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The setting-off ceremony for Mainland internships under the Internship Programme for University Graduates (GIP) was held today (October 20).
Commissioner for Labour, Mrs Cherry Tse said at the setting-off ceremony that the GIP was launched by the Government in response to the difficulties and challenges university graduates faced in finding jobs in a market shaken by the financial tsunami. With the full support of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, university graduates were provided excellent opportunities to gain experience and broaden their horizons by working with Mainland enterprises, thereby laying a solid foundation for their future careers.
"Against the backdrop of rapid economic development of our country, Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises as well as overseas investors are keen to attract talent with a global perspective and sound knowledge of the business environment of the Mainland. Our university graduates are well placed to capitalise on this emerging manpower market, since Hong Kong is one of the most externally oriented economies in the world and our tertiary institution have long-established collaboration with renowned overseas universities and research institutions.
"Over time, they will be able to realise their potential and make valuable contributions to Mainland enterprises' global expansion endeavours as well as the competitiveness of both the Mainland and Hong Kong, if they keep enhancing their proficiency in bi-literacy and tri-lingualism, follow closely the Mainland's economic development, gain wider exposure and foster personal networks," she said.
Mrs Tse encouraged interns heading north to be proactive in acquiring more working and development opportunities during their internships, to learn and experience the culture and the way of life on the Mainland, as well as to understand the thoughts and feelings of the local people.
The setting-off ceremony held at the Hong Kong Arts Centre was attended by representatives of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, which has played a pivotal role in launching the GIP, the Mainland enterprises, the participating institutions and the Mainland interns.
Admission of eligible graduates to the GIP began on August 1. For the Mainland leg, about 200 interns have or will soon set off to various Mainland cities, including Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Chengdu, Dongguan, Foshan, Panyu and Hangzhou, to begin their internships. As of October 15, about 1,000 graduates had been employed by local enterprises as interns under the GIP. Their average monthly salary is HK$8,800. The highest offer is HK$22,000.
The GIP provides 4,000 places for university graduates to work as interns and receive training for six to 12 months in local or Mainland enterprises. Up to 1,000 of these places are earmarked for Mainland internship opportunities.
For local internships, graduates receive training in their capacity as employees, and are paid wages commensurate with the duties, responsibilities and training content of the training posts. During the period of internship, an employer is eligible to receive from the Government a training subsidy of HK$2,000 per intern per month. Mainland internships are not premised on an employment relationship. Interns on the Mainland are entitled to a living allowance of HK$3,000 per month and, depending on circumstances, an accommodation allowance of HK$1,500 per month from the HKSAR Government.
Ends/Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:54
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