Come Together 2014

The annual Come Together charity event this year was held on Saturday the 13^th of September in the Beishan Theatre in Zhuhai with an outstanding number of people involved.

So what is Come Together all about?

Come Together is an annual charity music festival underlined by the idea to bring expats and locals together for a great day of live music, fun games and a variety of delicious food with the wonderful aim of raising as much money as possible for local charities in Zhuhai, China.

This year, the money raised went to two amazing, local charities; the Charity Promotion Association of Zhuhai (CPAZ) and the Zhuhai Autism Society. Both charities are delighted with the total amount that the event raised; an unbelievable 155,000 RMB.

ODM Group at Come Together 2014

The event was absolutely fantastic and it was incredible to see people share the same ambition of raising for a common cause. Come Together 2015 will be a stunner!

Last week our event organizers handed in donations to primary schools in Zhuhai and spent time with the children. 

The Zhuhai Autism Society

As part of the donations, the society contributed with over 10 yearly tuition fees for the education of kids as well as with musical events that will definitely stimulate their learning.

For education and skills training RMB 15,600 (USD 2,500) pays for 10 students for a year in the Gu Lang Training Centre (48 classes each of 1h 30min split equally over 2 terms). For more severe cases RMB 1,500 (USD 240) donation pays for 1 autistic child to live in a 24hr care boarding centre for 1 month. Each care centre has 10 children maximum.

The Zhuhai Autism Society receiving a well deserved award

All for a good cause. How about you - are you ready to get involved for Come Together 2015?

Looking for an internship in China?

Undertaking a course in business or product development? Looking to have a valuable internship year abroad? Why not come to China to experience the most diverse culture in the world and gain insights to manufacturing in China. It is definitely a valuable opportunity and will make you stand out amongst other professionals in your industry!

We are currently looking for young, fresh and talented professionals!

Description of the company

The ODM group specializes in manufacturing promotional products and new concepts within factories in China, where we act as a main supply chain management agent. We have the expertise in quality control and production management through our main central buying office in Zhuhai. To add, we also have an in-house design team, Mindsparkz, which specializes in product design, IP management, web development and prototyping.

Below you can find the available roles:

Marketing Internship

Candidates undertaking a marketing internship will contribute to our yearly-based marketing plan where they will analyse our past trends and develop new proposals to execute strategies.

The main role within this internship will be contributing to the SEO of the company and looking ways to increase our online activity.

Generally this will be done through social media networks as  Wordpress, LinkedIn,Twitter, Facebook, etc. 

Also an important role is given to video blogs: Check out our previous intern´s video blog. Video blogs are mainly used to feature a promotional product that we think is going to be ideal for the season and have decent buying pricing.

Requirements: 

• Candidate needs to be pro-active and updated to new tendencies Eg: if there is a new software or network that will help the company, they will need to advice the company on this new tendency. 

• We are looking for native English speakers with excellent grammar skills.

• The ideal duration period of this internship should be at least 6 months or more.

Sales internship:

Account Management: Manage customer accounts for the company under supervision of Sales Manager, take a part in general administrative work (writing invoices, sending of the samples, writing QC reports),  to be able to meet all the needs of our biggest clients

Prospecting: Develop a targeted approach to look into new clients in different industries and different markets. The company is constantly looking for new clients and your main responsibility would be to generate sales leads and turn them to clients eventually. Candidates with experience on cold calling and exposure to customers will be strongly considered. 

Marketing: Contribute to the general SEO of the company through weekly-based blogging on key live case studies around the marketplace.

For some long-term complicated projects, the intern will be sent around Chinese factories to manage production and undertake quality controls where you will be able to get a practical insight into chinese manufacturing & production processes. Candidates with a basic knowledge of Chinese Mandarin will strongly be considered too.

Candidates undertaking an internship with us will have the opportunity to visit Trade Shows in Hong Kong and Guangzhou to identify new products and market trends. 

Requirement: 

• Need to be fluent in English and another European language which will be used to prospect into 2 new markets. Candidate needs to be self-motivated, proactive, organized and able to think outside the box.

• The ideal candidate should be looking for a internship of 6 months or more.

• Candidates should have a degree in any business related course or be in the course of getting one.

Design Internship:

Our design department is looking for a creative, hardworking graphic and product designers. In this role, you’ll be focused on designing and producing work in line with our company style and personality. 

You will be working under the supervision of our Creative Director and alongside a group of international industrial and graphic designers. As a design staff member, you will be providing a high degree of  design, both graphic and industrial,  as well as technical support to the projects and campaigns of our clients.

Essential Functions:

• Provide  design support for all departments, which include layout alterations, color correction, resizing existing creative, and designing new projects based on previous designs.

• Manages multiple priorities under deadlines, independently and working with a team

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient with Adobe Suite: Especially Photoshop and Illustrator

• Product designers must have skill in both hand sketching as well as the Solidworks CAD software

• Knowledge of  design principles

• Demonstrates creative flair, originality and a strong visual sense for branding and integrating visual elements across multiple mediums

• Strong attention to detail in proofing and making accurate edits.

• Fast-paced, well-organized and thrive in a high-volume, deadline-oriented workplace

For this specific internship we are able to cater any duration periods, generally for people staying over 1 month.

We will also consider applicants for traineeships and applicants wanting to act as our QC rep around Chinese factories.

Please contact us for more information:

Website • Facebook • Twitter• Linkedin

Zhuhai Updates: HUAFA NEW CENTURY MALL (华发商都 )

2014 has been a hectic year in Zhuhai where the expat community has grown faster and new companies have started to establish in the city.

The main public spot that really has grabbed people´s attention is the 180.000sqm  Huafa New Mall located in an ever growing Huafa New Town (华发新城).

The mall features clothing shops such as “H&M”, “Uniqlo”, “Lee” and “Just Cavali” among others, all of which have been attracting many people who would usually buy their clothing online or change their habits to standard chinese shops.

Huafa area in Zhuhai is really looking western enough with loads of british / german / american restaurants which have definitely benefited from the raised numbers of expats living in town.

Everything is speeding up in South China as the bridge connecting HK, Macao and Zhuhai is in its last phase of construction.  The bridge will have an impressive impact on China´s economy, especially Zhuhai, as the economy will be mainly focused in Guandong area. 

The city of Zhuhai is yet to discover its expansion in an ever developing economy and will definitely have a stronger name in China.

A Day Trip to Grass Island

How have you been enjoying your internship? I am sure Hong Kong has been a very great experience for everyone as there are so many events and places of interest to visit. Other than Hong Kong island itself, there are also Kowloon island and the New Territories, there are also the outlying islands. Hong Kong is diverse in transportation, from buses to trams, trains to ferries. A ferry is usually needed for travelling to the outlying islands.

The main outlying islands are Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Discovery Bay, Lamma, Peng Chau and Ma Wan. However this time, this post will be about Grass Island. Grass island is situated at the most north-east of Hong Kong. The only transportation there is by ferry. Thus, you have to go to the pier at Wong She, where there are ferries available to take you to the port. To go to Wong Shek Pier, take the bus 94 from Sai Kung.

The island is known for its large grass patches and it is a perfect play for camping and kite flying. It is also a perfect place to spend time with your friends or family with picnic. There are Chinese eateries with very good options of lunch and dinner choices that you should check it out!

In Grass Island, you can do the few things below:

• Kite Flying
• Camping
• Picnic
• Hiking 
• Visit Temples
• Visit Caves
• Fishing
• Photo taking

There are many things you can do in there and places to go. If you are lucky, you could meet live cows roaming around. Be careful though, they have the the cow patty around and that the cows might step on you if you have too much food on yourself! In addition, there is an old primary school there, and you might feel like you have traveled back in time to the past! 


So other than that, there are attractions you should visit.

1. Tin Hau Temple

This temple was built during the 8th year of the Qing Dynasty and was renovated 10 years ago. Both the temples are inscribed with the names of donors. There are also tradition celebrations during may where the celebrate the birth of the Gods in the temple.

2. Balanced Rock

The rock is called balanced rock with two equal size of the rocks on top of year other. It measures 6m high and 3m wide. Legend has it that the rock is something the Gods use to protect the villagers against the evil dragons.

3. Tap Mun Cave

Lastly, legend has it that there was a tunnel that is close to the Balanced Rock all the way to the Tin Hau Temple.

	So, do check out Grass island and tell us your experience there!

Trip to China - Nanjing, YiWu, Shanghai

Hong Kong is extremely close to China. Since ODM Asia works closely with many factories in China, business trips to China are inevitable. In this trip, I went to several places, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Yi Wu and Shanghai.

Nanjing 

I took a plane from Hong Kong International airport to Nanjing Airport directly. As the factory was not near the airport, I took a bus to the middle of the town. It was a 2.5h ride on the airport bus that costs 70RMB. There, I met the contact person from the factory and went directly to the factory. It took another 30-40min.

It was autumn, thus, the sun sets rather early. After visiting the factory, it got extremely dark. Perhaps it was not the usual big city that I came from, where street lights are inevitable. Thus, we headed to a restaurant for dinner.

From this post,  China Factory Visit - Buyer Diary #1 Culture & Customs, it is a custom for the factories or hosts to treat the client to a meal. It is to show respect as well as to build relationship. As most of you know, relationship is the most important thing in the Chinese culture. It is also a culture for the Chinese to drink the Chinese wine. However, I am fortunately that they did not order any alcohol. Instead, we drank yoghurt drinks. The dinner included lots of their local dishes. And by local, I am talking about their locally grown agriculture and local catch! Their river prawn and river scallop is one of the few popular dishes. 

During the dinner, we talked about our lives, hobbies and the difference in culture. International friendship is truly amazing. It is through such chatting and bonding where you really learn about the difference in culture and customs. It was also a great platform to observe the difference in culture. I always thought that in the Chinese culture, the host would always order a lot of food and you are not suppose to finish them. This is to show that the host has prepared more and enough food and they are treating you well. Although they claimed that they do not follow this tradition anymore, they ordered too much food! There was too much food to eat. 

The second day, I took a 10h train to Yi Wu. There was a train for 4 hours, however one has to go to the train station at 1am. Thus, to be safe, I decided to take the train that is longer but a safer timing. 

Yi Wu

I checked in immediately after arrival in Yi Wu. The day after, I visited 2 factories. I had to visit a trade fair and visit one of the factories again, and I stayed for another night. The 4th day was yet another packed day, of visiting factories and more. 

Shanghai

The last stop - Shanghai! Hangzhou is nearer to Yi Wu however both of the cities have no flight/seats to Hong Kong. Thus, I have to go to Shanghai to take a plane back. Shanghai is a beautiful city and the chilly weather made everything even more perfect! I met some interns in Shanghai and we had a great time chatting about internship and difference in culture!

Internship is something you will definitely not forget.  A time where you learn and experience many new things. Always keep your mind open and have a blast during your internship! 

Getting to Shenzhen from Wanchai, Hong Kong

Going to Shenzhen from Hong Kong is extremely easy, fast and simple. This time, I went to Shenzhen from Wan Chai. Read one more to find out my journey! I used a different route when returning, and this method is the fastest. 

I left the office at 2:30pm.

Firstly, you have to take the train from Wan Chai. This is because you will be taking the train all the way to Shenzhen!

Wan Chai Station

This is the stop where I took the train. Wan Chai. 

Red Line

I took it towards Tseun Wan. 

Admiralty Station

Alighted at the next stop, Admiralty.

Tsim Sha Tsui Station

I changed the MTR line and alighted at Tsim Sha Tsui.

This part is quite tricky. This is because you will be leaving the station and walking to the next station! No worries, just follow my images and you will get there!

Leaving Tsim Sha Tsui

Take the escalator up

Exiting the TST Station

Exit the station

East TST Sign

Walk towards the sign that is pink in color

Directional Sign

It says: East Tsim Sha Tsui

Left turn

Just follow the sign

Walk ahead

You will reach this left turn. It is actually a 5min walk, so all you have to do is walk.

5min walkway

5 min walkway

5 min walkway

5 min walkway

It is indeed, quite a long walk.

End of 5 min walkway

At the end, you will see the pink sign, pointing right. Turn right and keep walking. 

Walkway to East TST Station

It looks like this. Another stretch of walkway. 

East TST Gantry

Finally, at the end, you will see this gantry. Tap your octopus card and enter!  

Hung Hom Station

Take towards Hong Hom station

East Tsim Sha Tsui

Towards Lo Wu Station

The destination: Lo Wu Station

Taking towards Hung Hom Station

Take towards Hung Hom Station. It is only 1 stop.

In the train towards Hung Hom Station

Hung Hom Station

After reaching, just take the train opposite. You will take the train all the way to the end. 

Reached!

Lo Wu Station

Arriving in Lo Wu

Going towards Shenzhen

You can either follow the crowd or find the sign that says "Shenzhen" 

Walking towards Hong Kong Customs

Nearing Hong Kong Customs

At the Hong Kong Customs

Queuing at the Hong Kong Customs

Queue under the Visitor side. All international passport holders should queue in this lane while the Hong Kongers and Chinese Nationals will queue another place.

Waiting in line at the Hong Kong Customs

At the Hong Kong Customs

Leaving the Hong Kong Customs, going towards China

After clearing the Hong Kong Customs, you will walk another stretch of road.  

Walking towards China Customs

There, you will reach the China customs. Before you queue, remember to grab the arrival form!

Arrival card at China Customs

Fill it up, wait in line and then you will clear the customs! Honestly, the queue in the China side can take some time. Remember to wear comfortable footwear! Also, the arrival card has a departure card attached. Keep the departure card because you will need it to leave China.

Reached China: 3:45pm

Total cost: about HKD$50
Total time: 1h 15min

Getting a Visa for China.

Getting a Visa for China can be quite a complex process.   A permit issued to every foreigner by the China visa authorities for entry into, exit from or transit through China.

China visa authorities may issue a Diplomatic, Courtesy, Service or Ordinary Visa to a foreigner according to his identity, purpose of visit to China and passport type. Whilst it is possible to get some visas at borders or upon landing getting day or weekend passes, do not rely on this.

The Ordinary Visa consists of eight sub-categories, which are respectively marked with China phonetic letters F, L, X, C, J-1, J-2, G, and D.

• F Visa: Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges or short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.   This is the one interns will apply for.
• L Visa: Issued to an applicant who comes to China for tourist purposes, family visiting or other personal affairs.
• Z Visa: Issued to an applicant who is to take up a post or employment in China, and their accompanying family members.
• X Visa: Issued to an applicant who comes to China for the purpose of study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of six months or above.
• C Visa: Issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and family members accompanying them.
• J-1 Visa: Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China.
• J-2 Visa: Issued to foreign correspondents on temporary interview mission in China.
• G Visa: Issued to those who transit through China.
• D Visa: Issued to applicant who is to reside permanently in China.

The China visa authorities overseas include China embassies, consulates, visa offices, and the consular department of the office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. If a foreigner intends to enter into, exit from or transit through the China territory, he shall apply to the above-mentioned China visa authorities for a China visa.