Xinxuan (left) and Shirley Lin are both high-profile Chinese influencers regarded for their elite personas due to their access to international organisations such as the UN. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Xiaohongshu
BEIJING (SCMP): 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”.
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.
She has reportedly dined with Bill Gates and attended star-studded events alongside icons like Eileen Gu.
On November 2, Lin posted a video of her delivering a speech on “Youth Leadership” at the UN.
Chinese influencer Shirley Lin’s UN speech on “Youth Leadership” sparked discussions on the trend of cultivating an “elite persona”. - Photo: Xiaohongshu/Shirley Lin
One commenter remarked: “Lin is gorgeous, fluent in English, and speaks at prestigious international organisations – truly the epitome of elite. What an enviable life!”
However, another commenter questioned the authenticity of her experiences, pointing out that speaking and photo opportunities at the UN can be “bought”.
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.
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.
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.
Lin’s video of her UN speech garnered over 2 million likes within a week.
A popular poster on Xiaohongshu advertised front-row seats for US$49,999 at the Trump inauguration, including a personal photographer, with a travel agency confirming that they are sold out. - Photo: Reuters/Brendan McDermid
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.”
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.
The latest trend in cultivating an “elite persona” in China involves attending Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington next January.
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.
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.
Many netizens praised her achievements and sought her advice on internship opportunities within international organisations.
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.
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.
Xinxuan (above) a music influencer and medical school graduate, interned in a simulated negotiation meeting organised by the UN and WHO. - Photo: Xiaohongshu/Xinxuan
However, the UN website clearly states that it does not charge any fees at any stage.
Several mainland media reports have also revealed that paid internships are an open secret in the finance and tech industries.
“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.
The pursuit of “elite personas” has sparked heated debates on mainland social media.
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!”
“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.
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.” - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
