Joint Internship Programme organized by the Hong Kong Journalism Education Foundation

From 26 September to 3 October, four undergraduate students, namely Au Ho Ming, Chan Wai Yan Joy, Yau Shun Yu and Wong Sin Man, participated in the Joint Internship Programme organized by the Hong Kong Journalism Education Foundation. They acted as journalists of a media organization to make news reports on the celebration activities for the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing. Students were also invited to attend press conferences of different government units to learn more about the developments in Mainland in the past 60 years. Besides, they visited rural villages, healthcare facilities and the Beijing Aerospace City. On the National Day, students were given the opportunity to report the military parade took place in the Tiananmen Square. All students treasured the invaluable experience obtained from the internship programme.

Au Ho Ming Youde (Year 4 undergraduate student) 
I was glad to be selected to join the Internship Programme and this was also my first time to Beijing. During the one-week programme, I was attracted by the prosperity of the city and the programme was highly rewarding. We had the opportunities to attend press conference and to participate in various field trips to learn more about the latest developments in the city. After this tour, I feel that Hong Kong has a long way to be comparable with this prosperous metropolitan. 

When walking along the rural villages, we learnt how the “Unification of urban-rural area” programme was implemented. The villages were being reconstructed. Some were even rehabilitated into a cultural area. The programme was supported by the government, which ensures that the farmers can sustain their living under the programme. 

I was greatly honoured to have the opportunity to witness the military parade on the National Day and work with many experienced journalists to make news reports on this commemorable event. 


Chan Wai Yan Joy (Year 3 undergraduate student) 
It was such a pleasure and honor to have this precious opportunity to make news reports on the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing. We believed it may possibly be the only chance in our life to cover such a large-scale festive event. Apart from daily reporting tasks, we all treasured the opportunities to walk on the streets and learn more about the culture and feelings of the citizenry. 

Thanks to the trust and freedom given by the Hong Kong Journalism Education Foundation that enabled us to finish five feature stories on our own choices. The interviews mainly focused on how the Hong Kong people who worked and studied in Beijing perceived the 60th Anniversary of China and its future development. 


Yau Shun Yu (Year 3 undergraduate student)
Everyone was attracted by the military strength and spectacles demonstrated at the grand ceremony of the 60th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. We were glad to be invited to attend the massive parade and press conferences which broadened our horizons. Yet, while everyone was fascinated with the “hard power” of the country, should we put more attention to the “soft power”? 

Here came an interview opportunity in a remote Beijing village. Away from the prosperity of the city, what we saw was a small village with 300 households living in the most traditional brick and tile houses. Initiated by the government, a redevelopment project was in progress. The four-section compounds were revitalized into modern galleries, chic restaurants, but the original scenery of the village was still kept under the brick walls. While the foreign artists moved in, the rooted villagers continued their living. It was a blend of old and new cultures, with a balancing harmony. With the reservation of the historical sites, we can comprehend the Government’s respect for the past which demonstrates its soft power. 


Wong Sin Man (Year 2 undergraduate student) 
I was very glad to participate in the Joint Internship Programme to Beijing organized by Hong Kong Journalism Education Foundation. I had learnt a lot from this journey. First of all, it was an invaluable opportunity to serve as a journalist to make news reports on the 60th Anniversary of China. Not only did we have the chance to interview government officials, we also exchanged ideas with university students in Beijing. What’s more, I could conduct interviews on the streets. At that moment, I felt that I had become a real journalist! 

In addition, we have participated in many activities arranged by the Beijing Media Center, including visits to a countryside village, community health facilities and the Beijing Aerospace City, etc. These activities greatly enhanced our understanding about the developments of China in different aspects. The visit to the countryside was the most unforgettable one in particular. That village was a successful example on the revitalization of historical building. The example proved that traditional buildings could be preserved under the rapid economic development and even be served to facilitate community development. I was wondering: why was the conservation of historical sites in Hong Kong doing so badly? Such kind of inspirations arose during this trip, which enriched my perspectives of thinking.