Cathay trainee SOs get full pay from day one!
It's the only airline I've heard of that doesn't pay a trainee wage
for new joiners.
When you go up for stage two of selection in HK you get briefed by someone from HSBC. The paperwork is filled out even before you've been selected so, if successful, there's no delay with your pay.
Another thing which impressed me with CX recruitment, was all candidates in HK were given an allowance for food (around 1200HK I think) while up there. Very friendly and professional recruiting staff.
Good luck