Doan Trung Thanh of Vietnam donates 200 ml of blood at a collection station in Dalian, Liaoning province, on Dec 5. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A Vietnamese man in Dalian, Liaoning province, has been generous with one of his most precious personal resources — his blood.
Doan Trung Thanh, 34, recently made his fifth blood donation in China. During the past four and a half years — as he has worked on his doctoral degree in tourism management at Dongbei University of Finance and Economics — Thanh has donated 1,200 ml of the life-giving substance.
"I hope it will help those in need" Doan Trung Thanh
He came to China in 2019 for advanced studies after graduating from a university in Vietnam. He obtained a master's degree in Beijing before commencing his doctoral work in Dalian.
Thanh brought his kindness to China when he encountered a blood donation station in Beijing in November 2020.
"The staff were surprised to see me holding a foreign passport instead of the identification card of a Chinese citizen, thinking I didn't know what the station was about" Doan Trung Thanh
A Vietnamese doctoral candidate, Doan Trung Thanh (left), volunteered to welcome new students at Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in Dalian, Liaoning province, in September. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
But he knew it well: He had previously donated blood in Vietnam.
At first, the Chinese medical workers would explain, he said. Later, when they saw his blood donation records, they understood.
Thanh's acquaintances are not surprised by his efforts because he has always been helpful and warmhearted. An industrious volunteer, he's always ready to lend a hand when help is needed.
"His sense of social responsibility and cross-border compassion are qualities that we should learn from" Deng Lili, dean of School of International Education at the university
Inspired by Thanh's actions, several international students joined the ranks of blood donors.
Thanh is currently conducting research on Vietnamese tourism facilities and services under the guidance of his academic supervisor. He aspires to bring the knowledge he has gained in China back to his home country upon graduation and hopes to facilitate greater understanding of China among more Vietnamese people.
Five blood donation certificates show the generosity of Vietnamese doctoral student Doan Trung Thanh. He has donated a total of 1,200 ml of blood so far in China. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Five blood donation certificates show the generosity of Vietnamese doctoral student Doan Trung Thanh. He has donated a total of 1,200 ml of blood so far in China. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
By Zhang Xiaomin in Dalian, Liaoning | China Daily
