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Jonathan Powell

Young people share their experience of the mainland

Name Benson Yip Sheung-bun

Age 33

Job Business consultant

Location Shanghai

Moving to Shanghai was a last desperate measure for young business consultant Benson Yip, but he soon discovered it was the best choice he could have made.

Mr Yip graduated with a master's in finance  from the University of Toronto,  and returned to Hong Kong to hone his skills.  He  set up his own investment company, but  the business struggled and he was forced to abandon his dream.

But he is now back on his feet, working as a senior consultant for a Hong Kong company with a growing branch in Shanghai.

'Like many Hongkongers I was reluctant to be stationed in China because of the cultural differences,' he admitted. 'But I knew that Shanghai was developing rapidly, and when I was offered a job which involved frequent travel there, it seemed the sensible option. Finally, they asked me to move up here permanently.'

His work involves assisting foreign companies, mainly from the United States, to register on the mainland, and then be a consultant for support. The office in Shanghai has expanded from two to 10 people in under two years.

'Helping the outside world understand China is very enjoyable,' said Mr Yip. 'With my company I act as a bridge for foreign businesses to connect with local ones. We help them to understand Chinese ethics, taxes and laws. My plan is to study more about China's tax and accounting policies and become certified here. I want to become a top professional in the China business consulting industry. Working on the mainland will definitely help my career.'

Living in Shanghai has its annoyances, but the buzz from the speed of development in the city makes the negative factors tolerable. 'There is no bragging or pontificating, just people working hard,' Mr Yip said.

'Sure, sometimes you miss the convenience of Hong Kong, like the 24 hour public transport, and here the traffic is bad, but I live near work and I like to walk.'

Mr Yip said leaving Hong Kong was a sacrifice he had to make. 'I miss my family, but they understand that I am gaining valuable personal development by being here,' he said. 'It's better to come here earlier. One day I can move back to Hong Kong and have this experience as my advantage.

'We have a lot of privileges, rights and freedoms in Hong Kong,' he said. 'It's given us a competitive advantage and allowed us to understand the outside world, and how the world sees us. Mainland Chinese may have less understanding of foreign government policies. This is where a Hongkonger can bring some value. We can think with originality, and bring good ideas.'



Mainland exposure brings rewards