The Shenzhen Daily interviewed four expats about their work experiences in Shenzhen.

YS Siow (Malaysia)

1. What are the problems you've encountered while working in China?

Language -- mainly communication problems with clients not familiar with technical terms. Some Chinese are inclined to distance themselves from responsibility.

2. How has your employer helped you handle these problems?

My superiors advise me on how to get around these issues, but I'm tackling these problems on my own most of the time.

3. The pros and cons of working for a Chinese company?

Pros -- Stronger grasp of the Chinese language, able to witness in person the large scale in which business activities are conducted out in China.

4. How do you find Shenzhen as a place to work?

In general, foreigners have an edge over locals in view of their better command of English. However, for the banking industry, financial hubs like Shanghai and Hong Kong are better for career advancement and personal development.

Clarence Khoo (Singapore)

1. What are the problems you've encountered while working in China?

Mainly slight cultural differences. Since I am Chinese myself, it's not too difficult to adapt. I've had a slightly easier time since I'm on a six-month internship and my salary is paid in Singapore so I have no tax issues. Visa issues were handled in Singapore too. I'd say I have had a very easy time working here, probably because of the above points.

2. How has your employer helped you handle these problems?

Financial support in applying for the visa, not much otherwise.

3. The pros and cons of working for a Chinese company?

Basically, if you know English and Mandarin (and I mean fluently), it's wonderful to work in China. Prospects are good as employers are willing to pay a premium for that skill set. Companies in general are expanding as most industries are underdeveloped. There is still a large pool of skilled labor that is lacking in China despite the enormous number of graduates they turn out every year.

4. How do you find Shenzhen as a place to work?

Shenzhen is a thriving city and, I think, given the choice, I'd like to stay here to work for the short term. Its proximity to Hong Kong is a major plus as Hong Kong is a major gateway to cities around the world. The whole city is developing very quickly. The only major headache is the expensive accomodation.

5. What do you think of your opportunities/future prospects in Shenzhen?

Wonderful, but I'm sad that I have to return to Singapore for the next year because of contractual issues. I'm pretty sure that there are many companies that still need to recruit and that Shenzhen is a good place to develop a career.

Aswini Tumu (India)

1. What are the problems you've encountered while working in China?

Understanding the way people work in China, the language barrier and remitting money back home.

2. How has your employer helped you handle these problems?

Arranging training to learn Chinese and providing necessary support in contacting the bank.

3. The pros and cons of working for a Chinese company?

Pros: Working in a dynamic environment. Getting a chance to understand the way people work or do business in China. Getting a chance to know about the rich and diverse Chinese culture. An opportunity to travel in China. With the global economy focusing on Asia and China, the experience of working in china would help in the near future.

Cons: Aggressive (work) schedule leading to a stressful working life. Living in cities like Shenzhen has some environmental issues.

4. How do you find Shenzhen as a place to work?

Shenzhen is a great place to work with plenty of opportunities as there are lots of multinational companies. If one likes a warm climate and fast-paced life, then Shenzhen is the ideal place. Shenzhen has lots of entertainment for all walks of life and its proximity to Hong Kong is an added advantage. Also, Shenzhen has decent health care and educational institutions.

5. What do you think of your opportunities/future prospects in Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has a prominent role to play in the near future and offers a lot of opportunities and prospects for people.

Louie Pilapil (Philippines)

1. What are the problems you've encountered while working in China?

The language barrier, definitely. I had to be totally dependent on other people in doing the simplest tasks. It was frustrating at first but I've learned how to deal with it.

2. How has your employer helped you handle these problems?

Our company sponsors Chinese classes for expats. It's pretty cool.

3. The pros and cons of working for a Chinese company?

Pros: I get to learn about China's rich culture and practice my Chinese.

Cons: Homesickness, alienation... everything that comes with being away from things, places and people familiar.

4. How do you find Shenzhen as a place to work?

It's more laid-back than Hong Kong. I like that there are quiet places here and that I'm away from the harried lifestyle of urbanites in other cities. But, make no mistake, the city is advancing at breakneck pace so this semblance of serenity may not last long.

5. What do you think of your opportunities/future prospects in Shenzhen?

The future looks bright for the city and its inhabitants.

(Alfred Zhang)