Recognising that the ASEAN region is a hotbed for professional development and regional exposure, SMU students have been seizing the opportunities offered through overseas internships by participating in SMU’s ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP).
Not only is the region home to multiple rapidly developing economies, their proximity and relationship with Singapore make many ASEAN countries attractive destinations for SMU students looking to gain a wealth of experiences through internships.
Read on to learn about the experiences of Lee Raeann and Ng Jun Yang – two such enterprising SMU students who took on a winter internship in Vietnam.
A vivid canvas of growth, discovery, and joy — Lee Raeann
“From the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil shores of Vũng Tàu, our journey has been a vivid canvas painted with moments of growth, discovery and joy. As we conclude this chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude to the vibrant people of Vietnam, our warm mentors at Buymed, and our dear new friends.
This journey wasn’t just about an internship; it was about seizing every opportunity, savouring every flavour and making memories of a lifetime. Thank you for being a part of our adventure.”
As Year Two SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business student Lee Raeann concluded her AIP with fellow SMU interns Gregory Neo and Wee Pui Cheong, they penned this farewell note for their colleagues.
Currently pursuing a Finance major, Raeann had been looking for opportunities to apply what she had learnt in the classroom in a real-world setting. Recognising that an internship in Southeast Asia would provide her with valuable business insights in the region, she chose to work as a Strategy Analyst Intern at Buymed, a healthtech platform based in Ho Chi Minh City.
Boots on the ground: Raeann (2nd from left) and her fellow SMU interns visited local pharmacies to conduct market research
“My day-to-day work revolved around market research, preparation of decks on investment opportunities, and supporting the development and implementation of financial transaction solutions for clients,” Raeann recounts. “However, what was deeply memorable to me were the site visits we made.”
To gain a deeper insight into the pharmaceutical market within Vietnam, Raeann and her fellow interns travelled to rural areas near Ho Chi Minh City to speak with traditional pharmacy owners.
It was market research that went beyond the facts and figures; it allowed Raeann to understand the industry through the people on the ground. It was also a heartwarming experience for her, when the pharmacy owners invited the team into their homes.
Raeann (extreme left) attending her supervisor’s wedding
Reflecting upon the internship, she shares, “Living and working in a foreign country has granted me with a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and a global perspective. I feel fortunate to have been surrounded by local friends who generously shared insights into cultural nuances, patiently explaining aspects I might have otherwise overlooked.”
Her time in Vietnam was made even more special by the two local weddings she attended. Nearing the end of her internship, she even chose to postpone her flight back to Singapore just to attend the wedding of her supervisor.
The SMU interns bid their colleagues farewell with a parting gift showcasing their 41 local food delivery orders, 106 ride-hailing trips, and 42 street food stall experiences – a testament to the rich experiences they accumulated!
After a one-month internship, Raeann returned home with a long list of learnings. To commemorate their experience, Raeann and her fellow SMU interns made brochures documenting some of their local activities and distributed them to their colleagues as a fun farewell gift.
“Interning abroad has given me insights to the vast and exciting possibilities of the world. It also deepened my appreciation of global diversity, where I can see the different structures, mechanisms, and cultural contexts of another country. This exposure has fuelled my aspiration to pursue global career opportunities, in my bid to contribute to the promising global landscape!”
Stepping out for a step-up — Ng Jun Yang
“Data is the new oil.” This was the adage that stuck with Year Two SMU School of Computing and Information Systems student Ng Jun Yang as he set out on his AIP to Hanoi.
Recognising that the ability to interpret and harness data would be the X factor needed to stand out in the crowded job market, Jun Yang had long been seeking an opportunity to garner professional experience as a data analyst.
Aspirations aside, he recognised that Singapore’s size and safety could sometimes present a sheltered environment. Coupled with his keenness to discover how different nations capitalise on their capabilities to foster growth, Jun Yang was eager to step out of his comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar.
The ASEAN region presented itself as the perfect canvas to expand his knowledge and develop personally. With that, he began his journey as a Data Analyst Intern at Investidea Bright Technology Company, an IT solutions firm based in Vietnam.
One of Jun Yang’s (left photo: centre) professional highlights: taking on real-world data application
Over the course of his internship, Jun Yang was involved in Investidea’s Project Zeal – an initiative that aimed to bolster company growth. By quantifying departmental performances, the tool would ultimately guide the company’s strategic direction.
As part of Project Zeal, he collaborated with data engineers to ensure efficient data flow and integrity, and was responsible for transforming raw data into structured, actionable information. By the internship’s end, he and the team delivered a user-friendly tool that enhanced the company’s internal assessment capabilities.
“My internship experience was a treasure trove of industry insights and experiences. My colleagues’ mentorship was instrumental in helping me write cleaner and more efficient code, and this was crucial for my professional development.”
Jun Yang exploring Hanoi’s beautiful city by foot
“Beyond my professional experiences, living in Vietnam for a month has provided invaluable insights beyond what I can gather from articles or online videos. I fondly recall the day a friend and I chose to walk back to our accommodations, rather than taking a Grab ride back. The ensuing two-to-three-hour stroll through the streets of Hanoi offered a nuanced understanding of the city’s infrastructure, traffic management, and the dynamics of retail business in the locale,” Jun Yang reflects.
Harkening back to his desire to embrace the unfamiliar, he acknowledges that relocating to a country with a different culture and language presented novel challenges. However, by actively engaging with the locals, establishing new connections, and seeking diverse experiences, Jun Yang not only experienced personal growth, but also made plenty of fond memories.
“One of my most memorable experiences was going on a three-day hike with a colleague and his friends. Despite not knowing me personally, one of them quickly agreed to offer me a bike ride up the foot of the mountain. The hike was slightly treacherous and it certainly was not an easy hike, but the interactions with the local porters and my Vietnamese friends were invaluable to me.”
Jun Yang (2nd from left) summiting new heights with new friends
As he returned home after the one-month internship, Jun Yang was certain that he had accomplished what he set out to do – and gained even more than he had anticipated.
“Having experienced the transformative power of the AIP firsthand, I wholeheartedly recommend this endeavour to others. The profound impact on personal and professional growth is undeniable.”
“Whether you’re looking for an impactful foray in professional development or an immersive cultural experience, the AIP offers the ideal avenue to explore. The AIP opens wide the gates to cultural exposure and the windows to industry experience, ready for anyone eager to seize the opportunity.”
The ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP), part of the offerings by the Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre (DKHMCC), encourages students to build an international network and become Global Citizens. Prospective applicants can apply for a Summer AIP via OnTRAC II now.
