When Wang Hui submitted a job application to a government office in Wuhan, Hubei province, he did not expect to be interviewed by a panel consisting solely of internet company managers.

No officials from the Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone, also known as the Optics Valley of China, which oversees the office, attended the interview.

Wang applied for a job in the government office for the development of the Internet Plus industry, whose roles include drawing up development plans and policies for the industry and supporting companies and major projects.