Expat association launched in Pudong

Thirty outstanding expatriates from various industries in Shanghai, and who are also residents of Pudong New Area, became the first batch of members of the Pudong Overseas Youth Association (POYA) during its unveiling ceremony last month.

POYA, founded by the Pudong New Area International Exchange Center and thePudongYouthFederation, is a platform with which foreigners can use to learn more about Chinese culture, scientific innovations and the latest local policies.

Cultural events, workshops, seminars and other themed activities will be organized regularly for these foreign talent to meet and network, says Jiang Weiwei, director of Pudong New Area International Exchange Center.

The 30 members are all aged under 45 and they hail from 19 countriesand28 companies or institutions in Shanghai. There are more than 72,000 foreigners living and working in Pudong.

“The first batch of 30 members are longtime residents of Pudong and are influential in their own fields, most of which are Pudong’s pillar industries,” said Jiang.

Jiang expressed hope that POYA’s members can become ambassadors of Shanghai’s expat community and attract more people who share in the enthusiasm of developing Pudong.

Foreign members of Pudong Overseas Youth Association learn about Chinese tea during their first gathering in Shanghai.