The Chamber’s recently concluded 2024-25 Business School Partnership Programme aptly highlights how collaborations between business and education can create success stories throughout Hong Kong.
Since its launch in 2001, this flagship Programme has been a cornerstone of the Chamber’s corporate social responsibility efforts, fostering meaningful exchanges between thousands of students and the business community. This year, we took a significant step forward by expanding the programme to include schools from the Greater Bay Area, further enriching the cross-border learning experience.
It was wonderful to see companies and secondary schools collaborating on a diverse range of activities – from company visits and job shadowing to interactive workshops. These engagements provided students with a rare glimpse into the corporate world, enabling them to understand various career paths and the skills necessary to succeed.
The feedback we have received from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, and I have no doubt that these experiences will leave a lasting impression on their personal and professional development.
The success of such initiatives hinges not just on their design but on the depth of collaboration. What makes this programme particularly effective is its multi-stakeholder approach, which brings together educators, corporate leaders, and industry professionals to create a holistic learning ecosystem.
The commitment of participating companies demonstrates a recognition that talent development is a shared responsibility. By opening their doors for job shadowing, workshops and mentorship, these firms are actively shaping a future-ready workforce.
Building on this momentum, we are excited to introduce the Student Associate Club (SAC), a new initiative designed to deepen ties between student members and the Chamber. The SAC will serve as a dynamic platform for networking, skill-building and career preparation under the leadership of our Young Executives Club.
With a membership of around 100 university and tertiary students, including a 13-member student-led Executive Committee, the SAC will host a range of activities and events that bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring a smoother transition into the workplace.
Looking ahead, the Chamber will launch its next cycle of student initiatives with the Business School Partnership Programme in September. This will be followed by the Business Case Competition and the Pitch Perfect Programme as we continue our mission to inspire young minds for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Chamber remains committed to equipping students with the tools, knowledge and networks they need to launch successful careers. By nurturing these connections today, we are not only shaping individual futures but also strengthening Hong Kong’s talent pipeline for years to come.
Patrick Yeung
ceo@chamber.org.hk