Young residents of Hong Kong are broadening their horizons through internship programs in the Chinese mainland, blending cultural immersion with professional growth. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has facilitated over 1,200 placements since 2022 under its Thematic Youth Internship Programmes, connecting participants with institutions in fields ranging from archaeology to renewable energy.
Chow Chi-chung, a 20-year-old participant, described interning at Beijing’s Palace Museum as "a masterclass in preserving living history." His subsequent stint at a Shanghai AI research center exposed him to cutting-edge innovation. "The mainland’s blend of tradition and futurism reshaped my career vision," he told KhabarAsia.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen professional ties across the Greater Bay Area. Over 78% of past participants reported improved Mandarin skills and cross-strait networking opportunities, according to HYAB data. The program now expands to include partnerships with green tech firms in Jiangsu and digital economy hubs in Zhejiang.
These exchanges come as APEC members emphasize youth engagement in regional development. CGTN’s "Act to Action" campaign recently spotlighted similar stories from young professionals across Asia-Pacific economies, highlighting how skill-sharing programs foster collaborative solutions to global challenges.
