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The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Singapore, Mr Fong Ngai, today (April 6) received a delegation of student representatives of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) during their six-day visit to Singapore.
The 26-strong delegation, comprising representatives from various student groups of the HKUST, was briefed by Mr Fong on the HKETO's roles and work, as well as the political, economic and social situations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries.
Mr Fong was glad to see the students were interested in learning about Singapore's socio-cultural and economic developments as well as establishing contacts with universities and other organisations in Singapore.
"People are the most important asset for Hong Kong. The future of our city hinges upon the quality of young people," he said.
In a globalised world, knowledge about different cultures and connections with people from around the world have become increasingly important for one's personal and career development. Last year, the HKETO started to arrange internships in ASEAN countries with a view to broadening the international horizons of Hong Kong university students and enhance their understanding of ASEAN countries, which are increasingly important trading partners of Hong Kong and a rapidly growing region attracting the focus of the world," he added.
"Echoing with the 'One Belt One Road' initiative of the Central Government, we are keen to promote more people-to-people exchanges, especially youth exchanges, between Hong Kong and ASEAN countries. The ASEAN internship scheme provides an excellent opportunity for our young people to work in a foreign culture for some two months, making friends and building relationships with their counterparts in ASEAN," he said.
In 2015-16, more than 250 internship places under the scheme are available in nine ASEAN countries for students of participating higher education institutions in Hong Kong.
Ends/Monday, April 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:59
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