Intern awed by buzzing Hong Kong

Hong Kong has always fascinated me as a city that never sleeps, brimming with culture and experiences. After two months there, Hong Kong far surpassed my expectations and I am itching to return as soon as possible.

I applied for this internship because I grew interested in alternative dispute resolution through my law degree and wanted more global experience before graduating.

HKIAC facilitates arbitrations for some of the world’s largest corporations. Hong Kong is a leading hub for arbitration, so having the opportunity to work here appealed to me as a soon-to-be law graduate from New Zealand.

HKIAC’s office is based in Exchange Square - right in the heart of central Hong Kong. 

The office had spectacular views across the harbour and was equipped with hearing rooms to facilitate arbitrations, several meeting spaces and a library with up to date arbitration resources.

The office was very busy with several arbitrations and events taking place at any one time.

I assisted the HKIAC Secretariat in their work in supporting and facilitating cases involving parties from across the globe.

I drafted letters, agendas, case histories and did research tasks. While I was there, Hong Kong was preparing to host the ICCA congress, and so I assisted with preparing for the event.  I also enjoyed participating in mock mediations and arbitrations, which provided great insight into the role arbitration plays in dispute resolution.

Through my internship, I saw first-hand how arbitration works, the challenges facing the field today and what arbitration can offer for resolving disputes.

Sian: "Hong Kong surprised me in so many ways."

When I arrived in Hong Kong, I could not stop looking up.

Rows and rows of skyscrapers and apartments surrounded me, and I felt like I had landed in a maze far larger than any other cities I have visited.

Over time, I found my way and felt at home in this beautiful place, learning to look around me and appreciate Hong Kong’s charm.

Watching the daily lives of the city play out became my favourite pastime. I loved walking to work and seeing groups practising tai chi in Victoria Park, people handing out newspapers on every corner, and, surprisingly, dogs of all shapes and sizes being taken out for their walks in the citiy’s many dog parks.

I came to feel at home in the city, having a favourite bakery and bubble tea spot I visited daily, making friends with the staff and talking to them about New Zealand, offering a gift of some Cookietime cookies when I left.

A favourite pastime of mine was visiting the cinema, which was affordable for students in Hong Kong and gave me a way to see films that are not available here.

Some of my favourites included the classic Cantonese film ‘Chungking Express’, a new release called ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ and an action film depicting life in Kowloon Walled City ‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled-In’. I visited some of the locations of these films such as Kowloon Park and Chungking Mansion, and loved seeing sights I recognised in Hong Kong on film.

Hong Kong surprised me in so many ways. I loved being able to go from the bustling district of Central, to the many islands where I could hike and swim, to the historic temples, to Hong Kong’s many cafes and malls and theme parks all in one day.

Sian: Over time, I found my way and felt at home in this beautiful place, learning to look around me and appreciate Hong Kong’s charm."

Hong Kong had everything I could have asked for. I was able to find a community to continue my love of ballet and will be forever grateful to the Grand Ballet Hong Kong for offering me classes in their studio and the kindness of the dancers. This experience showed me that no matter where you are in the world, a love of art and dance can be shared!

Hong Kong offered a base for me to explore more of Asia. I visited Macao and flew home through Tokyo, where I spent a few busy days exploring. There is so much more I want to see in Asia.

For anyone looking to extend their understanding of Asia, work with high-profile cases in a fast-paced environment, and be challenged, this internship offers so much.

And for anyone looking to visit somewhere new, regardless of whether you love big cities, cosy cafes, endless galleries or beautiful beaches – Hong Kong has something for everyone.

The Foundation's Business Programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. We are also focussed on growing the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.

Our internship programme helps interns build a better understanding of the people, place and culture of their Asian host country, while developing industry-specific skills that will benefit them as they progress in their careers.