My final week of the internship has been quite a sad occasion for me and while I’m eagerly awaiting being reunited with my friends, family and the Company, of course, it does mean I must say goodbye to all my lovely colleagues and friends here in Hong Kong. Looking back on my time here I cannot easily point to anything I would change as my experience here has been unforgettable and everyone I have met along the way has helped to ensure that. I know that I will be returning here whenever possible.

The start of my week here, I was stunned at how quickly the time has flown by and I still feel as though I have just stepped off the plane. This week, similarly, has progressed so quickly and I found myself treated to two separate farewell lunches by my lovely colleagues here. It seems that with each passing day here at Hutchison, learning directly from the expert team here, I have felt my confidence in the profession grow and grown. Even more impressive is the ability of the team to continue to provide me with uniquely challenging and different tasks daily and I find that even the jobs that seem quite simple initially, still demand such high levels of thought and consideration, but makes them so much more meaningful and rewarding to complete. I can safely say that before this internship began, I was overwhelmed, stressed and worried about my lack of experience and concerned I would not be able to keep up with the workload or the difficulty of the tasks here at Hutchison. However, only a few days into the placement, I realised how silly those fears were and I understood that the practical knowledge I have gained here has helped to reinforce and shape my understanding of the role and has left me feeling confident to take on my next challenge back home in the UK. For that alone, I cannot thank Hutchison, the HKICS or the Company enough.

Outside of work, I have found this week to be a great insight into the culture and lifestyle of this bustling city, and I have been incredibly fortunate to befriend one of my colleagues at Hutchison – who, purely by chance, is also friends with my original Hong Kong acquaintance. Ms Yip, has been an incredible tour guide and has shown me so many wonderful sights, delicious food and has taught me so many lessons that would have all been impossible for me to discover without the assistance of a native guide. Likewise, Ms Suen has continued to be an excellent host and has taken me to many delightful restaurants, invited me on fascinating tours and even to sample some delicious cocktails. I am certain that our insightful and fascinating conversations will be one of the things I miss the most about my time here in Hong Kong.

Today, on one of my final days, I have had the pleasure of attending a tour around the Tsz Shan Monastery – arranged for by Ms Shih, to whom I am very grateful. It was a wonderful experience, so tranquil and peaceful, that I would recommend this trip to anyone who has the opportunity.

Well, that’s my last update, I am very excited to fill everyone in on all of my adventures and experiences when I get home – it’s off to buy little trinkets and gifts for the family now!

Rory Herbert
WCCSA 2019 Hong Kong Intern.