For Ekumi Ivo Otte, the journey to building a life in China has spanned 20 years. Today, he welcomes visitors from around the world both at work and in his free time. Pingshan is where he works — and where he feels at home.

Otte, who is from Cameroon, came to China in 2006 to study Chinese in Nanjing before pursuing medical studies at Wuhan University. In 2019, he joined the Fourth People’s Hospital of Shenzhen (Shenzhen Samii Medical Center) in Pingshan District. He now works in the hospital’s international medical department, helping foreign patients access care, coordinating domestic patients' visits to foreign specialists, and proofreading English-language signs throughout the hospital and other medical institutions.

Ekumi Ivo Otte works at the Fourth People’s Hospital of Shenzhen (Shenzhen Samii Medical Center) in Pingshan District.

Ekumi Ivo Otte works at the hospital’s international medical department.

Ekumi Ivo Otte helps visitors at the hospital.

His reason for choosing Shenzhen was simple: “The weather here is closer to that of my hometown — not snowy and not too hot. I rarely get sick, not even a cold.” For Otte, health comes first. “When a place makes you feel comfortable, you have reason to call it home. Pingshan is my home.”

Having lived in Pingshan for years, Otte understands that language and cultural differences can pose major challenges for foreigners: how to see a doctor, where to get a social security card and which bus to take. He has faced these challenges himself and experienced Pingshan’s welcoming attitude firsthand. Now he wants to share what he has learned and help newcomers feel less anxious.

At the hospital, his days are filled with WeChat messages and tasks such as helping patients find their way, book appointments and attend consultations, as well as arranging follow-up care. At his busiest, he assists about 20 foreign patients a week.

“Volunteering isn’t anything dramatic,” he said. “I like helping people, so it comes naturally to me.” He remembers receiving help from strangers when he first arrived in China and wants to pass that warmth on. “Being able to represent Shenzhen and Pingshan and spread that spirit feels even better.”

Ekumi Ivo Otte assists residents in Pingshan District.

With APEC approaching, the hospital has been conducting drills and training — not only in language skills but also in cultural awareness. “Language is routine; culture needs more attention,” Otte said. For example, some patients may not accept treatment from male doctors, so the team arranges female physicians in advance or patiently explains the situation when none are available. Paying attention to every detail, he believes, is the most practical way to welcome the summit.

In his free time, Otte plays soccer at Pingshan Soccer Park and visits the district’s library, art museum and theater. On weekends, he hikes Maluan Mountain to see its waterfalls. He is also an enthusiastic promoter of Hakka culture, taking friends to Dawan Ancestral Residence and introducing them to Hakka cuisine.

Last year, when his brother’s Belgian friend visited, Otte showed him around Pingshan, including the hospital. Two months later, the friend returned with three more people. This time, their itinerary also included BYD and other companies.

“I’ve been in China for 20 years. People here appreciate me, and the weather suits me. I feel I’ve come to the right place. This is already home,” he said.

Ekumi Ivo Otte enjoys playing soccer.

Looking ahead, Otte plans to help build the hospital’s international medical services into a stable system, “not something occasional or dependent on goodwill.” He also hopes to work with an Indian friend to organize gatherings for Pingshan’s foreign residents. “I want foreigners in Pingshan to feel what I feel right now — to feel at home.”

“This is APEC ‘China Year’ — a great opportunity to show the world Shenzhen’s openness, warmth and inclusiveness,” he said.

Ekumi Ivo Otte with other volunteers and residents in Pingshan.