On July 15, the British Residence hosted an info session for BeGo, a British company that provides support services for Chinese students entering the British education system. The event was meant to celebrate the organization’s newest members and their parents and to inform them about what can expect going forward. The company’s founders, CEO Gaston Chee and Senior VP and CMO Jennifer Leong, were also in attendance. The embassy brought out the red carpet and many reporters and photographers were there to witness the event.

CEO Gaston Chee giving a presentation about BeGo at the British Ambassador's Residence.

CEO Gaston Chee gave a presentation on the company’s goals and included some statistics to show why companies like BeGo are very valuable. He cited the fact that one in two Chinese students in the UK don’t have a British friend and that there have been several cases of students arriving from China and finding that their accommodation has not been properly dealt with. BeGo provides student services from pre-departure through post- graduation to ensure that situations like this do not occur. Student services that they provide include introductions to British culture through traveling, activities with the locals, pairing them with families to spend holidays with and hosting dating, dining, and etiquette classes. The company helps students find the most suitable universities in the UK and helps with accommodation, health insurance, phone plans, bank accounts and other essential needs.

When asked in an interview whether etiquette is for the rich, Gaston Chee responded: “Real etiquette is when you meet a king you know how to make him smile, and when you meet a beggar you know how to make a joke. I think that is the best representation of real etiquette in today’s society. I think the problem is that a lot of Chinese media and a lot of Chinese people get the impression that etiquette is the Royal Ascot , wearing an expensive watch. But it’s about opening doors, about serving, about opening your house and being hospitable. Striking the right conversation at the right time, making people feel comfortable. So I wouldn’t say etiquette is for the rich. Some of the richest people, you know, have no etiquette!”

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)