?? Special Edition: My Exciting Visit to Tencent HQ & Our New Office at CapitaSky! ??

A few days late, I know! I was hit with COVID last week but am now fully recovered and raring to go. A quick reminder to everyone: take care of your health and stay mindful of the waves of COVID cases out there.

The theme for May is – A Visit to Tencent HQ in Shenzhen & Hong Kong!

Coincidentally, today, June 3rd, is the first day in our new office at CapitaSky! Plus, on June 14th, I celebrate my 3rd anniversary with Tencent. So, why not make this a SPECIAL edition featuring both Tencent HQ in Shenzhen & Hong Kong and our NEW office at CapitaSky?

A Little Backstory: I joined Tencent Singapore three years ago during the COVID era when everyone was working from home. My Day 1 experience was just me in my small rented room, eagerly waiting for my laptop to arrive. Back then, we were a team of 100-200 people working out of a small co-working space at JustCo in OCBC Centre.

Even though I knew Tencent was a top global company, I was stunned by the amazing HQ photos online and couldn't wait to visit. Due to COVID, that trip was delayed until recently, so you can imagine my excitement when May finally came around.

My last visit to China was six years ago when I visited Alibaba HQ in Hangzhou as an agency recruiter. Now, as an in-house recruiter (aka Talent Acquisition Lead) with Tencent, I was thrilled to finally meet many of my long-time colleagues in person!

First Impressions: On the "didi" ride from the hotel L'Hermitage to Tencent HQ in Shenzhen, I immediately recognized the unique twin buildings connected by bridges. The 'Interconnected Building' at Binhai HQ actually resembles the Chinese character "互," symbolizing "互联" (interconnected), much like 互联网 (internet). As a guidebook I read put it, "这座酷炫的‘互连’塔楼，代表着用网络串联起世界角落的宏大愿景。" (This cool 'Interconnected' building represents the grand vision of linking the corners of the world through the internet.)

Entering the reception area was a surreal experience...

From running tracks and badminton courts to a dance studio and indoor rock climbing walls, Tencent's space-savvy towers have it all. No wonder they call it very “Google-like” but with a unique Tencent touch. Let me share some photos to illustrate.

Beyond Tencent HQ, Shenzhen itself is a vibrant city. I found the most beautifully designed bookstore there and wanted to visit another library, but the weather had other plans. Next time, for sure!

Since Shenzhen is conveniently close to Hong Kong, I seized the chance to visit our two offices there, as well as to catch up with my stakeholders and candidates in the area.

Alright, folks, get your seatbelts ready, because we're heading back to Singapore!

Our New Singapore Office at CapitaSky: Our new office at CapitaSky is a pleasant surprise, mirroring the HQ with walls filled with Tencent values and penguins everywhere. The spacious seats and the staircase connecting the two floors remind me of the bridges at HQ, symbolizing our connectivity to the world.

A Note to Future Candidates: Even if you're not actively looking, I hope this gives you a glimpse into our amazing company. Tencent has always been humble and low-profile. This is just my personal sharing as a proud employee.

Employer Branding Team, if you're reading this, perhaps consider sending more penguins my way? I'd love more Tencent merchandise! ?? #ProudEmployee        

Reflecting on 3 Years with Tencent Singapore: As I celebrate my 3rd anniversary, I’ve seen tremendous growth and significant improvements in employee benefits. From daily meal credits and free Virgin Active Gym access to various sports clubs and interest groups that bring us together. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) now offers counseling and coaching services for our well-being.

Tencent truly is a dream company to work for. Today, June 3rd, 2024, marks a dream come true with our new, larger office. And there’s more to come, as our slogan says: Tencent Singapore, Together Towards Tomorrow.

#ValueForUsers #TechForGood

Quiz Time! Which is China’s most valuable company by market cap (as of May 2024)? Comment Below!