Chen Tong is the secretary general of the Hong Kong Students’ Association of Canton, where she plays a pivotal role in connecting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) with the Chinese mainland’s booming economic hub—the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Through her leadership, the association has created pathways for young residents of Hong Kong SAR to secure internships and career opportunities across finance, tech, and creative industries.
Chen emphasizes that the association's mission is to bridge cultures and industries. Her team organizes networking events in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Macao, pairing students with mentors from leading startups and established firms. Workshops on resume building, cross-border communication, and digital innovation equip participants with real-world skills that stand out in a competitive job market.
Take Jasmine, a recent intern who joined a Shenzhen-based fintech startup. After attending a career workshop in Canton, she landed a six-month placement working on blockchain research. 'This experience opened my eyes to the pace of innovation on the Chinese mainland,' she recalls. Similarly, Alex, a marketing graduate, credits the association’s mentorship program for securing his role at a creative agency in Macao.
According to Chen’s team, a growing number of participants choose to stay in the region after graduation, contributing to an increasingly interconnected workforce. This trend not only boosts individual career prospects but also fuels regional integration, aligning with broader efforts to make the Greater Bay Area a global powerhouse.
For young global citizens and digital nomads eyeing the region, the success of the Hong Kong Students’ Association of Canton offers a blueprint for cross-border collaboration. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking international talent or a student exploring new horizons, the Greater Bay Area stands out as a dynamic gateway to tomorrow’s opportunities.
As the Greater Bay Area continues to evolve, initiatives like Chen’s underscore the power of grassroots networks in shaping the region’s future—one internship, one startup, one success story at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
