Intern Networking w/ HK BB

Hi All:

This is my first post here and I've used the search bar but only managed to find limited amount of information. I hope students/graduates who have applied to HK BBs AND received at least, first round/phone interviews (not VIs) or with similar experience, could pitch in.

I am currently studying in UK (G5) and I am an Australasian. I can speak both mandarin and English on a native level and I travel back home (Australia) during semester breaks sometimes.

I am aiming to secure a summer/winter HK BB IBD or S&T offer and I have several questions wrt networking with HK BBs:

Is networking with analysts or VPs in HK BBs necessary if you are located and studying in Australia or UK ? Does it add THAT much to your application ?

And if so, how did you guys do it ? I can't imagine travelling/flying just for the sake of 1 or 2 informational interviews ?
So which one of the following do you guys prefer in this situation ? Email, Linkedin or phone call ?

I appreciate it if you could explain your efforts in terms of securing that first phone interview ,even if you applied online w/o networking.

Cheers,
Larry