Bridging Finnish and Hong Kong Business: Insights from My Internship Experience:

Hi, I’m Ruofei Ma, a third-year Marketing and Sales student at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finland. I am currently completing my internship at the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (FinnCham HK) as a Marketing and Communications Intern.  

In my role, I support communications, content creation, social media management, event coordination, and member services. During the first stage of my internship, I have gained valuable exposure to Finnish companies operating in Hong Kong and learned how FinnCham HK acts as a vital connector in this fast-paced and globally oriented market. 

One of my key observations so far is the incredible speed and efficiency that defines Hong Kong’s business culture. Whether it’s Finnish companies based here or local partners within our membership network, everyone operates with strong momentum and a results-driven mindset. For example, I was impressed by how swiftly local partners respond to event arrangements — sometimes finalizing sponsorships or media collaborations within just a few hours. This dynamic rhythm reflects not only the nature of the city but also the agility required to succeed in Asia’s competitive business landscape. 

A highlight of my internship has been representing FinnCham HK at ReThink HK 2025, a major sustainability-focused expo. The event gathered professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations from both Finland and Hong Kong who are passionate about sustainable development. At our booth, I had the chance to meet Finnish companies and local stakeholders interested in Nordic sustainability practices — from circular economy solutions to green technology innovations. 

FinnCham Hong Kong plays a pivotal role as a bridge between Finnish and Hong Kong businesses. Whether helping Finnish companies enter the Hong Kong market or connecting local enterprises with Finnish expertise, the Chamber facilitates meaningful partnerships and knowledge exchange. A recent example is our collaboration with SwedCham HK and the Japanese Chamber for a joint sustainability seminar, which created valuable opportunities for dialogue and shared learning among Nordic and Asian communities. 

This internship has allowed me to witness how cultural understanding and business cooperation intersect in practice — and I’m excited to continue contributing to this dialogue in the months ahead.

For networking or collaboration, feel free to reach out:

Email: info@finncham.com.hk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-finnish-chamber-of-commerce-in-hong-kong/

Website: https://www.finncham.com.hk/

WhatsApp: +358 417220969

Anne HATANPÄÄ