PolyU SPEED collaborates with DDB Group HK to launch the EQUATOR internship programme in Hong Kong

School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED), the educational unit of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)-affiliated College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE), in collaboration with DDB Group Hong Kong (DDB), has launched an internship programme – Equator in Hong Kong. A Kick-off Ceremony signifying the collaboration was held on 20 March, 2018 at the PolyU Hung Hom Bay Campus.

PolyU SPEED always places a strong emphasis on Work-Integrated Education (WIE). Through the WIE programme, students can gain valuable opportunities to experience real business operations, understand job requirements, and enhance communication skills and competitiveness so that they can be well-equipped for the career market.

This collaboration with DDB on the Equator internship programme is a valuable opportunity for PolyU SPEED students to gain hands-on experience in the workplace. Hong Kong is DDB’s second Asian destination for the launch of this programme after its first launch in Singapore, and PolyU SPEED is honoured to be its first partner in the local tertiary education sector in this internship programme. Students from all PolyU-SPEED award programmes are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will complete a designated number of work hours with DDB on real client projects.

Dr Jack Lo, Director of PolyU SPEED said he shared the same view with DDB’s founder Bill Bernbach, who said creativity is the most powerful force in business. “Our students’ minds are young, fresh, unencumbered by biases and prejudices. If we can provide them with a congenial environment, we have high hopes that our students can come up with some new and unconventional ideas,” said he.

“Millennials are a force to be reckoned with and I am very excited to work closely with the next generations of creative minds. Equator brings together our Tribal technologists with digital natives or Gen Z to help clients develop innovative solutions - engaging both the next generation, and marketing for the new economy”, said Mr Keith Ho, Chief Creative Officer and Managing Director of DDB at the ceremony

The Equator Internship programme was initially launched at the DDB Open Day on 8 March, 2018. 56 students from PolyU SPEED were interviewed and 24 shortlisted students were announced at the Ceremony.

PolyU SPEED academic staff and representatives from DDB take a group photo with all shortlisted students who will be joining the Equator Internship Programme

About PolyU SPEED

Established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in 1999, PolyU SPEED is committed to providing lifelong education opportunities for people with different educational needs to acquire higher qualifications. PolyU SPEED offers, in full-time and part-time study modes, a diversity of quality top-up Bachelor’s honours degree programmes leading to PolyU-SPEED awards. It also collaborates with renowned institutions in the U.K., namely University of London International Programmes for offering the preparatory courses leading to its law degree; and Northumbria University (UNN) for offering top-up honours degree programmes leading to the university’s awards in Hong Kong. PolyU SPEED also provides a wide array of short courses on specialised, professionally oriented subjects offering learning opportunities to individuals for enhancing competitiveness and career development.