Huang Jiusheng, a rural migrant worker who obtained an Executive MBA degree from Peking University and has contributed a lot to the society, recently shared his life experience in a speech at the university, winning a big round of applause, Workers’ Daily reported on Sept. 7.

Huang had to drop out of school at the age of 18 due to family poverty. He worked at a construction site as a rural migrant worker, but never gave up learning. He has said that one must study for a lifetime to stay current.

He self-studied college and university lessons on architecture before he was admitted to the top university in 2013. Many of the projects designed by Huang won the Luban Prize, the highest prize in China for construction projects.

Despite his success, Huang never forgot to give back to society.

Huang donated more than 13 million yuan ($2 million) to help build schools, roads, and elderly homes and purchase medical equipment for society.

In addition, Huang established a Party branch for rural migrant workers to help safeguard their legal rights, recovering unpaid wages of over 30 million yuan ($4.6 million) in the past years, and helped lead more than 10,000 rural people out of poverty.

Due to his unremitting efforts and great contributions to society, Huang was awarded several prizes by the country, including National Outstanding Party Member, National Moral Model, and National Model Worker.