The International 3E Fair, held on September 12 at the Gubei Civic Center in Shanghai, continued to serve as a prominent platform connecting global talent with career and entrepreneurial opportunities in the city. Organized by the Hongqiao subdistrict in Changning district, the event drew international students and graduates from nearly 20 countries and regions living in Shanghai, along with recruiters from over 20 Chinese and international companies.
Among the participating employers were Spring Airlines, Michelin China, Bosch China, and CITIC Securities. Bosch China announced the launch of its 2027 campus recruitment drive, seeking candidates with expertise in new energy, intelligent technologies, and comfort technology applicable to residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
Attendees included David Nkem, a Nigerian PhD candidate at Tongji University, who was assisting fellow students in distributing resumes. Nkem noted that Shanghai had become more welcoming to international professionals in recent years and observed that the application process for work permits in the city had become simpler. Although he had already secured a job, he participated in the fair to support peers in building employer connections.
Juan Carlos, a Mexican graduate of East China Normal University, also shared his experience. Having studied Chinese for 15 years, Carlos highlighted the advantages of language proficiency in integrating with local communities. After graduation, he secured a position with an international e-commerce firm and praised Shanghai’s efforts in supporting foreign residents as they adjust to life in the city.
The fair featured a workshop aimed at entrepreneurship and international business development. Participants interested in exploring overseas markets gained practical insights and access to resources. Several mentors specializing in artificial intelligence, global business expansion, human resources, and cross-border trade delivered lectures on innovation and entrepreneurship. Canadian mentor Colin C. Thompson led a session titled "Creating Your Winning Pitch," which focused on techniques to attract investor interest and generate business prospects quickly. Thompson, who first engaged with the event in 2021, remarked on its continuing growth and improvement as a source of inspiration for young professionals.
Beyond employment and entrepreneurship, the event also fostered a sense of community among international participants. Barclay Lelievre, director of Teaching and Learning at Shanghai Community International School and a Canadian expatriate, reflected on his 11 years living in Shanghai. He emphasized the city’s welcoming environment and the enduring ties formed there, noting that his children, though having returned to Canada for university, continue to consider Shanghai a home.
Since its inception in 2020, the International 3E Fair has evolved from a recruitment and entrepreneurship competition into a comprehensive platform that integrates job matching, startup incubation, and business development services. It has attracted more than 350 companies and nearly 6,000 participants, strengthening connections between international talent and businesses while supporting broader goals of talent development and entrepreneurship in Shanghai.