When four SMU students travelled to Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket for their ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) placements, they stepped into cities with distinct rhythms and ways of working. What they found was more than an internship abroad. Each experience revealed how a change in environment, from culture to workplace tempo, can shape professional growth and personal confidence in ways a classroom cannot replicate.

Finding balance and connection in Chiang Mai

For Faizathul Farhan, an undergraduate from the SMU School of Accountancy, interning at BahtSmart Company Limited (DSGPay) in Chiang Mai revealed a different pace of working life, one grounded in balance, trust, and community.
 

Initially concerned about language barriers, he quickly adapted to cross-cultural collaboration.
 

“Although the team speak mostly in Thai among themselves, they’d always switch to English for me. That made a huge difference in helping me feel included,” he shares. 
 

Weekly badminton games, office karaoke, and Friday celebrations helped him appreciate how a supportive environment strengthens long-term growth. 
 

The experience reinforced his aspiration to pursue a career with regional exposure, where he can continue connecting with different cultures across Asia.

Understanding the venture capital scene in Bangkok

At KASIKORN X Venture Capital, Gabriel Tan from the SMU School of Economics immersed himself in the fast-evolving world of start-ups, finance, and innovation.
 

The internship sharpened his skills in due diligence, competitive analysis, and start-up profiling. “I also gained deeper insights into AI and its underlying technologies,” Gabriel notes, insights that directly support his career ambitions in venture capital.
 

Bangkok also broadened his personal horizons. From joining run clubs to meeting friends through board game cafés, he discovered the city’s diverse international community. 
 

All in all, the experience boosted his confidence and fuelled his desire to build a cross-border career evaluating ideas with global impact.

Learning autonomy in Bangkok’s tech sector

The internship with KASIKORN Business-Technology Group offered Trevor Ong, a student from the SMU School of Computing and Information Systems, a closer look into Thailand’s digital ecosystem.
 

Working on projects that emphasised steady progress and collaborative learning, he gained a deep appreciation for trust and autonomy in the workplace. “What mattered more was progress and teamwork. I grew to value the autonomy provided,” he reflects.
 

Living independently and practising Thai, which he had previously studied at SMU, strengthened his resilience and adaptability. 
 

His time in Bangkok affirmed his aspiration to pursue a tech career grounded in cross-cultural understanding, especially as Southeast Asia becomes increasingly interconnected.

Building confidence through hospitality exposure in Phuket

In Phuket, Leong Xiu Yi from the SMU School of Economics joined The KPI Plus Co, a hospitality and tourism revenue management firm, where she gained hands-on exposure to the tourism sector.
 

Her role covered insights into seasonal demand patterns and digital marketing strategies. 
 

Initially hesitant, she gradually became more confident in sharing ideas and taking initiative. “The hands-on nature of the internship pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. I developed greater confidence in problem-solving and taking initiative,” she reflects.
 

Her experience strengthened her readiness to embrace international opportunities after graduation.
 

“I’m now more comfortable to work overseas after graduation, and more confident to settle down in a new environment.”