Customers can bank on new services in Sansha

Establishment

The ICBC branch started operating in 1959 and the early days were not easy. Staff had to combat the intense humidity, typhoons, a lack of electricity, fresh water and vegetables were scarce.

"We used to tap water from underground for bathing. The water was sometimes a yellow color, and some people got skin rash. A towel would soon not be fit for use," Luo said.

Before telecommunication facilities were in place on the island, the staff had to contend with the burden of missing their families and friends.

Now 4G signals and broadband Internet access have covered the island, and the branch office has access to the internal network of ICBC in 2011.

"Before access, we had to use deposit books and write everything down," Luo said.

Ships, once a rare sight, now shuttle frequently between Yongxing and Hainan islands, bringing every conceivable modern-day convenience as well as new staff.

Starting at the branch in January, 2012, Luo said he spent, on average, more than 200 days every year on the island, but thanks to the increasing number of ships dropping anchor there, he could enjoy more time with family members.

"Even so, the upgrading process lasted for a year because it took quite a long time to ship all the materials needed from outside batch by batch, bit by bit," Luo said.

The veteran banking manager believes online banking is the future and many of his customers are already availing of this service.

"All the cash we have here is brought in or taken away by ships," Luo explained with a smile, adding that the e-bank will help reduce their workload.