A Front-Row Seat to Finnish Business in China: —What My First Two Months at FinnCham China Have Taught Me

Hello everyone! My name is Jialei Zhang, and I am currently doing my internship at FinnCham China Shanghai Chapter. When I first started, I expected my work to be mostly about writing posts and preparing event materials behind a screen. That has certainly been part of the job, but what has surprised me most is how quickly those digital tasks connect to real people, real companies, and real business cooperation.

During my first two months at FinnCham, I have seen that chamber work is much more dynamic than I first imagined. Behind every event post, every LinkedIn update, and every business visit, there is a wider network of companies, partners, and professionals working together across Finland and China. One thing I have noticed very clearly is that communication in this environment is not just about sharing information. It is also about building trust, creating connections, and helping different people find common ground.

One of the most memorable parts of the internship so far has been joining the company and factory visits together with the OP delegation. Visiting companies such as UPM, KONE, Wärtsilä, and Halton gave me a much more concrete understanding of how Finnish companies operate in China, from industrial production and innovation to long-term business development. These visits also made me realise how important FinnCham’s role is as a bridge between Finnish companies, local partners, and international business networks.

Events have also given me some of the clearest insights. Because events are at the heart of chamber work, they have shaped much of my internship experience so far. I have attended and supported several business events in Shanghai, and one highlight has been co-organizing a Young Professionals event together with other chambers and partners. The event was designed for young professionals under 35 and brought together around 30-40 students, interns, and early‑career professionals who are interested in building an international career in China.

The evening combined short speeches with relaxed networking. We heard opening remarks from Kirsi Kettula, Head of Global Engagement at Aalto University, and Haian Xue, Director of the Sino‑Finnish Centre, followed by keynote speeches from Pascal Miao (Marketing Director, Valio), Timo Achterbosch (Senior Associate, MSA Asia), and Timothy Man (Associate, MSA Asia). They shared practical tips on starting a career in Shanghai, honest stories about non‑linear career paths, and advice on how to stay curious and open when working between different cultures.

What stood out to me was not only the event itself, but everything behind it, including the communication, the coordination, the different expectations, and the teamwork needed to make it happen. Being involved in tasks such as preparing materials, managing registrations, and welcoming guests gave me a much better understanding of how many details go into what seems like “just one evening event”.

So far, the biggest lesson for me has been that chamber work is not just about organising activities. It is about connecting people, companies, and ideas in a way that creates real value. I am looking forward to learning more during the rest of my internship and to meeting more people across the FinnCham network. Feel free to connect with me via LinkedIn or email!

Zhang Jialei

WhatsApp: +358 453249467

Email: eurus908@gmail.com