Lessons from ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) in Thailand: Navigating Work, Culture, and Personal Growth
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.
Have you considered an internship outside of Singapore, where you can experience a new language and work culture firsthand? Marcus Chia Wei Wen and Rachel Lim Jia Yun recently did just that through the ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP), and their experiences were both eye-opening and enriching.
The AIP offers SMU students the chance to gain international work experience while immersing themselves in a new professional and cultural environments. For Marcus and Rachel, their internships were more than just professional stints—they offered valuable insights into work, culture, and adaptability.
Navigating Thailand’s unique work culture
Like many of their peers, both Marcus and Rachel have been curious about how working in another country would differ from their experience in Singapore.
For Marcus, who had worked at a startup in Singapore, the AIP in Thailand offered the perfect chance to see how local startups expanded their operations and adapted to the regional market. He quickly learnt that success in the ASEAN region relies heavily on local knowledge and connections, with each country bringing its own unique work culture.
Rachel, on the other hand, was in for a surprise when she arrived in Chiang Mai. Expecting a traditional and hierarchical workplace, she was instead greeted by an open, collaborative environment that felt more like a team effort than a corporate structure. The flat hierarchy in the office encouraged creativity, initiative, and ongoing learning—a refreshing contrast to what she had imagined.
Key challenges and growth moments
Adapting to a new work environment came with its share of challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles Marcus faced was the language barrier. With many company documents in Thai, he relied heavily on assistance from his colleagues to translate the content. Although this proved frustrating at first, it helped him build resilience and patience, and he appreciated the support his team provided throughout the process.
Meanwhile, Rachel stepped out of her comfort zone by learning to use a new design tool from scratch. Tasked with using Figma for the first time to design a web application for an international client, she initially hesitated. However, she pushed through, mastering the design software and delivering a successful presentation.
Beyond work, Marcus took his growth mindset to the next level by participating in a local cue sports competition, clinching third place out of 40 participants. Engaging with the local community allowed him to form meaningful connections outside of the office.
Lessons in cultural adaptability
Besides personal and professional growth, both interns took away valuable lessons in cultural adaptability.
Marcus observed that the work culture in Thailand emphasised collective respect and a community-oriented approach, which was quite different from his expectations. Experiencing this firsthand reshaped his perspective on workplace dynamics and highlighted the importance of cultural awareness when working across borders.
For Rachel, adaptability meant embracing differences and practising active listening. A mentorship session with a managing director gave her invaluable insights into working with international clients, and understanding the nuances of cross-cultural business interactions. Learning to listen and adapt to different communication styles proved essential in a globalised work environment.
Discovering career aspirations through AIP
By the end of their AIP experiences, both interns had gained newfound confidence and clarity about their career goals.
Having observed different management styles, Marcus now envisions himself in a leadership role, equipped with a deeper understanding of how to manage diverse teams. He’s gained greater confidence in his abilities and is excited to take on new challenges.
Rachel discovered a newfound interest in working in dynamic, international environments. Her experience in a different work culture opened her eyes to the possibility of a career that involves frequent travel and long-term overseas assignments. She now sees Southeast Asia as a region brimming with untapped potential, with many opportunities for growth and innovation.
Advice for future AIP interns
Reflecting on their journeys, both Marcus and Rachel encourage future interns to embrace the unknown and make the most of every opportunity.
As Marcus puts it, “Only by stepping into unfamiliar situations will you truly grow.”
Rachel adds, “Take in every experience with an open mind—from new tasks at work, to learning about a different market, to trying new food. The best way to gain is by daring to go beyond.”
Their stories serve as a testament to the value of the ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP). It not only provides SMU students with an opportunity to develop professionally but also helps them grow as individuals, ready to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Ready to embark on a new adventure?
The ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) offers students a chance to immerse themselves in different cultures and gain valuable professional insights across the ASEAN region. If you're looking to explore the world, grow both professionally and personally, and deepen your cross-cultural understanding, this programme is the perfect fit for you.
Curious about AIP? Explore available internships here and sign up for an experience that could transform your future!
