Wednesday, March 10, 2010East Meets West Indian

Sarah HarriganA Young BVIslander Interns in the Far East

A 23 hour travel day, with 17 hours of flying seems like a daunting task on paper, but is just a small part of the big picture to a wide-eyed, experience driven, thrill seeking, open-minded intern. Hong Kong-SAR, known as both the financial center and the New York City of the East, would become my home away from everything I have grown to know. Especially, family, friends, and western customs for eight weeks. I was far away, alone, and excited about the new customs, people, traditions, attractions, and food that I would come across in a city that would become my second home…

Traveling to China, a personal goal of the past 8 years; was an opportunity to finally become a true citizen of the world, understanding why my roommates from boarding school did the things they did, ate the things they ate, and spoke the language that they did. It was the best way to acquire realistic knowledge of what international business and relations were and how they worked; it was my opportunity to learn first hand what the business analysts of the world meant when mentioning China as being the “Next Big Thing.” Not only was this to be an experience with business related growth, it was me becoming cultured and open to new things - a trait I have always valued in myself.

Upon arrival, I could immediately see what makes Hong Kong a leading global centre for business; not only was everything from the speed and efficiency of public transportation, customer service, and immigration lines remarkable, but the sophistication and attention to detail were above and beyond anything I had experienced in my 20 years. I could see upon arrival that efficiency and service were a large part of business-as-usual in the Chinese Culture. The language barrier that I expected was non-existent with the majority of Chinese in service industries and 31% of the population being well versed, or almost fluent in the English language and eager to speak with me.

It wasn’t long into my first week of interning, before I realized the importance of international training and its long term effects on my future business career. As an intern, incomparable to a professional, I came into contact with many well-read, well-traveled, and hardworking leaders in their fields and being able to hold a five minute conversation on the current happenings of the business world was extremely important. Surprising, even to me, was learning of the close business ties between the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. Both are small in size but are large participants in the world’s financial services. The BVI - an offshore financial services centre where the financial services make up 50% of the country’s GDP and Hong Kong - the world’s 11th largest trading entity, the similarities are many. Having worked in the BVI, the United States, and now Hong Kong, it was interesting to learn where business was done similarly and where it differed. The most apparent difference, the Chinese work ethic, was one that took me some time to get used to.

The Chinese work ethic, which I was quick to learn, authentic to Hong Kongese, is one that Westerners would find startling. The day, beginning at 9 a.m., is filled with hurried and well thought out work and the office is often times filled with people late into the night. It is understood wholly that time is money and almost everyone is willing to work hard or put in overtime, despite their personal sacrifices to make sure the work gets done. Hard work and late evenings at the office are a sign of diligence and, more times than not, will result in a raise or advancement within the company for many. Despite the positives in job advancement, this work ethic seems to have its negative effects on the amount of time spent with family, friends, or on extracurricular activities; all of which are highly valued in western culture. Contrary to western cultures many prefer to spend their time in the office or at late night social scenes - like bars, where mingling with co-workers or expatriate business men and women from other companies is the greatest lure. The Asian society is largely business oriented, where self advancement and the growth and success of your company in the Global Market are the driving forces to everyday successes. With a huge international presence in Hong Kong that these partners had their own cultural or entertainment influences throughout the city.

Hong Kong, previously a crown colony of the United Kingdom and now a recently returned sovereignty to the People’s Republic of China in 1997, began as a trading port and those influences still exist today. The city is a cosmopolitan centre where East meets West in all areas - from cinema and music to cuisine. After visiting some of the best Chinese museums, shopping districts, and some of the most beautiful vistas, I did some research and found some of the best restaurants and social scenes from Africa, the America’s, and the Caribbean. A hole-in-the-wall African nightclub and restaurant introduced some of the most vibrant music and foods from West Africa. That discovery along with the best Ox-tail, Japanese, Filipino, Singaporean, Taiwanese, and American foods, Hong Kong cuisine was the best I’ve ever had. Whether your visit is business or personal, the cuisine will be an adventure for your tastebuds.

Globally known as an International Finance Centre, Hong Kong is a robust business environment, where company growth, global awareness and inter-company advancement is at the fore-front of everyday activities. Along with the competitive business environment and open market, Hong Kong also presents: a shopping treasure trove; a great culturally varied entertainment scene; and a lavish international cuisine repertoire for those who visit with non-business intentions. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, Hong Kong offers a competitive environment to satisfy all your needs, and exceeds your expectations.

I came to Hong Kong expecting to be over-whelmed by a different language, culture and people, but left satisfied, educated, impressed and yearning for more. Despite the distance from my beautiful laid-back British Virgin Islands, this phenomenal city - with its one of a kind skyline and fast-paced business culture - has great potential to be my future home.

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