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3rd Anniversary of the Maritime Silk Road Society and “Operation Zhang Qian 2018” Sharing Session

2018-09-15

The Third Anniversary of the Maritime Silk Road Society (MSRS) and “Operation Zhang Qian 2018” Sharing Session were held today (15 September) at Holiday Inn Golden Mile to celebrate the anniversary of the Society and to invite student interns to share their interesting work experiences with guests attending the ceremony.

Mr Jack Chan, Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, and Mr Li Jiyi, Deputy Director General of Social Work Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, officiated at the ceremony.    

Two hundred guests were present at the ceremony, including Honorary Advisors, Honorary Advisory Governors, Executive Committee Members, Members of the MSRS; representatives of hosting organizations and participating institutions, and interns under “Operation Zhang Qian 2018”.

In addition, student participants of the “Grand Canal Cultural Tour” (Hangzhou and Ningbo) held in July also joined in the ceremony to share what they have learned about the Grand Canals and Silk Road.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Regina Ip, Co-Chair of MSRS said, “In the past year, MSRS has organized or participated in over 30 events with the aim of promoting greater understanding of and wider participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.”

“Among these events, the ‘Belt & Road Innovation and Development Forum’ was meaningful. It was jointly organized by MSRS and other organizations in conjunction with the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Hong Kong would deepen its understanding of the SCO and related countries,” Mrs Regina Ip highlighted.

Mrs Ip continued, “As always, ‘Operation Zhang Qian 2018’ receives tremendous support from the host organizations. This year, 18 sponsoring organizations have offered a total of 185 internship places for Hong Kong students. From June to September, the interns worked in countries including mainland China, ASEAN countries, the “Belt and Road” countries, Greece, and Djibouti in Africa for four to eight weeks.” 

”MSRS obtained sponsorship from Home Affairs Bureau for ‘Operation Zhang Qian’. This demonstrates that ‘Operation Zhang Qian’ has received wide support and recognition,” Mrs Ip said.       

“Looking ahead, MSRS will continue to provide opportunities for young people to learn more about the Belt and Road Initiative and organize more diversified and interesting activities to attract more people to join,” Mrs Ip stressed.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Ms Eunice Yung, Vice-Chair (Administration) of the MSRS Youth Opportunities Committee said, “The internship places increased by 20% over that of last year. Over 800 students applied for the programme. Applicants for the internship programme had to face keen competition from other students and the strict requirements of host organizations. Only some 80 students have successfully completed their internship.”

Ms Yung encouraged interns to join the “Operation Zhang Qian” Alumni Network so that senior members could share their valuable experience with the freshmen of the internship scheme. In addition, these student alumni will be better equipped before joining the job market.”

In the sharing session, Ms Eunice Yung chatted with interns of “Outstanding Report Award” about their work experience, aspirations and achievements.

The “Belt and Road” Grand Canal Cultural Exploration Tour held during the summer holiday was also funded by the Youth Development Commission. Sixty secondary and university students joined the tour. They were also invited to attend the ceremony and shared their experience with guests.        

This year’s host organizations are Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Chatrium Hotels and Residences, Chimelong Resorts, China Merchants Group, China National Travel Service Group Corporation, China Resources Group, CLP Holdings Limited, Euroterra Capital, Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jardine Matheson Limited, Jiang Xi Mei Fan Technology Co., Ltd, K. Wah Construction Materials (HK) Co., Limited, Kerry Logistics Network Ltd, Lan Kwai Fong Group, Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited.

Local institutions participating in the internship programme include City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong, and the Vocational Training Council.        

Internship reports deserving honourable mention have been uploaded on the MSRS website (www.maritimesilkroad.org.hk). Members of the public are also able to view the interns’ video on the following channels:

MSRS website (www.maritimesilkroad.org.hk)

Facebook (www.facebook.com/maritimesilkroad)

YouTube (www.youtube.com/Maritime Silk Road Society)

 

(Click here for viewing Sharing Session video)

(Click here for viewing Maritime Silk Road Society 3rd Anniversary Brochure)

(Click here for viewing Maritime Silk Road Society 3rd Anniversary video)

(Click here for viewing “Grand Canal Cultural Tour” video)

(Click here for viewing excerpts of Best Reports of “Grand Canal Cultural Tour”) (Chinese only)

 

1. Mrs Regina Ip delivering her remarks at the ceremony.

2. Ms Eunice Yung delivering her remarks at the ceremony.

3. Mr Jack Chan delivering his remarks at the ceremony.

4. Mr Li Jiyi delivering his remarks at the ceremony.

5. Mr Li presenting Certificate of Appointment to Mr Joseph Chan, Honorary Advisor of MSRS. 

6. Mr Jack Chan presenting the awards of “Grand Canal Cultural Tour” Best Reports. 

7. MSRS advisors and representatives at the toasting ceremony.

8. Ms Eunice Yung chit chatting with awardees of “Outstanding Report”.

9. Mrs Regina Ip presenting awards to winners of video contest.

10. A group photo of MSRS representatives with host organizations and interns.

11. A group photo of MSRS representatives with participating institutions and interns.

12. A group photo of the “Grand Canal Cultural Tour”.