"Linking You to Innovation - Entrepreneurial Training and Internship Programme 2023-Shenzhen”, co-organised by The China Economic Research Programme (CERP) of Lingnan University, Office of Student Affairs of Lingnan University, the Global Affairs Office of The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Higher Education Convergence, and the Hong Kong Youth Association took place from June 16 to July 22. During this programme, students from Lingnan University and The Education University of Hong Kong were led to several renowned enterprises in Shenzhen for a five-week summer internship. The closing ceremony and sharing session of the programme were successfully held at Lingnan University on August 1.
Group photo of officiating guests and students
Professor HO Lok-sang, Director of CERP of Lingnan University, expressed his gratitude to the co-organizers and the companies providing internship opportunities during the closing ceremony. He encouraged the students to share their internship experiences and insights with their peers and friends, aiming to attract more young people to take advantage of the Greater Bay Area's favorable employment and entrepreneurship policies. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in striving for the development of the Greater Bay Area.
Professor HO Lok-sang, Director of CERP of Lingnan University
Professor LI Dong-hui, the Associate Vice-President (Student Affairs) of Lingnan University, stated that choosing Shenzhen as the internship location because Shenzhen is the center of innovation and entrepreneurship, providing valuable opportunities for students to engage with advanced technology and cutting-edge creativity. Professor Li believes this internship experience has injected more motivation and competitiveness into the students' future career paths.
Professor LI Dong-hui, the Associate Vice-President (Student Affairs) of Lingnan University
Dr. CHOW Man Kong, the Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of The Education University of Hong Kong, acknowledged the diligent efforts of all the organizers and co-organizers in successfully conducting this internship programme. He extended his message to the youth: "The future development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area needs young individuals like you, who possess perseverance, wisdom, and creativity, to become leaders." He hoped that the young students could make more significant contributions to Hong Kong's and our country's development.
Dr. CHOW Man Kong, the Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of The Education University of Hong Kong
Dr. YIP Tak Ping, Council Member of the Hong Kong Higher Education Convergence, expressed delight in seeing that the students not only participated in internships within enterprises but also engaged in a series of cultural-related activities. Dr. YIP emphasized the significance of cultural heritage, particularly the students' interest in intangible cultural heritage. He hoped that the youth could establish cultural ties between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, fostering a stronger connection and appreciation for the region's cultural heritage.
Dr. YIP Tak Ping, Council Member of the Hong Kong Higher Education Convergence
Mr. CHAN Hoi-wing, Chairman of the Hong Kong Youth Association, quoted the content of a letter from President Xi Jinping to Hong Kong students. He expressed that this Shenzhen internship programme was crucial in helping students understand the country's situation. He encouraged the students to actively contribute their efforts to the construction and development of Hong Kong.
Mr. CHAN Hoi-wing, Chairman of the Hong Kong Youth Association
Lastly, Ms. Esther HUI, Founding Chairman of the Greater Bay Area Dream Hub For Youth, praised the progress made by the students during this period. She mentioned that the internship enterprises gave unanimous positive feedback. Ms. HUI encouraged the students to step out of their comfort zones bravely. She expressed her hope to see more Hong Kong youth willing to visit, explore, and even develop their careers in the Greater Bay Area in the future.
Ms. Esther HUI, Founding Chairman of the Greater Bay Area Dream Hub For Youth
After the speeches from the officiating guests, the students who participated in the internship programme took turns to come on stage and share their experiences and insights gained during this period, many students expressed that this internship provided them with a firsthand experience of the rapid development in mainland China, completely changing their previous impressions. During their sharing, the students highlighted the weekend activity schedule of the internship programme, including visits to local universities and enterprises, discussions with outstanding students, and excellent young representatives from Hong Kong who are developing businesses in the Greater Bay Area. They learned about the comprehensive support policies provided by the country to Hong Kong and Macau youth in the Greater Bay Area, covering employment, housing, medical care, education, and other aspects.
One major highlight was their participation in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macau Youth Cultural Exchange Week, where they visited Futian Mangrove Nature Reserve, the Xiasha Museum, and the Shuiwei cultural village. They interacted and exchanged ideas with representatives of intangible cultural heritage and experienced traditional handicrafts. Hong Kong students were full of admiration, as these experiences not only allowed them to see the beautiful landscapes of their motherland but also made them appreciate the charm of Chinese traditional culture, providing them with a direct experience of the development and culture of the Greater Bay Area.
Sharing from students
Sharing from students
Finally, representatives from the organizing and supporting institutions presented internship certificates to the participating students, and the event concluded successfully.
Professor HO Lok-sang, Director of CERP of Lingnan University presented internship certificates to the students
Ms NG Wai Ming Irene, Director of Student Affairs of Lingnan University presented internship certificates to the students
Mr. Stephen LUI, Founding Chairman of the Greater Bay Area Dream Hub For Youth presented internship certificates to the students