Exploring Business, Technology, and Culture in Vietnam Through the ASEAN Internship Programme Plus (AIP+)
SMU student Ong Zheng Feng joined the ASEAN Internship Programme Plus (AIP+) in Vietnam, where he combined classroom learning at Vietnam National University with an internship at TRG International. Through exposure to Vietnam’s business environment and workplace culture, he developed stronger cross-cultural communication skills, gained hands-on experience in analytics, and deepened his interest in business and technology roles across Southeast Asia.
Eager to gain first-hand working experience in Southeast Asia, SMU year 3 student Ong Zheng Feng embarked on the ASEAN Internship Programme Plus (AIP+) in summer 2025, where he immersed himself in Vietnam’s fast-growing technology scene.
The programme, offered by the SMU Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre (DKHMCC) and Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), combines an overseas internship with a complementary study programme that equips students with deeper insights into the host country’s political, social, and economic environment. Students attend six preparatory sessions before their internship, followed by another six during the internship period.
At Ho Chi Minh City, Zheng Feng interned at TRG International, a professional services and technology consulting firm, and attended classes at Vietnam National University, gaining a deeper understanding of working and living in Vietnam.
Hear more about his AIP+ experience.
What inspired you to pursue the ASEAN Internship Programme Plus (AIP+)?
I wanted to step beyond my comfort zone and gain first-hand experience working overseas, particularly in a fast-growing economy like Vietnam. As an Information Systems student, I was eager to understand how business and technology intersect within a regional context, and AIP+ provided a meaningful opportunity to do so.
The programme also allowed me to fulfil my internship and global exposure requirements while earning an additional academic credit.
How did the initial classes in the programme better prepare you for your overseas internship?
The classes conducted before my internship provided valuable context on Vietnam’s business environment, including its political system, cultural norms, labour market dynamics, and key economic sectors.
A key learning point was understanding Vietnam’s rapid growth, and how connected the country is to regional and global supply chains. This gave me a broader perspective on the work I was doing at TRG International.
I also gained deeper insight into Vietnam’s relationship-oriented and high-context communication culture, which helped me adapt more quickly in the workplace.
How did working in a different country change your perspective?
Working in a different country pushed me to become more adaptable and open-minded, as I had to navigate unfamiliar workplace norms, communication styles, and expectations.
In Singapore, I was more used to direct and task-focused communication. In Vietnam, conversations in the workplace were also focused on relationship-building and maintaining harmony. For instance, there was often more room for casual conversations about food, daily life, and local culture.
The language barrier also taught me to pay closer attention to more than just words. When discussions shifted into Vietnamese, I learnt to read the room through tone and body language, then check my understanding with my colleagues afterwards.
For Vietnamese notes or documents, I used translation tools to get a general sense of the content, and would turn to my colleague, Tuan, when I needed more context or nuance. Having someone who was patient and willing to explain things made a huge difference in helping me settle in and understand the work properly.
Through the experience, I learnt to navigate a more indirect communication style and be more flexible in my approach to collaboration, including slowing down and clarifying tasks proactively when needed.
More importantly, I came to realise that there is rarely a single “correct” way of working, and that effectiveness often depends on understanding the cultural and organisational context. The AIP+ experience also strengthened my confidence in working across cultures and unfamiliar settings.
Which aspect of the AIP+ most shaped your learning or career goals?
One of the most impactful aspects of my AIP+ experience was the opportunity to contribute to real client-facing work at TRG International. As a Business Analyst Intern, I was involved in market research, requirements analysis, and the development of real-time SQL sales dashboards to support management decision-making. It provided me with meaningful exposure to consulting and business problem-solving in a regional context.
The experience sharpened my interest in roles at the intersection of business and analytics. It showed me how data, when effectively translated and applied, can support practical decision-making.
At the same time, I realised there’s still so much to learn about Vietnam. Wanting to broaden my understanding of the country through a different city and industry, I returned for a second internship through the winter AIP. As a Strategy Intern at Vietnam SuperPort in Hanoi, I gained exposure to the country’s logistics sector, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity.
What would you say to those considering embarking on the AIP+?
The AIP+ is far more than just an internship opportunity—it is an experience that challenges you both professionally and personally. While living and working in a new environment can feel daunting, I learnt that discomfort often becomes the starting point for the most meaningful growth.
I would strongly encourage students considering the AIP or AIP+ to embrace the discomfort, say yes to opportunities, and experience it for themselves.
Take the next step towards global readiness. Inspired by Zheng Feng’s AIP+ experience? Learn more about the ASEAN Internship Programme Plus (AIP+) here. For further enquiries on the programme, please reach out to GEO at smushortterm@smu.edu.sg.
