ASEAN Internship Scheme for Hong Kong Higher Education Students

Background

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China  is committed to nurturing young people and better preparing them to meet the challenges of an ever-changing global environment.  In 2014, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Singapore launched the ASEAN Internship Scheme for Hong Kong Higher Education Students with the aim of widening students' international perspectives and enhancing bilateral relations between Hong Kong, China and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  With the subsequent establishment of HKETOs in Jakarta and Bangkok in 2017 and 2019 respectively, the three offices now jointly administer the scheme by identifying internship opportunities in the ASEAN countries under their respective purview.

Aims

The Scheme aims to:

• Give students first-hand practical experience in a field related to their career interest, with exposure to the socio-economic environment of the ASEAN region;
• Cultivate students as the “ambassadors” of Hong Kong, China in the ASEAN region, and vice versa upon their return to Hong Kong, to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen the ties between Hong Kong, China and the ASEAN member countries;
• Foster exchanges at university and industry levels between Hong Kong, China and ASEAN member countries to unleash potential for future cross-sectoral collaborations;
• Groom a generation of culturally savvy leaders of tomorrow to benefit both Hong Kong, China and ASEAN member countries. 

Primarily full-time local undergraduate students.  Postgraduate and non-local undergraduate students can be included, if the institution/host organisation concerned consider it appropriate, subject to any applicable visa/entry requirements of the ASEAN country (e.g. Singapore has an age limit of 25 for Work Holiday Pass holders).  Exchange-in students are NOT eligible for the Scheme.

The internship programme will be arranged during the summer vacation of students, generally lasting from end of May to August.  The exact reporting period will be discussed between Host Organisation and student intern.

A minimum of six-week physical internship in the respective ASEAN country.  Virtual/remote internship in which the student intern stays entirely in Hong Kong will not be accepted.

Work visa, air tickets, accommodation, insurance etc. are to be arranged by the student interns concerned.  Student interns should ensure they are appropriately and sufficiently insured for the entire internship period.

Host organisations can set out the job scope and specific requirements (e.g. preferred academic faculty) in the provided Job Description.  Our OSA will nominate students for selection.  Host organisations can conduct telephone or online interviews with the candidates before making offers.  Interested students can refer to the Job Description of each post for details.

The number of vacancies is subject to provision of proper coaching and sufficient immersion in the industry environment provided by Host Organisation for the student interns.

Most opportunities are unpaid jobs.  You can refer to the Job Description of each post for any allowance provided.