How Zhao Ming Built Qingda Fien into a Quality-Driven Powerhouse – 30 Years of Craftsmanship Spirit

 

For years, China’s information industry grappled with a dual challenge often called the “chip shortage and soul deficit.” While “chips” referred to hardware such as integrated circuits, the “soul” encompassed industrial software, operating systems, and product databases. Qingda Fien has emerged as a trailblazer in closing this gap.

From pioneering the concept of a “Digitalized and Interconnected Quality Management Platform” to advancing cutting-edge industrial software for digital quality systems, Qingda Fien has consistently set new benchmarks and delivered transformative solutions for high-end manufacturing quality control.

Chairman Zhao Ming champions the vision of a strong manufacturing base and a quality-driven nation. Thanks to the collective efforts of China’s industrial ecosystem, the “chip shortage and soul deficit” are being steadily resolved—and Qingda Fien’s goal of becoming a world-leading provider of quality systems and standards is now closer than ever.

With its unwavering focus on innovation, digital transformation, and industrial excellence, Qingda Fien is poised for a bright future on the global stage.

Zhao Ming: The Tsinghua Spirit

 

The interview with Mr. Zhao Ming by Kinghelm

Born in 1966 in Jiangjin, Chongqing—also the birthplace of Marshal Nie Rongzhen—Mr. Zhao Ming’s story reflects resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of education. “Jiangjin District is the first point where the Yangtze River enters Chongqing, bordering Luzhou, Sichuan,” Zhao explains. “For rural children, education is often the only path to changing one’s destiny.”

From his humble beginnings, Zhao Ming earned a place at Jiangjin High School, one of Sichuan’s top two secondary schools, and went on to Tsinghua University, China’s premier institution. He spent eight consecutive years there completing both undergraduate and master’s studies—first admitted to the Department of Engineering Physics in 1984, later transferring to the isotope separation specialty, and eventually receiving a direct exemption to pursue a master’s degree at Tsinghua’s Nuclear Energy Technology Design Institute.

When asked about his formula for success, Zhao highlights three essentials: a passion for learning, preparation before class, and full engagement during lectures. He also reflects on the “Tsinghua Spirit” that shaped him:

• “Tsinghua Purple” – representing the identity and lifelong connection of its alumni.

• “No Sports, No Tsinghua” – emphasizing the importance of health and balance.

• “Red and Professional” – embodying the university’s integration of social responsibility and academic excellence.

Today, Zhao Ming’s journey stands as an inspiration—showing how perseverance, education, and values can transform individual lives and drive broader societal impact.

The Tsinghua Spirit: A Lifetime of Dedication

 

Tsinghua Spirit: Sending Birthday Wishes to Alumni Zhao Ming

Mr. Zhao Ming’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and long-term vision.
After graduating from Tsinghua University in 1992, Zhao moved to Shenzhen in 1995, where China’s reform and innovation were accelerating. By 2003, he had embarked on his entrepreneurial path, establishing Shenzhen Fien Measurement and Control Technology Co., Ltd. in 2005.

Built by a core team of Tsinghua University and Northwestern Polytechnical University alumni, the company embodies the Tsinghua ethos: creating value for society first, then sustainable profits for the company—achieving shared value and personal fulfillment that money alone cannot measure.

In 2017, Tsinghua University’s investment institutions—Guangdong Tsinghua Venture Capital and Xiamen Qingshuo Investment—partnered with Zhao to launch Guangdong Qingda Fien Industrial Data Technology Co., Ltd.

Today, Qingda Fien is China’s leading quality software company, partnering with a powerful network of alumni-driven enterprises to build a thriving industrial ecosystem. Its collaborators include Kinghelm, Slkor, Mindray, Youxue Tianxia (Youxue Pai), as well as several publicly listed companies such as Guangyun Da, Xintian Technology, and Jinzheng Co., Ltd.

From Shenzhen to the world, Qingda Fien is setting new benchmarks for industrial quality management software—combining deep technical expertise, strong partnerships, and a commitment to innovation.

Eternal Quality, Unlimited Potential

Mr. Zhao Ming, Chairman of Qingda Fien

Mr. Zhao Ming has dedicated his career to solving China’s “chip shortage and soul deficit”—a challenge encompassing both advanced hardware and critical industrial software. Leading a team of elite alumni from Tsinghua University and Northwestern Polytechnical University, he has been at the forefront of pioneering scientific research and technological innovation.

Between 1992 and 2003, Zhao built his expertise within state-owned research institutes and publicly listed companies. This decade honed his skills in R&D, market expansion, and business management, laying a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial success.

In 2003, he launched his own venture focused on quality management, remaining steadfast through challenges and guided by his belief: “Though the road may be difficult, persistence leads to success and a bright future.”

Today, Zhao Ming’s commitment to quality—embodied by Qingda Fien—has positioned the company as a standard-setter in industrial quality software. By driving innovation and elevating manufacturing standards, Qingda Fien is not only shaping China’s industrial future but also unlocking unlimited potential for global growth.

Achievements and Honors

Mr. Zhao Ming, a Man of Many Honors

Zhao Ming is a highly respected leader at the intersection of business, technology, and academia. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Shenzhen Fien Measurement and Control Technology Co., Ltd., and the Founder and Chairman of Guangdong Qingda Fien Industrial Data Technology Co., Ltd. Beyond entrepreneurship, he plays an active role in shaping policy, advancing innovation, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

He serves as Director of the Shenzhen Tsinghua University Alumni Association, Member of the Advanced Manufacturing Committee of the Tsinghua Alumni Association, Expert on the Shenzhen Science and Technology Experts Committee, and Senior Member of the Chinese Metrology and Testing Society. He also sits on the Board of Industrial Metrology magazine and mentors start-ups through Tsinghua’s Entrepreneurship Competitions and the Tsinghua–Xiamen Entrepreneurship Program.

Zhao Ming’s expertise extends internationally. He is a Member of the Nuclear Power Industry Metrology Technology Subcommittee, Advisor to the Industrial Information and Intelligence Research Institute at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), and a Government Consultant for rural revitalization in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province.

His far-reaching contributions to industry, academia, and society have earned him widespread recognition, numerous honors, and a reputation as a driving force behind China’s next wave of industrial innovation.

Establishing Innovation and Leading Digital Transformation in Industry

Member of the Expert Committee of Tsinghua Straits Research Institute

Mr. Zhao Ming highlighted the establishment of the Tsinghua Straits Research Institute on April 17, 2015 — a landmark government-backed initiative jointly founded by the Xiamen Municipal Government and Tsinghua University. This institute is the fifth regional research hub co-built by Tsinghua University, following its centers in Shenzhen, Beijing, Hebei, and Zhejiang.

At its core is the Engineering Physics and Advanced Nuclear Technology Industry Promotion Center (“Tsinghua Straits Institute Engineering Physics/Nuclear Center”), which draws on Tsinghua University’s top-tier, A+ nuclear science and technology programs. Its mission is to incubate, accelerate, and commercialize advanced nuclear technology breakthroughs, bridging cutting-edge research with industrial applications.

The Institute operates from its headquarters in Xiamen (8th Floor, A Block, Aide Aviation Industrial Park, 520 Qishan North Road, Huli District) with an additional office in Beijing (Room 601, A Block, Tsinghua Science and Technology Park, Haidian District), strategically positioning it to integrate academic excellence, government support, and industry innovation.

 

Example: Qingda Fien holds nearly 100 national patents and software copyrights.

Mr. Zhao highlighted Guangdong Qingda Fien Industrial Data Technology Co., Ltd. (“Qingda Fien”) as a national high-tech enterprise and Shenzhen “Dual-Soft” certified company—recognized for its innovation and leadership in industrial digitalization. The company’s core technologies trace back to Shenzhen Fien Measurement and Control Technology Co., Ltd., founded in 2005.

Strategically located in Shenzhen’s Silicon Valley University Town Entrepreneurial Park, just steps away from Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School and Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Qingda Fien benefits from an environment rich in research, innovation, and top-tier talent.

Qingda Fien focuses on the development and application of intelligent measurement and control systems and industrial digital software, holding nearly 100 national patents and software copyrights. It is a recognized industry leader in industrial quality management software, offering solutions widely adopted across:

• Aerospace and nuclear energy

• Semiconductor and chip manufacturing

• High-end equipment and automotive components

• Marine, chemical, and industrial machinery sectors

With its powerful portfolio and innovation-driven culture, Qingda Fien has become a benchmark for digital transformation in the manufacturing industry, setting standards for quality, reliability, and efficiency in global markets.

Core Competitiveness and Innovation at Qingda Fien

Core Value of Qingda Fien's Digital Quality Platform

When asked by Kinghelm about the core competitive advantages of Qingda Fien, Mr. Zhao Ming explained that the company was the first in the world to introduce the concept of an interconnected Digital Quality Platform System. By integrating cutting-edge technologies to automate processes and data management, Qingda Fien delivers measurable benefits to businesses—enhanced quality, higher efficiency, and lower operational costs.

The Qingda Fien Digital Quality Platform combines 70% modular components with 30% custom configurations, creating a fully data-driven, end-to-end Quality Management System (QMS). Designed for flexibility and scalability, it integrates seamlessly with PLM systems to form a powerful, collaborative environment and includes advanced quality tools such as QFD, APQP, MSA, and SPC.

To ensure smooth connectivity and information flow across enterprise ecosystems, the platform supports standardized data exchange with PLM, ERP, SCM/SRM, MES, WMS, CRM, IoT, and maintenance platforms, utilizing WebService, WebAPI, and other modern protocols.

The result: a next-generation digital quality platform that not only improves compliance and reliability but also accelerates innovation and competitiveness in global manufacturing.

Qingda Fien’s Corporate Culture: An Enduring Legacy

Qingda Fien's Culture, with a Long and Rich Heritage

Mr. Zhao Ming seamlessly blends the elegance of a leader, the intellectual depth of a scholar, and the warmth of his Sichuan–Chongqing roots. A firm believer in Tsinghua University’s motto, “No sports, no Tsinghua,” he keeps running as a daily habit to maintain both energy and focus. Zhao also enjoys connecting with friends and sharing insights on WeChat Moments, noting that “people who share actively often radiate vitality.”

A champion of perseverance and collaboration, Zhao often says, “Through collective effort, we create a shared future. The road may be difficult, but the future is bright.” As China’s industrial software sector accelerates, he sees both immense opportunities and real challenges. Despite a generally low satisfaction rate across the industry, Qingda Fien has earned deep client trust — with 80% repeat orders — by prioritizing innovation and quality.

His guiding principles:

• Craftsmanship with Patience: Over 30 years dedicated to “building the soul of the nation.”

• Persistence Under Pressure: “Even when facing immense challenges, we never give up.”

• Tsinghua Legacy: Striving for self-improvement, integrity, and excellence.

• Win–Win Partnerships: Valuing altruism, passion, and determination in all collaborations.

Zhao emphasizes that industrial software demands multidisciplinary expertise and, above all, character. “Minor flaws can be overlooked,” he says, “but major ethical shortcomings are unacceptable.” This blend of vision, discipline, and moral leadership continues to drive Qingda Fien’s reputation as a trusted innovator in industrial software.

Final Thoughts

Slkor Micro Semicon Product Applications

On behalf of Kinghelm and Slkor, General Manager Mr. Song Shiqiang extends heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Zhao Ming for over 30 years of unwavering dedication in tackling China’s “chip shortage and soul deficit.” Through his visionary leadership, Zhao Ming has united talent, expertise, and innovation to drive meaningful progress in the industry.

We wish Qingda Fien continued success in the industrial quality management software sector, aspiring to achieve global recognition and set new standards for excellence. We look forward to seeing the company go public and realize its vision of becoming the world’s leading provider of quality systems and a benchmark for global industrial standards.