Beacons of distinction

Because of his job, Vasquez has traveled to Shanghai and other parts of China more than a dozen times over the past five years and has as such gained a keen understanding and appreciation for the country's museums and exhibitions.

He noted that China has since the 2010 World Expo, which was held in Shanghai, demonstrated that it is capable of creating "new technology, equipment, museums and exhibitions that lay the foundations for a cultural offering par excellence".

This quality of the city, he added, also reflects his values to life and work, which suggests why he managed to win the prestigious Magnolia Award.

"What drives me in my career is excellence. Every project becomes my entire life and I put the very best of myself into each one," he said.

"My maxim is to do everything as well as it possibly can be. I thrive on overcoming the challenges that arise as well as meeting, and exceeding, the expectations of those who put their trust in me to carry out the projects."

Another reason why he's happy to continue returning is due to his fascination of the city.

"I like Shanghai's capacity to surprise, its continuous pulse, its cosmopolitan nature and its contrasts. In Europe, there is a great fascination about Shanghai as it symbolizes modernity and the future. When I came in 2013, the skyline made me feel as if I'd arrived in the future. All that was missing were the flying cars," he quipped.

"But when you travel around the city you begin to see all these contrasts between the new and the old and I think that's even more fascinating because you can see the true spirit of the city. I hope China will work hard to maintain this spirit."

For his contributions to the Shanghai World Expo Museum, the Spaniard was on Sept 12 conferred the Magnolia Silver Award.

"This award fills me with happiness. This is the first time I've won an award since I was six years old!" he laughed.

"It's a great honor and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has been involved with the World Expo Museum. The award is shared with all of them. I would also like to say a huge thank you to the city."

But Vasquez has made it clear that winning the award does not represent the closing of the Shanghai chapter in his life. In fact, he hopes to unearth more knowledge of Chinese culture in the coming years.

"Winning this award is like a warm embrace, one that fills me with enthusiasm and drive to continue working on new and interesting projects here in China," he said.

"I would be delighted to continue working here on new projects; those that have a positive impact on society. And I would also be delighted if I can continue learning as I have done up to now."