FinnCham internship Hong Kong: January 2022 updates
I have started my internship in the Finnish Chamber of Commerce on August. I worked remotely from Finland then I traveled to Hong Kong at the end of the month and started working on-site on September 13th. I have been working 5 days per week and in total, my duration of my internship is 19 weeks.
FinnCham HK is an independent organization, which facilitates opportunities for its members to promote their business interests in Hong Kong and through Hong Kong into Mainland China, and fosters commerce and communication between Finland and Hong Kong. The Chamber represents its member companies in several major international forums: the International Business Committee (IBC) and European Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong (ECC). In addition, Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is part of the FinnCham global network.
Due to COVID-19 regulations and the continuous sudden updates on the country entry restrictions, I was not able to join the chamber in Hong Kong in the beginning of my training, as my flight was canceled several times. Therefore, I started my internship remotely from Finland then from my quarantine hotel when I moved to HK and after that at the office.
FinnCham has helped me to prepare for my trip to HK. I have contacted the former intern and she provided some practical information about finding an accommodation; rental companies to contact (like Dash where I was staying), useful apps (Foodpanda, Klook, MyObservatory, LeaveHomeSafe, KMB.LWB and Deliveroo) and things that I should know before coming there. Elina, the executive director helped me as well in the visa application process, and introducing me to FinnCham’s members and the work environment.
Housing in HK is not affordable at all, and you need to consider your options before moving there. With the help of an agency (Dash), I could find a small studio near central and my office and it was a pretty good deal for a short stay. I had to pay around 850€ (7500HK$) per month including a free pass to gym and weekly housekeeping but there are many other cheaper options like dorms or shared places. As for the transportation, I bought an octopus card which functions like a prepaid credit card that can be used on the MTR; buses; trams; local ferries, including the Star Ferry; taxis; 7-Elevens; McDonald's restaurants; and many other fast food restaurants. This is incredibly convenient and will save you trying to find correct change for transportation. You can also reload the card with more money at any time.
Hong Kong is an interesting and an attractive destination for international students and expats. It is a very busy and active city, and there is always something to do for fun and relaxation in free time. For instance, hiking to the most astonishing trails where you can enjoy views of the city from high altitude like in the peak, the lion rock and the Beacon Hill for example, beautiful beaches, islands, and traditional fishing villages. Also the summer boat junks are very popular in HK, where you can enjoy the sea views with your friends and colleagues.
There are many festivals throughout the year, and whenever you visit Hong Kong, you may have a good chance to experience its unique festival culture like Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.
There are many interesting attractions that you can enjoy too that I much loved trying: Disneyland, Wong Tai Sin Temple, day trip to Lamma island, AquaLuna ferry, HK skyline and Ocean park.
When I first started my internship at FinnCham HK, I first obtained information about the organization's operating environment and customer-oriented business as a whole and understood the importance of the work tasks. I got to know about the services they provide to their members, different events, the method of communication and the value of what they offer. I looked for the board of directors, the committees of the chamber and then familiarize myself with the environment to know how to act in a customer-oriented manner.
As a new intern, I was happy and enthusiastic to help the chamber, be a reliable platform to its members through business networking, knowledge sharing and market visibility. That is what I was contributing to by marketing and some events organizing. I was working on social media promotions, as one of my duties is to promote the members, the chambers events and webinars, news and sharing relevant and up-to-date information about Finnish and Hong Kong markets and connections. I was updating the company’s website, creating new posts, content/visuals and newsletters.
The most rewarding and encouraging thing about this training, is to get to know new people and make new professional connections. I got to know few corporate members of the chamber, despite the remote work at the beginning that makes it hard to make direct connections, which made me more excited to meet all of them directly in the networking events when I was no longer having virtual working. In addition to that, in that short period of time, I could develop my skills in many areas as Marketing, organizing and managing skills and many more.
The language used in our service and for communication is basically English, as most of the Finnish companies’ representatives are locals and the chamber is based in a foreign country in an international background. But I had to communicate sometimes with my fellow colleagues at work in Finnish, I received couple of emails and materials also in Finnish and I used some Finnish materials and articles to publish news to our members. I tried to use my Finnish skills when I met the members of the chamber in events, and I also were interacting with some Finnish interns from other organizations (like the consulate) and some other Finns in same events.
To be more familiarized with the work community, I examined the dropbox of the chamber and the files included, the board of directors, the different committees of the chamber: The sustainability committee-Diversity and Inclusiveness committee- Education committee-Greater Bay Area committee- Young Professionals committee- and make close relationship with all the members of the board. I took advantage of different professional networks in our activities, and broaden my connections and networks in Hong Kong.
I asked about the rules and the tasks of the world of work so I can understand the operating principles of this organization and act accordingly and follow the agreed operating practices of this work community. I also use different channels of seeking information diversely, in dropbox, info email and media channels.
I worked closely and in harmony with my supervisor, my former and current colleagues. In addition to that, I was in close contact with the chair of sustainability committee, we worked in cooperation to organize some committee related events and activities. I participated in those events too and joined the committee meetings representing the chamber.
We worked flexibly in the chamber, but I understood the importance of self-direction to advance in this work business and also the lifelong learning for a successful future. As I had received constructive feedback from my supervisor and gave mine regarding some managing activities and events.
I had a successful and fruitful internship in Hong Kong with the Finnish Chamber of Commerce. I definitely learnt a lot and experienced a lot! I had to practice almost all my skills and knowledge I have learnt this year from the college. I have improved my marketing and communication skills working closely to the Executive Director and some other areas too. I have acquired a new broad experience and new insights into business in an international background.
Zineb Oualifi
Hong Kong SAR
January 2021
