Iris Cheuk (right), Programme Manager of SCOPE, CityU and Fanny Pang, Executive Director of the ET Business College

Many small- and medium-sized Hong Kong enterprises (SMEs) struggle to find their way in the maze of employment and taxation laws and accounting systems, not to mention understanding political structures and the intricacies of doing business in China. With their meager resources, they are at a disadvantage and often discouraged.

"SMEs contemplating entering the Chinese market or already doing business there face many uncertainties," says Iris Cheuk, Program Manager, School of Continuing and Professional Education (SCOPE), City University of Hong Kong (CityU) adding that getting first-hand information can be a time-consuming and lengthy process.

A solution to this problem is now at hand with the "Continuing Education Certificate in Joint Ventures and Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises Management in China" jointly offered by the ET Business College and CityU's SCOPE.

Comprehensive program

The course, the first of its kind, provides comprehensive information and guidance on setting-up and managing business ventures in China. It can serve as a starting point for those who are planning to enter the China market and help those who are already doing business there.

Admission applicants are required to have five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Examination or must be at least 23 years old.

The program is designed to cater to the busy schedule of students who are holding down a job; at the same time it provides a practical and high-quality course. Classes are two nights per week, so students can make good use of the weekends to review their studies. The course runs for five months, from late October through March for a total of 105 contact hours and is conveniently held in Admiralty. Students who take the course are able to apply for the Continuing Education Fund.

Quality teaching

Experts in China business practices ensure the particularly high quality of the course and its relevance to SME business in China. A course committee comprising Dr Eddy Li, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Association; Dr Eleanor Cheung, Lecturer, Division of Commence, CityU; and Sunny Wong, Visiting Lecturer, School of Business Management of Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University reviews course contents and validates standards.

Lecturers will teach classes offering case studies for discussion and illustration. Students are expected to have an attendance rate of at least 70 percent, and performance assessment will be based on 30 per cent examination results and 70 per cent performance at the course.

Unique features

Students' soft and hard skills are both developed through 10 different modules. All modules are taught in Cantonese, facilitating classroom discussion.

Soft skills are polished by learning communication skills relevant to the business culture in China. Students are taught about techniques in communication with Chinese government officials, local partners and local staff, as well as contract negotiation.

The course has some unique features; for example students have an opportunity to learn about the "Guiding Directory on Industries Open to Foreign Investment" with field experts. Expected changes resulting from China's joining the WTO are discussed.

Financial management gets in-depth coverage, students are taught about financial control issues and safeguarding a company's interest, while tax violation problems are also addressed. Students learn how to seek professional help when tax disputes arise and how to communicate with tax authorities. Various legal topics cover company law, contract, copyright, and patent law. Students are taught the dos and don'ts of speaking to government officials in the legal process. Sample contracts and a checklist of how to prepare a contract are made available in the law modules.

Students will have to prepare a practical business proposal for submission to a government department, conduct a feasibility study, and write a letter of intent. Moreover, they will obtain experience in market analysis including how to identify market niches, trends, and directions.

The certificate program requires students to do a certain amount of preparation to ensure standards and quality. Fanny Pang, Executive Director of the ET Business College, advises "students should prepare a timetable scheduling two nights per week for class attendance. To get the most out this program, proper attitude, motivation, and commitment are necessary. Students taking this program are highly encouraged to raise questions in class. They are basically in an environment where free advice is available from experts and through peer consultation." Ms Cheuk adds that good networking opportunities are available through classroom interaction.

For more information on the program, please call 2880-2845 or refer to web site: http://www.etbc.com.hk/e506_ict/fs_e506b.html.

Taken from Career Times 2002/10/25