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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) launched a school-enterprise partnership, the Co-operative Education Programme (Co-op@CUHK), in 2021. Giving students access to full-time, full-pay, full-credit work placements of six to eight months. Starting this year, the programme will also provide placement opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and Asian region. In the programme’s annual ceremony last Friday (23 February), CUHK announced that the number of Co-op@CUHK corporate partners has increased to over 130 this year, providing more than 700 placement opportunities in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and Asia (Thailand and Indonesia) for aspiring students.

In his opening remarks on the annual ceremony, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rocky S. Tuan said, “ It is most gratifying to see Co-op@CUHK continue to flourish and expand its reach and impact.  The achievements we are celebrating today are a direct result of the tremendous support we have received from our esteemed industry and corporate partners, who share our vision and belief in the value of university education, as well as the dedication and diligence of our colleagues and students, who have contributed to the transformative Co-op journeys.  We are also deeply grateful for the substantial support we have received from donors and sponsors who share our vision for nurturing talent.  Let us continue to foster strong connections between academia, university, and industry, for a brighter future for our students and society.”

Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin, CUHK Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Education), said, “Over the past two years, Co-op@CUHK has become a cornerstone of our University’s mission, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to nurturing well-rounded graduates. We take great pride in the programme’s accomplishments and in the significant milestones that our students have reached.”

The officiating guest Mr Anthony Lin Yuen-tung, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Bay Area, Standard Chartered Bank, noted that globalisation has blurred the geographical boundaries of businesses, creating a need for talent with cross-cultural acumen, professional knowledge and a global outlook. The experiences provided by Co-op@CUHK are invaluable for students entering the global workforce.

Dr Ira Puspadewi, Chief Executive Officer, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), an Indonesian state-owned ferry company that is one of Co-op@CUHK’s corporate partners, praised the programme for being an excellent platform for students to develop their international perspectives, analytical skills and creativity, all of which are essential qualities for today’s global professionals.

About the Co-operative Education Programme (Co-op@CUHK)

Students joining the programme take part in preparatory courses before being matched with employers for full-time, full-pay, full-credit work placements of six to eight months. Since its inception in 2021, Co-op@CUHK has received extensive support from corporate and industry partners, as well as members of the University and students. In addition to fostering professional competencies and career readiness through extended work placement opportunities, Co-op@CUHK serves as a conduit for corporations to identify promising talent. At the same time, it enables CUHK to better collaborate with employers and provides students with the skills and knowledge society needs. For more details, please visit: https://coop.cuhk.edu.hk/.