HEC Employee Sharing: Living & Working in Shanghai

For each edition of the HEC Employee Sharing Column, we invite a collegue to share his/her work experience and life reflections. In this edition, we welcome Tulja to share her story of living and working in Shanghai.

Q: Tulja, you have been working in Shanghai for almost 3 years, what most impresses you here and how do you enjoy your leisure time?

Shanghai is a dynamic cosmopolitan city that blends tradition and modernity perfectly. What I find especially charming is the daily life in public parks — elderly people practicing tai chi in the morning, 'ayis' (aunts) dancing to music in the evening, and children playing freely. These moments really reflect the peaceful and community-oriented side of the city. The city is incredibly convenient with efficient public transportation and apps for everything from food delivery to shopping.

Shanghai is a multicultural city. I'm lucky to be part of a close-knit Nepalese community here and we often gather, with expat friends from different backgrounds joining us for picnics, hiking, sports activities, enjoying movies and cooking food together. Our Nepalese community also gives back through regular blood donation drives and volunteer work.

Q: What do you find most attractive about working at HEC?

I like our company culture. Management, from the CEO to our direct managers, is very results-oriented, yet they lead with care and respect. Colleagues are very diligent and supportive, making me feel truly valued. HEC promotes smart work — stay focused, get your work done efficiently, and then enjoy your personal time. This keeps me motivated and productive without burnout.

I feel fortunate to be part of a company with a global presence and a clear path for growth and development. Whether through exciting projects or team-building trips like our recent visit to Thailand, HEC creates a space where employees can grow both personally and professionally.

Q: What is the unique value that you bring to the team?

Whether tackling new technical challenges, understanding workplace culture, or bridging language gaps,  I bring flexibility and diversity that supports effective team collaboration.

I have been involved in tools layout and utilities studies and planning for several international projects, contributing to delivering cost-effective and efficient design solutions. A key part of my role also involved understanding and applying U.S. codes and other regulatory standards to ensure design compliance. In addition, I contributed to drafting both conceptual and preliminary design reports. Working closely with international teams, I regularly facilitated coordination meetings and prepared meeting minutes to ensure clear communication and alignment. These experiences allowed me to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in a global environment and gain a deeper understanding of industrial design processes from a technical perspective.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your work and how do you overcome it?

One of the most challenging parts of working in China as a foreigner has been the language barrier and understanding the cultural differences in workplace communication. To overcome this, I've been focusing on improving my Chinese — speaking with colleagues in Chinese whenever possible, even if I make mistakes. They really appreciate the effort. I also learn by observing how my Chinese colleagues interact and asking questions, which helps me understand the work style and team dynamics.

Adjusting to the fast-paced work environment is another challenge, projects move quickly and expectations are high. To handle this, I've learned to be more proactive and plan ahead. Overall, these experiences have pushed me to grow professionally.

Q: Could you share your experience from your first visit to our project sites?

My first project visit to Yixing's photovoltaic and semiconductor plants was an incredible learning experience. Seeing the cutting-edge technology up close and the sheer scale of the operations left a lasting impression on me.

After donning our cleanroom garments, we were guided by the client's expert, who walked us through the different sections of the plants, explaining the manufacturing processes, equipment, and cleanroom protocols. I was genuinely amazed by how automated and precise everything was. Being able to connect what I had studied with real-world technology was not only exciting but also extremely valuable for my professional growth.

Q: You are  really proficient in English, and for those who want to learn a second language, what would you suggest?

I believe learning a language is a lifelong and fascinating journey. I definitely encourage everyone to learn a second language — it not only makes life more interesting but also helps you stand out in today’s competitive work environment.

One key to improving is to seize every opportunity to communicate with fluent speakers and colleagues, without worrying about making mistakes. I would also suggest listening to podcasts and reading books or articles in English. Joining language exchange groups or using language learning apps can also be really helpful. Another practical tip is to write WeChat messages, emails and meeting notes in English. Also, a casual weekly "English Hour" can be introduced in office to practice with others — even with just 2–3 people to chat and build confidence. Also, AI tools can be used to help with writing and practicing short conversations, without fear of being judged.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It’s not about being perfect, it's about improving little by little. Learning a new language takes time, but it’s definitely worth it.