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Jonathan Powell

Young people share their experience of the mainland
Name William Kong Yeung
Age 27
Job Studying International Relations (PhD), Peking University
Location Beijing
Determined to see the bigger picture for Hong Kong, William Kong Yeung  went to Peking University (Beida) to study international relations. After gaining a degree in Chinese history at Baptist University in 2001, Kong applied to study a three-year master's at Beida. He is now midway through a four-year  doctorate.
'I was puzzled by the lack of clarity about Hong Kong's future and its status within China,' Mr Kong said. 'I needed to find out  what direction the city and the nation was going in. I wanted to know more about diplomacy and understand China's perception of Hong Kong and of the world. I needed to learn the theory and develop an understanding from an Asian, Pacific Rim and global perspective.'
Beida's School of International Studies (SIS) was founded in 1996, the first at a mainland university. It aims to develop specialist talent in international studies, international political economy and diplomacy. 'I knew the best choice was to come here,' Mr Kong said. 'It was hard to find a centre for studying international relations in Hong Kong. Baptist University has a small department, but its resources don't compare. Finance is the No1 priority in Hong Kong and there is little interest in subjects outside  economics.'
Mr Kong, who was a baby when his family moved to the SAR from Xiamen in 1980, said he hoped to be involved in building a solid future for Hong Kong. 'I have no interest to work for the Hong Kong government,' he said. 'It would be boring, daily routine. Look at our chief executive. He endured a typically tedious administrative job for 30 years before he became top man. I want to work in the field of relations strategy.
'How can Hong Kong position itself within China, Asia, and the world? There are voices calling for the expansion of the Hong Kong border to include Shenzhen.  There must be a vision.  There needs to be more active participation from the people and  the government.'
Mr Kong believes his studies will equip him.  'The entry criteria is easier for mainland universities, but studying in China still gives you good prospects, and the teaching is world class,' he said.



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