Wed, Aug 17, 2011 - Yesterday (Aug 16), the Cross-Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) held its 2011 Appreciation and Closing Ceremony at New York City Surrogate's Court. The ceremony began at 5pm with all of the student-interns looking sharp, and giving guests a big dose of international goodwill with welcoming smiles.

The guests in attendance included Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, a representative from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office, representatives from NYS Assemblywoman Meng's office, NYS Assemblyman Lancman's office, Senator Gillibrand's office, Comptroller Liu's office, NYC Councilman Mark Weprin's office, as well as representatives from host companies, past and present, community leaders, business people, and members of the press.

With great honor, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer declared August 16, 2011 "Cross-Cultural Internship Day" in Manhattan. He spoke highly of CCIP and stated that the program has provided an excellent platform for cultural exchange and brings an undeniably positive energy to the whole City of New York.

Other guest speakers included Herman Chan, Director of Careers and Placement from the University of Hong Kong; Fred Teng, Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of New York; Andrew Leung, Executive Vice President of YU & Associates, Inc.; and Marc Haken, CCIP advisor and Chair of the Youth, Education and Library Committee of Community Board 8. Each credited CCIP with having a meaningful effect on the cultural exchange between Asia and America.

The event was about showing appreciation to all of those who support CCIP. The following individuals and community organizations were honored at the event:

- NYPD Community Affairs Bureau that gave two special sessions on safety in NYC
- Mr. William Nelson for his assistance and the Flushing YMCA for accommodating CCIP's students
- Mr. Fred Fu for helping CCIP connect with the community and for suggesting the baseball game at Citi Field
- The Charles B. Wang Community Center, which went above and beyond the call of duty in caring for CCIP students
- Morgan Jones, Queens Director, NYC Mayor's Cultural Affairs Office for supporting the program since the beginning
- Meghan McCormick Snell for her assistance and Congressman Gary Ackerman for allowing CCIP to visit his office and for introducing the students to American government structure
- Joanna Foo, Agency Marketing Director of MetLife, Metropolis Financial Group, for sharing her experience with students
- The hospitality and goodwill of the members of The CUHK Alumni Association of Greater New York, as well as members of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Eastern USA) Association
- Hilary J. Nemchik, Director of Special Events, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer's Office, as well as Rebecca Seale, Activities Coordinator, Department of Citywide Administrative Services and her colleagues for their assistance in acquiring event the venue
- The Flushing Main Street branch of TD Bank for helping CCIP students open checking accounts

The MCs of the ceremony were Ronald Lai and Yan Li Mak from the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Melody Ho, another HKU student, gave a thank you speech to summarize the program and express students' appreciation to all of their host companies. The event included a performance led by Mike Yiou and Anson Suen, along with Amy, Vassillissa, Raymond and Rosa. The group performed the song, "Da Hood Takes Me Under." The performance was put together by Mike and Anson in just two weeks to show their love of New York City and appreciation for obtaining global professional experience.

Some guests were not able to attend, but sent congratulatory letters, citations, and proclamations to CCIP. This included New York City Council Member Toby Ann Stavisky, New York City Council Member Margaret S. Chin and New York City Council Member Peter Koo.

The closing ceremony attracted the attention of the media. Many members of the press attended the event.

"CCIP was very helpful. My internship experience with FUSIA has changed me a lot. I will never forget these seven weeks living in New York," said Terence Chen from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who was interviewed by a reporter from Sing Tao Newspaper last night.