[The following speech was delivered in English and Chinese]
- Good morning, everyone! I’m delighted to see so many of you here on a Saturday morning. Your presence reflects a genuine interest to explore opportunities to understand China.
- Today, China is the second largest economy in the world. Many companies in China are expanding rapidly, establishing global and regional operations, and building strong, influential brands. Gaining insights into China now can open doors to exciting opportunities later. Whatever path you choose, it is likely that you will collaborate with Chinese companies or counterparts in the future.
- Therefore, the question is no longer if you will work with them in your career, but whether you will be prepared for it.
- This is where a YES internship makes a difference. It’s more than just another line on your resume. It offers you an advantage by providing real-world experience and insights through first-hand immersion in China
- I know some of you might feel nervous: “What if I cannot speak Mandarin well?” “What if I cannot fit in with the local work culture?”, “What if I cannot adjust, as this is my first time away from home for so long?” These thoughts are normal, they’re part of the experience, and many YES interns have felt the same.
- You’ll learn by stepping out of your comfort zone, whether that’s dealing with language differences, new work styles, or a different culture. And you won’t be going through it alone. Business China runs workshops like the YES Compass to help you get ready before you go, so you can start feeling more confident right from the start.
- That’s what happened to me early in my career. My first job was in Shanghai, and at that time, there was no YES internship to prepare me for it. I simply had to adapt quickly and learn on the go. I later worked on the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City project—a Government-to-Government initiative. These experiences gave me perspectives that shaped both my worldview and my career. I visit China regularly; just two weeks ago, I was in Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, visiting several leading companies.
- China’s diversity is something I’ve come to appreciate firsthand through my work and travels. It’s a vast country where each city has its own unique rhythm and character. Exploring different places will open your eyes to how varied work and life in China can be. YES internships are available in over 15 cities, such as Xiamen, Jiujiang, and Wuxi. So, for those eager to discover beyond the major cities, I encourage you to consider opportunities in these other vibrant parts of China.
- To our returning YES alumni – welcome back! I hope today offers an opportunity to reconnect with friends and share your stories with new interns.
- For those about to begin your internships, I encourage you to embrace the experience with curiosity and an open mind. There may be occasional moments of frustration or challenges, but each one will offer you a lesson.
- And for those who are still considering YES. I hope this forum inspires you to take that first step.
- It truly takes a village to make YES a success. Hosting companies play a crucial role by offering internship opportunities and committing to developing young talent. I would like to thank our hosting companies and partners such as China Construction Bank Singapore, Enjoytown Cloud, Royal Golden Eagle Group, Tanoto Foundation, Tembusu Partners, Wanhe International and Yue Wen Group. And also, our representatives from the Institutes of Higher learning, for your continued support in nurturing the next generation of China-ready youth.
- Let me say a few concluding words in Mandarin.
- 今天的论坛是一个交流和学习的好机会。正所谓：“读万卷书，不如行万里路。”只有亲身体验不同的文化和工作环境，才能真正理解并感受到不同国家的特色与差异。
- 在跨文化的环境中，我们应主动探索、学以致用，将所学的知识有效转化为可实用的技能。同时，也要不断提升自己适应不同社会环境与文化差异的能力。在这个成长的过程中，衷心希望大家能够结识志同道合的伙伴，拓展宝贵的人脉。祝大家在YES旅程中，实习顺利，收获满满！谢谢大家！