I highly doubt that the man himself does anything but run the company as far as basses go. Winning awards is usually for making a violin by hand individually. The price for a hand made bass is many times that of a Chinese shop bass which this most likely is.
I personally know Sam Shen who is known for just about the best basses from China. He doesn't make them. His workers do.
I have a couple of basses left that I ordered from a good Chinese maker that sound better than all of the high Shen's I compared them to. They are called
'Amati' model from KSB. If looking to upgrade I suggest you drive down and try either the one I have here or the modified Deluxe model that Arnold has in his shop in NY with a higher quality fingerboard & bridge with a CF Graphite inlaid neck as well.
Take the drive. You will save money and get a good bass education.