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A few words from a Hong Kong man in
Shanghai --- LEE Chun Yuen
Large numbers of high calibre people are eager to try their hands at
the Bund in Shanghai.
mainland.
In 1990, LEE Chun Yuen left Hong Kong for the
In 1995, he settled down in Shanghai.
During his years
working outside Hong Kong, he has encountered numerous challenges
from people from different countries and regions.
For the people of
Hong Kong, he offers some sincere advice.
The strong economic development of Shanghai is attracting many
international corporations.
LEE Chun Yuen is working in the advertising
department of a transnational enterprise. The company had planned to
branch out into the Greater China Region and wanted to select the most
suitable city to set up an office.
An in-depth comparative survey of
Taiwan, Hong Kong and the mainland was conducted. The result was that
while Hong Kong people might perform better than those of Taiwan and
South East Asia by 10%, wages in Hong Kong would be 30% higher.
the end, the company chose Shanghai.
In
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“Competition in Shanghai is just as vigorous as in Hong Kong. To get
established in the Chinese market, you have to be able to read, write and speak
Chinese.”
LEE reminds the people of Hong Kong, “Your biggest competitors
are mainlanders who studied abroad and have since returned. Their overseas
experience helps them adapt quickly to their job and they are familiar with
Chinese culture and the rules of the game in China. They have local knowledge
and their salaries are lower. They are therefore very competitive in the eyes of
foreign enterprises. One can say that expectation of high salary is a stumbling
block for Hong Kong people seeking work in Shanghai.
level-headed.
We should be
Because you are expensive, you may lose out in competition.”
More and more Taiwan people and foreigners are making their homes in
Shanghai, but not many Hong Kong people are relocating their families there.
According to LEE Chun Yuen, there are several reasons.
First, there are many
opportunities to make money in Hong Kong so that Hong Kong people would
not let go of the city.
Secondly, Hong Kong people are generally prejudiced
against the quality of life on the mainland, such as civility and education. They
feel superior and would not want to move there.
such a view.
LEE says, “I do not endorse
It is based on ignorance.”
Translated from: Kong On Luk. Hong Kong People in Shanghai. King Yiu
Cultural Press, December 2001.
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1.
As described in the above article, what is the advantage of Hong Kong?
2.
Why did the company LEE Chun Yuen worked for finally decide to set up an
office in Shanghai?
3.
What are the advantages China’s returned students have in seeking employment?
4.
LEE Chun Yuen points out that some Hong Kong people think Hong Kong is
superior in civility and education etc. He does not agree with that view. Why
do Hong Kong people feel that way?
5.
Based on Source 1 and your own experience, why do you think more Hong Kong
people are prepared to go to work in big mainland cities such as Shanghai?
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6.
Based on Source 1 and your own experience, what are the pros and cons of Hong
Kong people working on the mainland?
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Hong Kong as seen by someone from Shanghai
After 20 years of prosperity, the people of Hong
Kong have become covetous of good things but
loathing of hard work.
They are not as
hardworking as the generation before them.
They
lack in-depth knowledge of the culture and social
background of the mainland.
power is dropping.
Their competitive
A simple and obvious example
is that not a single public relations officer in a local
finance company speaks fluent Putonghua despite the large number of mainland
private and state enterprises being traded in the stock market there. How can they
compete with mainland talents who have returned from overseas studies?
Translated from: Apple Daily. 18 January 2001.
7.
What are the bad points about Hong Kong in the eyes of the visitor?
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8. Sources 1 and 2 share a number of similar views?
List one or two items.