Some influencers in China have spent US$ 2,500 to rent a United Nations conference room and US$ 49,999 to attend Trump's inauguration, all in an effort to cultivate an "elite persona".一些中国网红不惜花费2500美元租用联合国会议室，并支付49999美元参加特朗普的就职典礼，这一切都是为了打造自己的“精英人设”。Shirley Lin, a 22-year-old Chinese student at New York University with 7.2 million followers on Douyin, captivates audiences by sharing insights into her college life and musical talents.Shirley林，一位22岁的纽约大学中国留学生，在抖音上拥有720万粉丝。她通过分享自己的大学生活和音乐才华吸引了大量观众。She has reportedly dined with Bill Gates and attended star-studded events alongside icons like Eileen Gu.据报道，她曾与比尔·盖茨共进晚餐，并参加了与谷爱凌等名人一同出席的星光熠熠的活动。
On November 2, Lin posted a video of her delivering a speech on "Youth Leadership" at the UN.11月2日，Shirley林发布了一段她在联合国发表“青年领导力”演讲的视频。One commenter remarked: "Lin is gorgeous, fluent in English, and speaks at prestigious international organisations – truly the epitome of elite. What an enviable life!"一位网友评论道：“Shirley林真是光彩照人，英语流利，能在联合国这样的国际知名组织发表演讲，真是精英的典范。真是让人羡慕的生活啊！”However, another commenter questioned the authenticity of her experiences, pointing out that speaking and photo opportunities at the UN can be "bought".然而，另一位网友对她的经历的真实性表示质疑，并指出在联合国发表演讲和拍照的机会是可以“购买”的。The official UN website offers a one-hour guided tour of the UN headquarters in New York, allowing visitors to explore meeting rooms and learn about the UN's work processes for US$ 26 per person.联合国官方网站提供每小时26美元的纽约联合国总部导览服务，游客可以参观会议室并了解联合国的工作流程。Visitors can also attend "in-house briefings" at the UN on topics such as peacekeeping, human rights, and sustainable development goals, with prices starting at US$ 165 per session.游客还可以参加联合国举办的关于维和、人权和可持续发展目标等主题的“内部简报会”，每场会议价格从165美元起。Mainland media outlet Vista Hydrogen Business reported that renting a conference room at the UN headquarters costs US$ 2,500 per day, enabling organisations to host events.据大陆媒体《氢财经》报道，租用联合国总部会议室每天的费用为2500美元，可以在此举办活动。Lin's video of her UN speech garnered over 2 million likes within a week.Shirley林在联合国发表演讲的视频在一周内获得了超过200万的点赞。![]()
One netizen analysed her elite persona: "While most people spend a lifetime striving for ordinariness, gimmicks like 'dining with Bill Gates' and 'speaking at the UN' position Lin as a symbol of success, feeding the public's curiosity and desire for high achievement."一位网友分析了她的精英人设：“当大多数人一生都在追求平凡时， ‘与比尔·盖茨共进晚餐’和‘在联合国发表演讲’这样的噱头将Shirley林塑造成了一个成功的象征， 满足了公众的好奇心和追求高成就的欲望。”An industry insider, Huang, stated that attending events like dining with Bill Gates is primarily about having money and connections. As of this writing, Lin has not responded to the online criticism.一位业内人士黄先生表示，参加像与比尔·盖茨共进晚餐这样的活动，主要还是要有钱和人脉。截至本文撰写时，Shirley林尚未对网上的批评作出回应。The latest trend in cultivating an "elite persona" in China involves attending Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington next January.在中国，打造“精英人设”的最新潮流是参加明年1月在华盛顿举行的唐纳德·特朗普就职典礼。A widely circulated poster on Xiaohongshu offers US$ 49,999 front-row seats with a personal photographer, and a travel agency has confirmed that they are already sold out.小红书上流传着一张海报，提供49999美元的前排座位，并配备个人摄影师，一家旅行社已确认这些座位已售罄。![]()
On November 5, Xinxuan, a music influencer and medical graduate student at Peking University, shared her experience taking part as an intern in a simulated negotiation meeting organised by the UN and WHO in Geneva, focusing on the global health challenge of antibiotic resistance.11月5日，音乐网红、北京大学医学研究生心璇分享了她作为实习生参加联合国和世界卫生组织在日内瓦组织的模拟谈判会议的经历，该会议聚焦全球健康挑战——抗生素耐药性。Many netizens praised her achievements and sought her advice on internship opportunities within international organisations.许多网友称赞了她的成就，并向她咨询在国际组织实习的机会。The Post discovered that the UN offers unpaid internships for eligible university students. Lasting three to six months, these roles involve tasks such as social media management, project research, and video production.《南华早报》发现，联合国为符合条件的大学生提供无薪实习机会。这些实习为期三到六个月，涉及社交媒体管理、项目研究和视频制作等任务。Several Chinese agencies assist clients in securing UN internships for up to 34,800 yuan (US$ 4,800), providing services such as accommodation, visa support, and interview coaching.几家中国机构协助客户获得联合国实习机会，费用高达34800元人民币（4800美元），提供住宿、签证支持和面试辅导等服务。However, the UN website clearly states that it does not charge any fees at any stage.然而，联合国网站明确声明，在任何阶段都不会收取任何费用。![]()
Several mainland media reports have also revealed that paid internships are an open secret in the finance and tech industries.
一些大陆媒体报道还透露，付费实习在金融和科技行业已是公开的秘密。
"It is very common for students to spend 20,000 to 50,000 yuan to secure internships at prestigious firms to enhance their resumes," said a study-abroad consultant in China.
“学生花费2万至5万元人民币在知名公司实习以丰富简历，这是非常普遍的现象，”中国一位留学顾问表示。
The pursuit of "elite personas" has sparked heated debates on mainland social media.
追求“精英人设”在大陆社交媒体上引发了热烈讨论。
One online observer expressed concern: "UN staff work tirelessly to combat global poverty and support refugees, yet their efforts are exploited by some individuals using money to fabricate 'elite personas'. It's ironic!"
一位网络观察人士表示担忧：“联合国工作人员不懈努力以消除全球贫困并支持难民，然而他们的努力却被一些人利用金钱来打造‘精英人设’所利用。真是讽刺！”
"On the bright side, regardless of these influencers' true motives, they have increased the UN's visibility, helping more people understand and support its work," noted another.
“从积极的一面来看，无论这些网红的真正动机是什么，他们都提高了联合国的知名度，帮助更多人了解和支持其工作，”另一位网友指出。
A popular WeChat comment stated: "Instead of envying others, focus on your own hard work! Online 'elite personas' are like fairy tale princes and princesses – often fictional. True success does not need to be flaunted."
一条热门的微信评论说：“与其羡慕别人，不如专注于自己的努力工作！网上的‘精英人设’就像童话里的王子和公主——往往是虚构的。真正的成功不需要炫耀。”
素材来源：南华早报
