My journey with motors began early

In 1977, the resumption of China's national college entrance exam enabled me to pursue university education in industrial automation. After graduating in 1981, I continued with postgraduate studies focusing on the optimal design of asynchronous motors. As the project leader, I participated in the national-level energy-saving optimization design of 22 specifications of explosion-proof motors for coal mine conveyors – a project that won the Outstanding Product Award from the Manufacturing Bureau of the Ministry of Coal Industry and is still widely used in China's coal industry today. This first "grounded" project ignited my passion for motor technology and its practical application value. After two years of teaching, I chose to pursue doctoral studies at Harbin Institute of Technology's Micro-Special Motor Program under Professor Wang Zongpei, the pioneer of stepper motors in China, specializing in the optimal design of novel hybrid stepper motors. In 1988, while completing my doctoral research, we partnered with the local government of Hangzhou to establish China's first micro-special motor factory. Those were tough days – developing and selling motors by day, and conducting doctoral research by night. This period marked the first commercialization of hybrid stepper motor technology in China. Our innovative products, including five-phase hybrid stepper motors, 200-tooth small-step-angle motors, 28mm-diameter motors, 130mm-diameter 50NM high-torque motors, and dual-rotor direct-drive stepper motors, achieved international leading levels. This experience deeply instilled in me the importance of technology commercialization, the need for innovation driven by customer demands, and the responsibility to break foreign monopolies – while shaping my conviction that young intellectuals should grow through engagement with the market.

1990 marked a pivotal decision

To further enhance my technical expertise, I joined Tsinghua University's postdoctoral program to research switched reluctance motors under Professor Chen Pizhang, a renowned expert in motor electromagnetic fields. During my two years at Tsinghua, I observed the critical gap between national R&D achievements and market demands, reinforcing my determination to commercialize my technical capabilities. In December 1992, I declined Tsinghua's offer of a teaching position and embarked on my entrepreneurial journey in the industrial sector.

Mastery through singular focus

Before launching my venture, I firmly believed that "accomplishing one significant endeavor in life is already a great achievement." This conviction shaped Hollysys Motor's enduring strategy since its founding in 1995: "Building a small yet exquisite, long-lasting company." This means pursuing deep specialization in chosen niche markets rather than superficial diversification, with longevity as the ultimate goal rather than rapid expansion – for sustainable growth will naturally lead to scale. This strategic vision has guided our steady development for over 20 years.

Guided by this "small yet exquisite" philosophy, we established core business principles: "Integrity First, Prioritize Righteousness Before Profit, Focus, Specialization, and Professional Excellence." "Prioritizing Righteousness" means placing integrity, obligations, and responsibilities above profits. By valuing our partners' interests, we ensure our own long-term success. Since day one, we have treated suppliers as partners – maintaining timely payments, collaboratively resolving quality issues, establishing quality management systems, providing free testing equipment, and conducting regular training. This approach has earned us full support from suppliers, critical assistance in new product development, and joint efforts in market competition. Our ethical practices have won us consecutive recognition as a "Beijing Taxpayer Credit A-Level Enterprise." "Focus" means maintaining an unwavering commitment to independent innovation in our field for two decades, continuously improving through self-reflection. "Specialization" means concentrating on R&D of motors, drivers, and control systems, complemented by technical support services. "Professional Excellence" requires retaining proprietary core technologies and leading products to drive market demand through innovation.

Stable talent cultivation is vital for sustained growth, especially for a technology-driven enterprise. Team stability stems from a sound corporate culture shaped by our values, with a particular focus on creating value for employees. I understand that professionals primarily seek: (1) a healthy company operation, (2) career growth opportunities, and (3) income improvement. Since the founding of the company, these three priorities have guided our employee relations. Our corporate culture emphasizes: "Trust and respect individuals, promote teamwork, encourage flexibility and innovation, pursue relaxed efficiency." This people-centric culture prioritizes respect, trust, and equality, focusing on employees' well-being and happiness above pure business performance. By making employee growth and income improvement the CEO's core responsibilities, we have created a harmonious, family-like work environment where everyone feels a sense of ownership regardless of their position. This culture has fostered strong team cohesion, sustained 15% annual revenue growth over 20 years, and exceptional team stability – by 2018, over 60% of our employees had served for more than 10 years, ensuring the continuous accumulation and transmission of technology.

Since our founding in 1995, steady development has laid a solid foundation. We adhere to our philosophy of "Long-term Survival, Steady Progress," create value for users and employees, and strive to become an outstanding enterprise in China's motion control industry.

Written in January 2019

Founder Profile

Yao Hong, Postdoctoral Fellow in Automation & Motor Engineering, Professor-Level Senior Engineer, Founder, General Manager & Director of Beijing Hollysys Motor Technology Co., Ltd.

Dr. Yao Hong was among China's first college entrants after the Cultural Revolution (1977 cohort), graduating from Liaoning Technical University's Automation Program. In March 1982, he pursued a master's degree in Motor Engineering at the same university, completing the optimal design of 22 specifications of explosion-proof motors for coal mine conveyors – a project that received the Outstanding Product Award from the Manufacturing Bureau of the Ministry of Coal Industry and remains widely used across the country. He joined the university faculty in 1984.

1987-1990: Pursued doctoral studies at Harbin Institute of Technology's Micro-Special Motor Program under Professor Wang Zongpei, the pioneer of stepper motors in China, specializing in the optimization of novel hybrid stepper motors. During this period, he commercialized his research outcomes, establishing China's first hybrid stepper motor industry with internationally leading performance.

1990-1992: Conducted postdoctoral research at Tsinghua University's Department of Electrical Engineering, focusing on switched reluctance motor drive systems.

From his master's studies through postdoctoral research, he published over 40 academic papers and co-authored "Research on Calculation and Design Methods of Stepper Motors" with Professor Wang Zongpei. In December 1992, he declined Tsinghua University's teaching offer to pursue industrial innovation in Shenzhen. 1993-1995: Led the development of a low-cost permanent magnet brushless DC motor for new frequency conversion air conditioners at a Shenzhen-based company, earning national patents for the technology.

In May 1995, he returned to Beijing to establish the Mechatronics Development Center at Stone Group. In 2000, he founded Beijing Stone Motor Technology Co., Ltd., serving as General Manager & Director. In 2002, following a strategic collaboration with Hollysys System Engineering Co., Ltd., the company reorganized as Beijing Hollysys Motor Technology Co., Ltd., where he continues to serve as General Manager & Director to this day.

In 2011, Dr. Yao Hong was awarded the qualification of "Professor-Level Senior Engineer (High-End Leading Talent) of Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone" – one of the first batch of recipients recognized by the Beijing Senior Professional Qualification Review Committee.