M. Noyan Rona’s Chinese Dream
In 2012 Noyan Rona was named an “Honorary Citizen of Shanghai” – the top award for foreign nationals who have made extraordinary contributions to socio-economic development of the southern metroplis. Since its establishment in 1997, Shanghai has granted 35 foreign citizens this special honor. In August 2013, 57-year-old Rona received his Chinese green card – permanent residence permit for foreigners. Rona believes he has finally become truly Shanghainese. Today, Rona is quite a well-known figure in Shanghai, if only for his “meddling.” In 2009, he was elected head of foreign volunteers in Changning District for the Shanghai World Expo. Leading a group of expatriates who love Shanghai as he does, Rona helped the local government correct street signs miswritten in foreign languages. He loves being a volunteer and likes to correct shortcomings around the city because he takes the city as home. His greatest achievement as a volunteer comes out of the conviction that he has done what should be done. For example, he has raised suggestions to various organizations and people in Shanghai, including local government, shops and administrators of parks. This perhaps begs the question, why would a foreigner embrace such a sense of responsibility for Shanghai or China? Rona replied that he doesn’t regard himself as a foreigner or an outsider to local society. In his view, if every person in the city were to display and act on a sense of responsibility, life in the city would be even better.
At a feedback meeting organized by local transport authorities, Rona suggested that advertisements should not cover the rear glass of taxis since they could block the drivers’ view of behind the vehicle, so constituting a potential hazard. His suggestion was soon adopted by the municipal government. Since then, such ads have been only allowed on the lower part of cab windows. After the change and the story behind it were covered by TV news shows, Rona became famous among cab drivers. Once when Rona was walking along the street, a cab driver pulled over and invited him for a free ride. Although Rona had merely intended to cross the road at first, he got into the cab and chatted with the driver. Rona enjoys this type of interaction because, in his view, this makes him more like a local.
All such social activities, whether correcting improper practices, cleaning up litter in the neighborhood, acting as a traffic safety volunteer or financing 10 needy students, have been in Rona’s spare time, since his focus is still on his professional work. He says he takes on these social activities out of conscience and has no intention of earning repute.
More Chinese Dreams
Visiting professor of China’s Northwest University, board member of the Shandong Overseas Friendship Association and member of the Shanghai Consumer Protection Committee – Rona is all these titles rolled into one, and is likely to achieve even more in the future.
“Everyone should have his or her dream, even if he or she is 80 or 90 years old. People’s dreams are supposed to be fluid,” Rona said. He is realizing his dream step by step through his endeavors.
Rona and other volunteers in Changning District, Shanghai.
With the China-Turkey trade increasing dynamically nowadays, Rona is even busier at his work, and also more concerned about the development of bilateral relations. During the Turkish president’s latest visit to China, Rona, despite being no longer a staff member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, again acted as interpreter. “I want to contribute my part to China-Turkey relations. I really cherish this chance to interpret, and am unwilling to let it
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