Jacky TAM, year 2 student of Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management (T&M-DDP), has completed the internship program at Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu (CDETO) of HKSAR Government for five consecutive weeks in December, 2018. 

“It was my first time to participate in an internship scheme. I was grateful to be selected to join the Chengdu program. It allowed me to broaden my horizon in one of the fastest growing city in mid-West China.” Jacky shared. He likes the profound cultural background of Sichuan. He sees Chengdu as a city of history. He is attracted by the rich and diversified historical and cultural content in Chengdu, from the three-kingdom history to those famous ancient Chinese poets.

During the five-week internship, Jacky worked in different divisions at CDETO, namely Public Relations, Liaison Coordination, Investment Promotion and Commercial Relations. “Surprisingly, I have gained more exposure to events that are rare in Hong Kong, such as the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Meeting and dinner with CPPCC delegates from Hong Kong and Macau. Those experiences were very valuable and unique to me!” he said.

While adapting to the working environment, Jacky tried hard to step out his comfort zone to stay in a mainland city for a period of time. He once felt lost and confused due to unfamiliar circumstances faced at work and cultural difference of daily life in Chengdu. “I am thankful to have nice people around me. Friends that went for similar internship were eager to share their experience with me. The challenges at work pushed me further and allowed me to learn and grow.” he said.

Jacky was truly amazed by the rapid technology advancement in China. Living in China nowadays does not require any cash notes and coins. Using a smartphone to handle money transactions, people can live their days without any troubles, from buying breakfast to booking an air-ticket. “Facial recognition is also a great application in their daily life. If people need to take the high-speed railway, they can just scan their id cards and faces, then they can directly get on the train. Easy and convenient.” he added. Jacky was also inspired by the growing IT market and foresaw there would be many top job opportunities in China that he would love to further explore.