（編按：本文經陳鳳翔博士輔導下撰寫。）
2019年是我的首次啟蒙，作為中五學生有幸考察了目前發展如火如荼的東盟，洞悉了書本沒有描述的新興市場變化。
當年贏取「一帶一路．與我何干」比賽，前往了陳智思先生、胡曉明教授、陳勇議員等前輩籌辦，還有蔡冠深教授款待的越南絲路之旅。
絲路企業 推動社會關懷
及後，我考入香港科技大學環球商業管理課程，幾年間眼見東西方經濟轉變，世界逐步邁向可持續發展等思維，除綠色環保外，社會關懷亦成為企業的核心價值。
跟隨步伐，我參與多屆籌委會作為義工協辦「帶路先鋒」的比賽，發揮薪火相傳的精神。今年，進一步協助外訪，抵達另一東盟國──柬埔寨。
一個被認為較為落後的國家，原來在上世紀末已有華人企業進入。經營業務以外，新華集團建立另一文化中心──柬埔寨國立管理大學的新華創新中心，推動文化交流。
交流文化 聯結人心相通
談到文化，這次外訪帶來多個發現和感受。
文化影響，香港影視在當地已有數十年歷史。感謝香港經貿辦安排，得以參與金邊香港電影巡禮的開幕式，見證香港在國際舞台上的文化和相關商業推廣。
教育文化，華語普及反映了營商環境的變化。兩年前（2022年）當地學校的外語類別，正式增加了中文；而傳授華語的孔子學院於十多年建立了第一間，過去數年再添三間，可見當地對普通話的使用需求增長、趨之若鶩。
中華文化，受歡迎皆因華資數量和遊人急增。柬埔寨中國商會中資銀行行長們分享華商於當地經營的生意各式各樣，中國建築等龍頭企業更參與包括新機場在內的300多億美元基建項目，而柬埔寨香港商會的各位商業會員亦積極融入和回饋社區。
東盟機遇 未來市場火熱
祖籍福建的我，小時候已接觸祖輩的南洋故事。這次拜訪了港商金鏗集團，得知約30年前高瞻遠矚的設廠安排，今天集團已成為全球四大毛衣生產商，業務持續增長、多元發展。
在經貿辦安排的職涯規劃講座中，來自香港的中銀員工，介紹外派數年間已快速升任分區行長；也有香港傑青在新華集團擔任經理級別，融入當地生活並組織幸福家庭。
原來這些機遇皆因粵港澳大灣區輻射而至，東盟整個布局的中國銀行和中國工商銀行網點、以至新華集團，都是向香港總部報告，香港作為大灣區核心城市已經成功連結東盟！
概括而言，看到近日特首再次帶團前往東盟締結商機，可以相信及放眼未來，無論內地或歐美，正在飛躍發展的新興市場也是機遇處處，預見將會有更多青年被派往當地。我幸運地兩赴東盟，體驗一帶一路沿線地區的蓬勃發展和文化聯結，再次給予我思考未來的新得着。
The Chief Executive Expands ASEAN Connections and the Enlightenment BRP Brought me
The year 2019 marked my first trip experience abroad. As a Form Five student, I was fortunate to explore the rapidly developing ASEAN region and gain insights into the changes in emerging markets beyond textbook descriptions.
That year, I embarked on a Silk Road Exploration into Vietnam as one of the BRP winners. The trip was organized by Hon. Bernard CHAN, Prof. Herman HU, and Mr. CHAN Yung, with hospitality from Dr. Jonathan CHOI Koon-shum.
Silk Road Enterprises Promote Social Care
Subsequently, I was admitted to the Global Business Program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Over the past few years, I have observed the economic transformations between the East and the West, noting the world’s gradual shift towards a focus on “sustainable development.” In addition to green initiatives, social responsibility has also become the core value for many companies.
In line with this trend, I have also served as a volunteering committee member for several BRP competitions, embodying the spirit of inheritance. This year, I further assisted in an overseas visit to Cambodia, another ASEAN country.
Cambodia is often perceived as relatively undeveloped country, where some Chinese companies had established their businesses as early as the late 20th century. Sun Wah Group, for example, not only operates businesses and provides employment opportunities for local communities, but also establishes a cultural center, the Sunwah Innovations at the Cambodia National University of Management and spares no effort to promote cultural exchanges.
Cultural Exchange Connects People
This visit brought me with new insights. In terms of Regarding cultural influence, surprisingly, Hong Kong films and TV dramas have had an enduring influence in Cambodia for decades. Thanks to the enthusiastic arrangement by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), we attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Film Forum (Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation in Cambodia), witnessing the cultural and commercial style of Hong Kong on the international stage.
As for educational culture, the popularity of Mandarin reflects the latest macroeconomic trends. In 2022, local schools officially added Chinese as one of the foreign language courses. The first Confucius Institute was established over a decade ago, and three more had been established up recently, demonstrating the growing demand and enthusiasm for Mandarin learning.
Regarding Chinese Culture, its rising popularity is due to the growing number of Chinese businesses and tourists. The heads of Chinese banks from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia shared with us the diversified businesses scopes operated by the Chinese businessmen. Leading companies such as the China State Construction Engineering Corporation, are involved in infrastructure projects worth more than $30 billion, including the new airport in Phnom Penh. Members of the Hong Kong Business Association of Cambodia also actively integrate into the local community and give back to the local community.
ASEAN Opportunities Indicate a Hot Future Market
As a Fujian native, I have heard stories about our ancestors’ voyages to the Southeast since I was a child. During this visit to the Goldfame Group, I learned about the foresight of the group’s Hong Kong founder in setting up a factory in Cambodia around 30 years ago.. Today, the Group has become one of the world’s top four sweater manufacturers, with all business areas achieving steady growth.
At a career planning seminar organized by the HKETO, a management trainee from the Bank of China (BOC) mentioned that he was quickly promoted to a regional manager after working overseas for a few years. Moreover, a former Hong Kong Outstanding Young Award winner is also working as a manager at another group having successfully integrated into local society and formed a joyful family.
These opportunities are aided by the influence of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) that branches of the BOC, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Sunwah Group across ASEAN all report to their headquarters in Hong Kong. As the core city in the GBA, Hong Kong plays a vital role in connecting the ASEAN regions!
In conclusion, with the Chief Executive recently leading a delegation to ASEAN again to build trade and business ties, it is clear that there will be more opportunities in the future. Apart from the Mainland, Europe, or the United States, the rapidly developing emerging markets cannot be ignored and are full of potential. Foreseeably, there will be more young people being dispatched to these regions. Personally, I am highly grateful to have visited ASEAN twice, witnessing the burgeoning development and vibrant culture along the Silk Road. They all provided me with new insights into my future.
中文版原刊於Recruit，本社獲陳鳳翔提供轉載。
