Alpha Lau (fourth from left in the second row), Director-General of Invest Hong Kong, welcomes CUHK students and the Co-op@CUHK team at her office
Grooming future leaders through public sector partnerships
Co-op@CUHK nurtures civic talent with Invest Hong Kong and Hong Kong Police Force
CUHK’s Co-operative Education Programme (Co-op@CUHK) has been working with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Police Force to nurture work-ready talent for the public sector, training more than 10 students on placement in the past three years.
Both organisations share a vision to encourage young people to develop a sense of purpose and attract talent to bring fresh and innovative perspectives to the public sector.
At InvestHK, Co-op@CUHK students have the opportunities to participate in market research, client meetings and events, gaining first-hand exposure to the department’s work of attracting foreign direct investment into Hong Kong, practical skills in the workplace as well as invaluable professional insights. Students also have the chance to contribute their knowledge and ideas to important government projects, such as the Northern Metropolis development scheme.
Hank Lau Wai-hang, an Integrated BBA major, is grateful to his supportive mentors at InvestHK and the enriching Co-op@CUHK programme: “Working at InvestHK offers ample opportunities for networking, market research, and my career growth.”
Edith Wong, Chief Marketing Officer of InvestHK and a CUHK alumna, encourages students to “be passionate and put their heart into whatever they do, and cherish every opportunity that comes along their way.”
Fellow CUHK alumnus Walter Chan, Superintendent of the Police Force’s Recruitment Division, says the force’s annual recruitment is open to diverse talent, enabling civic-minded students to realise their potential and aspirations across various departments. He believes Co-op@CUHK offers students a deeper understanding of police work, helping them assess whether it was a suitable career for themselves.
Evanna Chung Cheuk-naam, a Professional Accountancy major working in the force’s Recruitment Division, helped organise events during her placement. She says the work deepened her understanding of the Police Force and the civil service system of Hong Kong. “I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to develop essential soft skills, such as communication, team collaboration and human resources management.”
According to Superintendent Chan, students who join the force after their placement will rotate around different departments during their first four years. The comprehensive training enables officers to develop a broader skillset and identify their preferred career trajectory. “I hope students approach their co-op placements with happiness, confidence and determination,” he says.
Dr John Lai, Director of the Office of Co-operative Education Programme, expresses his enthusiasm for expanding collaboration with more government departments and public organisations, emphasising that the programme seeks to enhance a sense of social duty in the younger generation, drawing them to the public sector where they can drive innovation and contribute to the development of Hong Kong.
