Wearing a red T-shirt and jeans, Gao Ming looks like anything but a reporter at an international economic forum.

Gao, an Internet videographer, was invited by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to report its ongoing annual meeting of "New Champions 2011," also known as the Summer Davos Forum, in the city of Dalian in northeast Liaoning Province.

"I feel excited, as well as a strong sense of responsibility. To attend Davos, such a high-end event, is an unbelievable opportunity for China's grassroots netizens," Gao said.

During the past two days, Gao has been busy recording his observations at the forum. By Friday morning, he had uploaded 18 video clips onto Youku.com., a popular video-sharing website.

What impressed Gao most was that he had a chance to listen to the keynote speech of Premier Wen Jiabao at the forum's opening ceremony on Wednesday.

"I recorded the whole process in the meeting hall. In the past, I couldn't imagine to have such a close glimpse at our country's leaders," he said.

In addition, Gao also interviewed delegates, staff and volunteers of the forum, as well as taking part in seminars with economic and political leaders and scholars.

Unlike many professional reporters who mainly expect opinions from big shots on the future of the world economy and solutions to achieve its full recovery, Gao has been casting his eyes on the issues concerning common people's daily lives.

"What interests me is when ordinary people can afford to buy a home, and what measures the government will take to curb the surging prices of commodities. I'm also wondering why name-brand jeans in the United States are cheaper than those in China," Gao said.

As an iPhone fan and a China Mobile user, Gao is looking forward to the possible partnership between Apple and China's largest mobile operator.

Gao said he was happy to hear that Wang Jianzhou, China Mobile's chairman, confirmed they are negotiating with Apple for strategic cooperation on the iPhone.

Although the forum will soon conclude, Gao is still trying to interview the founder of the World Toilet Organization, also a delegate of the forum.

The organization is interesting and its job is important, as it concerns people's health, Gao said.

"I'm lucky to absorb a lot of valuable knowledge at the forum, and I'm glad to share it with other netizens," he said.

Gao was given the chance to attend the event as he stood out in the online video competition "Summer Davos Debates," which was jointly held by the WEF and Youku.

The competition solicited videos that featured thoughts and experiences in regard to the forum's theme this year, "Mastering quality growth."

As the winner of the contest, Gao received the invitation to participate in the event and had all his expenses paid.

The common people should be encouraged to offer their thoughts about social issues in a positive manner by taking advantage of new media and latest technologies, according to executive chairman of the WEF, Klaus Schwab.

According to statistics from China Internet Network Information Center, as of June the number of Chinese net users reached 485 million, and about 200 million of those also had microblogs.

"Netizens have become an important force that can't be ignored in China. They're making contributions to the country's development, justice and democracy in a unique way," said netizen "Tong Yi."

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