Learning Beyond the Lecture Halls: The Administrative Service Internship

Mr Cheung Kin-nam Anson, Year 5 Student from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Language Studies and Bachelor of Education (Honours)(English Language) in 2025/26

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” How true! This statement highlights the undeniable power of active learning. Fortunately, EdUHK offers a myriad of learning opportunities, ranging from local internships to overseas exchange programmes. Just last summer, nominated by the Faculty, I had the privilege to partake in the Administrative Service (AO) Summer Internship Programme. During those nine weeks, I gained invaluable experiences across different areas of government work. 

A major project I undertook during my internship was proposing and presenting a policy initiative. I was assigned to a group with five other Administrative Service interns to formulate a policy initiative for a specific bureau or department. The policy initiative was then formally presented to the Secretary for the Civil Service. Working on this project was by no means easy, yet it was truly a transformative learning experience. This policy initiative project offered numerous insightful takeaways, one of which was the importance of effective communication and presentation. I came to understand that how an idea is delivered can often be as critical as the idea itself, if not more so. I also learnt that we should always include multiple options rather than a single proposal. This practice can demonstrate our thoughtfulness and inclusivity by considering multiple perspectives before arriving at our proposed idea or solution.

The Civil Service Bureau kindly arranged a wide range of guided visits for us interns to gain a comprehensive understanding of the political and social landscape of Hong Kong from multiple perspectives. These visits exposed us to the intersection of governance, community development, and innovation in ways that extend beyond textbooks and theories. Our visit to the Legislative Council was particularly memorable. The guided tour provided us with valuable insights into the Hong Kong Legislative Council’s history, role, function, and day-to-day operation. Apart from the practical insights from all the hands-on work and visit experiences, I have come to realise that one of the most invaluable gifts this internship has given me is the relationships I have built along the way. The mentorship, trust, and friendships I experienced have not only enriched my professional development, but also left a lasting impression on me. 

All in all, the nine-week internship was truly transformative. Not only did learning experiences like this diversify my life as a university student and allow me to explore my interests fully, but they also positively impacted my career development. Here, I wish everyone could “be taught and remember, be involved and learn”. 

 

 

 

 

Presenting our proposals to the Secretary, Permanent Secretary, and the Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service

 

 

 

 

Visiting the Legislative Council Complex

 

 

 

 

Dining with the other AO interns

 

 

 

 

Bonding time at a party room after work!