By Yingzhen Chen (Christy), Junior Project Manager - PR & Communications
Six months have never been passed so fast…until I joined swissnex China in this February. It was an amazing journey here to meet and work with many talented, friendly colleagues, and to further develop expertise for my career pursuit.
The original intention for me to join swissnex China was the chance to connect China and Switzerland in science and technology in a creative way. Although I have just been to Switzerland for one week, the exquisite country left me really good impression, the poetic scenery, friendly citizens and highly developed financial and scientific innovations. The opportunity to work at swissnex enables me to know more about the Swiss people, their passion and professionalism towards innovation by organizing and participating various programs and events. One of my unforgettable experience was participating the CES ASIA 2019 in June, the biggest consumer electronic show in Asia. swissnex China brought 22 top start-ups from Switzerland and organized a #SWISSTECH Pavilion to showcase latest innovations. It was interesting to bridging the Swiss start-ups and Chinese investors together by collaborating with our colleagues in a short time. As for my role of PR & Communication, I was responsible for the media relations and publicities including wechat and weibo promotions, shooting interviews and editing videos etc. By talking with the start-up founders, I get to know some interesting stories of their product and entrepreneurship, and the reason of choosing China as the new market entry. It was also challenging to connecting the Chinese media with the start-ups, to build up a better image of Swiss excellence in science and innovation.
Christy had a great time working with her swissnex colleagues during CES ASIA 2019.
Another exciting task for me was the Tamedia Study Tour in April. I was responsible to plan and execute a program for the top Swiss media group – Tamedia to better understanding the media and innovation landscape in China. By constantly researching and reaching out to companies in different fields, I have improved my interpersonal communication skills, knowing how to better propose and target a collaboration in different strategies when facing different companies. The program was very successful at the end.
An insightful trip with Tamedia top delegations at Phoenix International Media Center in Beijing.
Besides from work, there are so many lovely memories during my sixth months’ stay here. I think the open and friendly working atmosphere is the most I valued. Every time we organized an event, the whole team will work together to support each other, and everyone is very open to discuss questions. I have spent many pleasant meals, outings with my colleagues as well, it is always cool to discuss different topics across different cultural backgrounds. Sometimes breaking the limits of your understanding is not so easy, but we are always open and respect to other’s opinions.
Looking back my six months here – was short but meaningful. I am truly grateful and happy to work with all the colleagues at swissnex in Shanghai.