Breaking Barriers: Bridging the Gap between Eastern and German Cultures

Full Article in Chinese

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English for Professional Communication
• Project Director, Competence Center Asia, Frankfurt Economic Development

Polly Yu, a graduate in English for Professional Communication has successfully carved out a career for herself in Germany, bridging the gap between different cultures and languages. Her studies in CityUHK provided her with a strong foundation in English and expanded her international perspective, enabling her to confidently pursue opportunities outside of Hong Kong.

Working at the Frankfurt Economic Development, Polly regularly communicates with individuals from diverse backgrounds, facilitating collaboration between the Frankfurt government departments and Asian investors. Her role involves integrating the needs of both parties, fostering mutual understanding, and providing foreign investors with valuable networking resources in Germany. Her expertise helps Asian companies understand market conditions, regulations and cultural differences, ensuring successful collaborations and business ventures.

Polly attributes her success to her time at CityUHK, where she not only gained linguistic proficiency but also developed a deep understanding of various cultures. “The programme's emphasis on practical knowledge and the nurture from professors and exchange with classmates from various countries enriched my learning experience,” she said.

Polly's ability to adapt to new environments and embrace diversity is a testament to her humble attitude towards learning, instilled during her time at CityUHK. She acknowledges the importance of continuous learning and personal growth, even in a foreign environment. Her persistence in learning the German language diligently for a year allowed her to integrate into local life and overcome language barriers, demonstrating her determination and resilience.

Joining the Frankfurt Economic Development in 2006, Polly has proven herself as an ambassador connecting her German colleagues with Asian investors. Her unique perspective as the first Asian employee in the organisation led to the establishment of a Chinese name for the department and an expansion of its target market to the Greater China region. Polly's contributions have opened doors for business collaborations between Germany and Asian countries.

In today's rapidly evolving world, Polly remains proactive in keeping up with emerging trends, particularly in industries utilising artificial intelligence and digital technologies. To enhance her competitiveness, she pursued a Master degree in International Business in the United Kingdom. Polly emphasises the importance of lifelong learning and encourages aspiring professionals to embrace new languages, remain open-minded, and seize opportunities.

（Published at 26 September 2024）