specializing in different areas from all over China.

In his spare time, Jake likes to socialize, exercise and visit the many picturesque gardens and temples found across the city.

"Jake is an easy-going guy who always spares no effort in his work," said Zhang Xiaoyu, a work colleague. "We are really proud that he has won this honor."

Jake Hooson, a foreign editor for China Daily, from Lancashire, northwest England, takes a photo holding his plaque which says, "Excellent Foreign Employee". [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Founded in 1992, the Xinwu district (formerly known as Wuxi New District) serves as the economic engine behind the opening-up of Wuxi. It is a center of science innovation and industrial modernization and boasts abundant resources and development advantages.

The area is host to a workforce of 642,300, including more than 396,300 urban technicians, with senior technical personnel accounting for 5.5 percent and intermediate technical personnel, 54.5 percent. About 25,000 new workers are added to the district every year.