Yang Enze at his office [Photo/Xinhua]

Yang Enze, a 100-year-old professor in Tianjin University insists on continuing to work and guide students' researches.

He has been walking everyday for 15 minutes to his laboratory for decades without any exception, even during weekends and holidays.

As one of the founders of China's optical communication, Yang built the first optical communication laboratory in Tianjin when he was invited to teach at the school in 1985. Since then, eight high-tech national level research projects have been implemented under his lead.

Yang was enrolled into Wuhan University in 1937 when the Japanese troops began the full-scale war and invasion against China during World War II. It was the harsh and brutal war that triggered his belief to save China through advanced science and technology.

In the 1970s, Yang was the chief engineer of an optical fiber cable communication system built in Wuchang and Hankou, which was China's first optical communication project for practical use approved by the government.

Despite his frugal life, his generosity has resulted in over 500,000 yuan donation to students in need over the past years.

Yang Enze at his office [Photo/Xinhua]

He is strict with students' study and researches. He always encourages students to exercise and do sports, which he considered is his secret for longevity and academic career.

In spite of his age, he is keen on learning new skills. He got involved with computer science when he was 60, and now keeps himself updated with the latest development of artificial intelligence by reading English articles.

Yang Enze photographed in 2011 [Photo/enorth.com.cn]