The Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats hosted a networking event yesterday with the aim of providing information about available services for expats.
About 20 expats gathered to participate in the event, which provided an engaging opportunity for expats to enrich their understanding of life in Shenzhen.
The attendees embarked on an informative journey that included a tour of the service center and presentations by professionals from various fields, covering topics ranging from accessing medical care and opening bank accounts to utilizing currency exchange services and seeking legal assistance.
The attendees were also offered free Chinese language classes and introduced to the EyeShenzhen platform, a vital resource for expats navigating life in Shenzhen.
Ronak Dhupiya, an Indian national working for Transsion Holdings who has been living in Shenzhen for six years, praised the event for its value. Dhupiya expressed his fondness for the city, but admitted to being unaware of the extensive services available within the local community. He found the event to be highly beneficial, providing him with comprehensive information he had been seeking for quite some time. He also expressed his anticipation of more leisure events that would further enhance his Shenzhen experience.
Simon Chiatante, a local teacher and a member of the editorial board of Poetry World, a Shanghai-based poetry magazine, lauded the event for the wealth of useful information it offered. As an expat resident, Chiatante emphasized that understanding the laws and regulations of the host city is of paramount importance, closely followed by exploring the city’s historical origins. He underlined the significance of staying informed about local news to truly integrate into the community.
Yang Yan, head of the service center, underscored the significance of such gatherings and said that additional similar events will be held in the coming months to further provide information on services and support for expats.
The center has been operating for six years and has expanded its services to encompass various crucial aspects of expat life in Shenzhen. It serves as a one-stop solution for expatriates seeking assistance with visas, work permits, driver’s licenses, pet registration and other essential requirements.