GDTV’s Face Time | 3 Takeaways from Happy Hour Drinks
Once a month members of the Australian community in South China get together for the iconic Happy Hour Drinks, hosted by AustCham South China, ACYPI, ACAA, and ACYA. For most who attend regularly or are visitors to Guangzhou, it’s a casual start to the weekend and a great way to meet Australian business people, young professionals, and alumni. However, there is a real significance to events like these and how they shape the expatriate community, especially in China.
We were lucky enough to have our co-collaborator Hazza from ACYPI and GTVS’s Face Time do a segment on our monthly drinks and it’s significance for information sharing and community building in Guangzhou.
The AustCham team and attendees from various industries got behind the camera and shared their experience in Guangzhou, reflecting on business opportunities, the importance of a good network, and economic policies that are shaping the South. Here are three main takeaways.
1. Information will Unlock New Economic Policies
AustCham South China has formed a joint committee with AustCham Hong Kong & Macau to address the Greater Bay Area, dedicated to sharing information and industry insights with regards to the new trade initiative. This is indicative of the need to provide the international business community with up to date relevant information on the implications of China’s new economic policies.
Increasingly, Australian businesses see the opportunities in China but are sometimes unclear on how to unlock the incentive schemes or strategically utilise the lowered trade barriers. As a result, we see increased consultation between the local Chinese government and representative bodies like AustCham, to ensure the flow of foreign investment and business ventures is not only large but also long term.
2. Returning Graduates Have More Opportunities than Ever
With education being one of Australia’s strongest industry exchange with China, many Chinese graduates returning from Australian Universities are looking for career opportunities back in China. These graduates are positioned competitively in the job market, being bilingual and having experience in cross cultural communication.
For graduates looking to maximise their international tertiary experience, overseas work experience is key. It is important that graduates looking to shortcut their way into quality positions not only return with an international degree, but with applicable work skills that transcend cultural barriers, these candidates will often be prioritised in the HR selection process.
3. Networks are Essential
In a culture where business life and social life often overlap, establish a solid network in China is important for any expatriate. Aside from being a great way to meet new friends, which is a key consideration when relocating, lots of business leads and referrals come to fruition through one’s network. The foreign Chambers represent great hubs for informative events and networking opportunities, bringing together likeminded people with common foreign or industry backgrounds.
For newcomers to China, connecting with the Chambers are an invaluable first step to kickstarting a network. Events like the monthly Happy Hour Drinks are a perfect foot in the door for anyone looking to catch up over a beer and make some valuable connections. Our next Happy Hour Drinks is on May 25th, see below for more details. Click Read More to view the full GDTV Face Time segment.