Martin Li

    martin.mouse@163.com

    SHENZHEN Young Media Professionals Association (SYMPA), a nonprofit social organization, was established in the city Saturday.

    The SYMPA is composed of young journalistic and communications professionals in Shenzhen and is under the guidance and supervision of the city’s publicity department and the Shenzhen committee of the Communist Youth League of China.

    “The association will make efforts to increase the strength and influence of Shenzhen’s journalistic and communications circle and become a platform for the growth of young professionals,” Liu Zhangbiao, chairman of the SYMPA, said at Saturday’s launch ceremony.

    Liu, also general manager of Shenzhen Media Group, said the association would become “a platform for young people to realize their dreams.”

    People aged 18 to 45 who work in journalism or related fields can apply to join the association, including spokespeople of governmental departments, employees of news portals, as well as teachers and students involved in related disciplines.

    Xuan Zhuxi, editor-in-chief of Shenzhen Press Group, encouraged members of the association to face up to the challenges and opportunities of the current media climate, namely the integration of different mediums.

    Xuan also encouraged the association’s members to make bold explorations in their practice and studies.

    The first members to join the association also formed China’s first volunteer team composed of journalists Saturday. Volunteers are expected to make use of their expertise to serve the public in their spare time.

    There are more than 3,500 full-time reporters and editors in the city, official statistics show.