Businesspeople and educators packed the Chamber’s Theatre on 12 November for the opening of the 2018/2019 Business School Partnership (BSP) Programme. The launch also served as a matching event for schools and companies, giving both sides the opportunity to discuss and make plans for the year ahead. The BSP Programme is now in its 19th year, and continues to go from strength to strength. 

“We have a record 52 companies and 52 secondary schools joining the BSP Programme this year, thanks to the support of our members,” said HKGCC Senior Manager Karen Fung in her introduction.

The Chamber’s wide range of member companies is reflected by the companies that participate in the programme, which include local and multinational firms from a wide range of sectors, from finance to amusement parks.

At the event, company representatives introduced their business and the types of activity that they would be able to offer. The event also helped the businesses to better understand the expectations of the teachers and students.

“We understand that not all companies will be able to have internship placements or offer company visits,” said Fung. “Therefore the programme allows the flexibility for schools and companies to develop activities that can benefit students the most, and in a way that is also convenient for the companies.” 

Typical activities include career talks by HR practitioners, and talks by CEOs and other senior executives. Visits to workplaces give students behind-the-scenes insights into offices and factories, and sometimes they even have the chance to try out some of the work for themselves. 

True Light Girls College is a regular participant in the BSP Programme. Mui Lai Yuk, Head of Business at the College, said that in the past few years the school’s students have had the opportunity to learn from businesses including banks and hotels. She said that the girls particularly enjoy meeting CEOs and other senior executives, and find it fascinating to learn about their career paths.

The BSP Programme gives Hong Kong’s young people an excellent insight into the world of work and the different careers available. It also helps companies to share information about their sector and brand with the future generation of workers.

Besides the BSP scheme, the Chamber also has a Student Ambassadors Programme, where a number of students can become involved with HKGCC activities and attend our events. You can read some of their thoughts on attending the Joint Business Luncheon with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on page 53.