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Colette Herry is a designer. She has been working in Hong Kong for a year, at the Chinese company XCEPT, which is mainly focused on new media. “I work on new technologies for events,” she explains. Concretely, the 27-year-old Léonarde explains that her company can be commissioned for exhibitions or events for which clients expect digital or visual installations.
Few job offers in design
But how did she end up in this Asian city? A Parisian in her early youth, Colette Herry first studied in Île-de-France, before her parents moved to Saint-Pol-de-Léon. She lived there for five years. “I had difficulty finding jobs in the design field,” she confides. I had to find odd jobs, especially in supermarkets. I also worked on the Plouescat horse races as communications manager in 2023.”
At the same time, she had not forgotten the Hong Kong experience gained during two compulsory internships abroad following her Master’s degree: “I had maintained good relations with the XCEPT company. For me, it was obvious to come and work in this city. » In her work, everything is done in English, but Leonarde notes that in her company, the locals speak Cantonese. She, for the moment, “does not speak Chinese fluently”.
Hong Kong is an extremely diverse city. Many expatriates stay to live here. It is a very dense city with many buildings.
“Accommodation is overpriced”
When talking about her working relationships, Colette Herry specifies that the atmosphere is quite friendly but that you have to work! “There is no concept of overtime. We leave when the work is finished. » Salaries are higher than in France, but life is quite expensive: “Housing in particular is overpriced. My apartment is very small, it is 10 m². »
In this new life, Saint-Politaine feels good: “Hong Kong is an extremely diverse city. Many expatriates stay to live here. It is a very dense city with many buildings. What is paradoxical is that there is a lot of nature all around. Two thirds of the territory are covered with mountains and forests. » She adds that with her friends, on weekends, they go hiking or to the beach. She also informs that the largest foreign community is French.
Restricted freedom of expression
Hong Kong is regularly cited in the news about its political situation. Since 1997, it is a Special Administrative Region of Chinawhich guarantees it relative autonomy. But in 2019, a wave of protests and demonstrations demanding more democracy shook the city. Colette Herry was on site during these events, which were repressed by the Chinese regime. “After that, the possibility of expressing oneself was restricted. Now, we no longer comment on anything under penalty of suffering reprisals. The Chinese are in power and have control… But it’s always done in a very discreet way so that we, the expatriates, don’t see it. » She specifies that she feels safe in the city.
You should not hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and take your courage in both hands!
La Bretonne adds that, in her eyes, working in the field of art in Hong Kong is all the more important in this delicate political context: “It allows you to express yourself by going under the radar of the politically admissible, in the face of a palpable repression of freedom of expression. »
There is no cheese on the plate!
Last summer, she returned to France. He misses the clear view on the horizon that we find on the Finistère coast… And in terms of food, the absence of cheese is felt! “We find French products in Hong Kong, but they are overpriced. »
He still has two years left on his contract. Colette Herry sees herself staying in this Asian city, or going elsewhere to explore another corner of the planet. And for this, “you must not hesitate to step out of your comfort and take your courage in both hands!” »
Guest 2: Collaboration is key in the design world, and it sounds like XCEPT has found a great balance between productivity and employee well-being.
Welcome to our interview with Colette Herry, a designer who has been working in Hong Kong for a year at the Chinese company XCEPT. We also have with us a second guest, a fellow designer who prefers to remain anonymous for the purpose of this interview. Today, we’ll discuss Colette’s experience working in Hong Kong, the challenges she faced finding a job there, the local culture and lifestyle, and her thoughts on the political situation in the city.
Can you tell us about your background in design and how you landed your current job at XCEPT in Hong Kong?
Colette: I have always been passionate about design and technology. After studying in Paris, I gained valuable experience working for startups in France. When I heard about the opportunities at XCEPT, a company specializing in new media and digital installations for events, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I applied online and was lucky enough to be offered a position.
Guest 2: As a designer, it’s important to keep an eye out for new opportunities and not be afraid to take risks. I’m glad Colette took the plunge and saw the potential in working for a company like XCEPT. It’s definitely paid off for her!
What were some of the challenges you faced while finding a job in design in Hong Kong?
Colette: I actually found it quite difficult to find design jobs in Hong Kong. I had to work odd jobs like in supermarkets and even manage an event called Plouescat horse races before finally landing a position at XCEPT. The competition is fierce, and many companies prefer hiring locally. It was a challenge, but I persevered and eventually found a place where my skills were appreciated.
Guest 2: Living and working abroad can be both rewarding and challenging. Colette’s experience shows that it’s essential to be flexible and adaptable when job hunting. Sometimes it can take time, but the payoff is definitely worth it.
Can you tell us about the work culture at XCEPT and how it compares to other design firms you’ve experienced?
Colette: The work culture at XCEPT is very friendly and collaborative. We work hard but in a relaxed environment. There’s no concept of overtime, and we leave once
