Marcus Chia and Rachel Lim’s experiences in the ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) in Thailand opened their eyes to new work cultures and personal growth. From navigating language barriers to learning new tools, they embraced every challenge. Their stories highlight the value of cultural adaptability, leadership growth, and how internships abroad shape future career paths and personal development.
The ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) offers SMU undergraduate students a valuable opportunity to gain working experience and immerse themselves in a new culture beyond Singapore. Through the AIP in Vietnam, SMU students Tan Jia En and Lam Cui Xi not only enhanced their professional and cross-cultural skills but also embraced important life lessons in adaptability, work-life balance, and career growth.
SMU students Hannah Loh Qiaoan and Kaung Nyan Lin completed their transformative ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) in Indonesia, stepping outside their comfort zones to grow professionally and personally. They immersed themselves in Indonesia’s unique work culture, learning the value of collaboration and cultural understanding. The experience not only broadened their skills but also deepened their appreciation for diversity.
The ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) offers SMU students the opportunity to expand their professional and cultural horizons beyond Singapore. Through AIP, Beverline Goh and Low Wei En interned in Bangkok, where they gained firsthand experience in their respective fields and honed their intercultural skills. Outside of work, they immersed themselves in Thai culture, exploring the city and its surroundings.
SMU students Wesley Mok and Zermane Heng’s internships in Vietnam were transformative, offering professional growth in consulting and real estate while deepening their understanding of the region’s dynamic business environment. Immersing themselves in Vietnam’s vibrant culture, they gained valuable insights that will lay the groundwork for their future careers in global industries.
The ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) offers SMU students the chance to gain first-hand experience working in a different culture. This summer, Deivanai Duryraju and Cosette Wong interned in Jakarta – Deivanai with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Cosette with Sequis Life. Both students gained valuable insights into their fields while adapting to a unique work culture.
The SMU ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) offers students a unique opportunity for professional and cultural development. Participants gain work experience in diverse industries, while immersing themselves in the rich heritage of a Southeast Asian country. For SMU students Lee Raeann and Ng Jun Yang, who went for their internships in Vietnam, the programme has fostered cross-cultural understanding and equipped them with essential career skills.
Eva Yeo, a fourth-year SMU School of Economics student, undertook a transformative internship at Roona in Jakarta through the ASEAN Internship Programme. Immersed in retail management and product launches, she gained practical experience and entrepreneurial insights. Her role involved competitor analysis, market research, and product launch activities, providing a front-row seat to business operations. Beyond professional growth, Eva explored places near Jakarta, fostering a deeper appreciation for its culture and beauty.
As a student at the SMU School of Computing and Information Systems, Jia Yuan grew interested in UX design and wanted to gain hands-on experience in the field. Through the SMU ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP), he interned with Appservation Co., Ltd in Thailand as a UX designer. The internship exposed him to the ins-and-outs of working in the field, as well as immerse himself in a new cultural environment.
Reflecting on her five-week internship experience in Indonesia, SMU Business graduate Grace Chang shares that the ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) has had a profound impact on her career aspirations. She recounts memorable moments and opportunities during the internship that allowed her to apply theoretical concepts into real-world scenarios, and build cross-cultural communication skills.
Liow Yann Yiing’s internship in Cambodia with Belt Road Capital Management transformed his perspective, blending business insights with cultural immersion. He learnt critical thinking in real-world scenarios, mastered effective communication, and discovered true wealth beyond financial success. His journey reflects the transformative opportunities available through SMU’s ASEAN Internship Programme, inviting others to embark on their own enriching adventures.
The ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) is a programme offered by SMU's Dato' Kho Hui Meng Career Centre to help students gain global career experience. It allows students to intern at companies in ASEAN countries where they can gain valuable work experience and exposure to the regional business environment. Leong Hui Ling, Brian Tan, and Cheriya Chomrat share their experiences, which they say helped them to develop their skills and gain new insights.
Indonesia's diverse culture and growing tech market offer great internship opportunities. SMU graduates Rhea and Yi Hao gained valuable experience through the ASEAN Internship Programme. Rhea interned with the Business Indonesia-Singapore Association, working on SME strategies, while Yi Hao worked at PT Genesis Indojaya, focusing on real estate finance. Both found the internships beneficial and recommend them for personal and professional growth.
Vietnam's economy is flourishing, with its strong growth in manufacturing and engineering establishing it as a new hub for production. As part of the ASEAN Internship Programme offered by the Dato' Kho Hui Meng Career Centre, Sarah Ang and Lim Ji Xuan undertook a summer internship in Vietnam. This programme supports students in building international networks and gaining global exposure.
Hui Ling's enthusiasm for immersing herself in Thai culture made the ASEAN Internship Programme in Bangkok an obvious choice. She believes this experience has paved the way for a career in sustainability across the region, extending beyond Singapore. The ASEAN Internship Programme, offered by the Dato' Kho Hui Meng Career Centre, is designed to help students build international networks and develop into Global Citizens.
