Jointly organized by Hong Kong United Youth Association ("HKUYA"), New World Development Company Limited ("NWD"), China Young Leaders Foundation ("CYLF") and more than 10 other organizations, and hosted by HKUYA Student Exchange Network (affiliated to HKUYA), "New Youth New World" 2009 Summer Internship Programme today held its kick-off ceremony, symbolizing around 150 Hong Kong undergraduates going to Beijing, Shanghai and Dalian for internship in mid-June. Students could grab this golden chance to explore and gain valuable working experience in order to be well-prepared for their future. 

The kick-off ceremony was held at the Rayson Huang Theatre at the University of Hong Kong ("HKU"). Aside from the participants, Government Officials and celebrities have also attended to show their support. They witnessed together the exciting moment of the students looking forward to having an adventure. Guest of Honor included Mrs Rita Fan, Member of Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, Ms Han Shu Xia, Director General of Youth Department, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Ms Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Bunny Chan, Chairman of the Commission On Youth, Mr Michael Hui, Honor Chairman of "New Youth New World" 2009 Summer Internship Programme and Chairman of HKUYA, Mr Adrian Cheng, Honor Chairman of "New Youth New World" 2009 Summer Internship Programme and Executive Director of NWD. 

Mrs Rita Fan encouraged the students in her speech, "Under the open policy of the Mainland, a lot of graduates may be taking the Mainland as their career starting point given the Mainland owns the largest human resources market. The internship brings much benefit to the students. I hereby congratulate all of you who can grab this chance to explore more of the world. Hope that you could learn more new knowledge, extend your network, and get to know more people. Also thanks to many organizations and many people who contributed their great effort to make the whole internship programme a success." 

Ms Florence Hui stated in her speech "The financial crisis is greatly affecting the whole world, but the economic situation in the Mainland is still very stable and it is the main motivation to the global economy. There is a bright future ahead of the Mainland. We hope that all of you, the participants, could cherish this chance to get yourselves more familiar with the development and other aspects of the Mainland, and broaden your horizon, enrich your life and be well-equipped for future challenges." 

"To learn comprehensively and contribute to the Mainland and Hong Kong, teenagers should step out of the classroom and experience by themselves. This internship programme provides them a valuable opportunity to gain working experience in the Mainland. NWD has been supporting the programme since last year. We have extended a greater support by increasing the internship postings from 12 last year to 35 this year, including 20 from New World Department Store - Shanghai headquarter, 10 from Beijing Chow Tai Fook Jewellery and five from New World Hotel Dalian." Mr Adrian Cheng said in his speech. 

After the grand kick-off ceremony, about 150 students will go to Beijing, Shanghai and Dalian to start their 6-week internship on 15th and 16th June respectively. The participants, besides being arranged to work in state-owned or Hong Kong-based corporations, would also be arranged to visit government departments, popular corporations and famous scenic spots. For example, Beijing Office of the Government of the HKSAR, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Shanghai), Mainland properties of NWD, The Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and Shanghai World Expo Display Centre. "CEO Exchange Day", where students can meet with the successful entrepreneurs and professionals is also included in the programme. Through seminars and talks, students are able to learn the experience shared by the renowned celebrities. 

This internship programme has stepped into its third year. In 2007, 31 HKU students were arranged to Shanghai for a 5-week internship. Following the success of the first year, in 2008, HKUYA partnered with NWD and other organizations to organize the "New Youth New World" Summer Internship Programme. Five local universities were invited to participate in the programme. More than a hundred students joined it and Beijing was added as one of the internship cities in addition to Shanghai. 

This year, under the economic turmoil, the practical internship experience of the students would surely enhance their competitiveness. Therefore, HKUYA, together with Hong Kong United Youth Exchange Foundation, NWD, CYLF, China Association for Science and Technology, Dalian Commodity Exchange, The State-owned Enterprises Youth Federation, Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China - Shanghai and HK-SH Youth Exchange Promotion Association collaborate to organize the "New Youth New World" 2009 Summer Internship Programme. The number of internship cities has been increased to three, including Beijing, Shanghai and Dalian.

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