Name of activity/programme/experience
ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) under the EnterpriseSG Global Talent Ready Programme (ASEAN) – Internship at Sequis Life, Jakarta, Indonesia
What motivated you to participate in this programme/activity?
I was motivated to apply for the ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) because I was eager to broaden my perspectives beyond Singapore and gain firsthand exposure to the ASEAN business environment. Given ASEAN’s significant role in Singapore’s economy, trade and investments, I saw this internship as an invaluable opportunity to explore a rapidly growing region that is projected to become one of the world’s largest markets.
I was particularly interested in Indonesia, the largest market in ASEAN with a burgeoning startup ecosystem and strong potential for innovation and investment. The programme aligned closely with my academic interests and career aspirations, especially my desire to understand the startup and investment landscape within Southeast Asia.
Please describe your overall experience.
My overall experience was both professionally enriching and personally transformative.
At Sequis Life, I was part of the Internal Audit department, where I helped audit the New Business and Underwriting processes. I had the opportunity to create the audit scope and audit programme, conduct audit sampling, interview Heads of Departments, and propose strategic recommendations to mitigate risks and enhance process efficiency. This allowed me to gain hands-on exposure to audit planning and execution from start to finish.
Beyond work, the programme offered immersion activities and networking dinners, where I connected with professionals who had transitioned from Singapore to Jakarta and even started their own companies. These interactions gave me invaluable insights into the Indonesian business landscape and cross-border career opportunities.
Personally, I stepped out of my comfort zone — taking my first GrabBike, trying local Indonesian food, learning basic Bahasa Indonesia, and travelling to cities such as Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Pulau Seribu. These experiences allowed me to immerse myself deeply in Indonesian culture and build lasting friendships.
In what ways did this experience add value to your SMU education and/or professional development?
This internship significantly enhanced both my academic learning and professional development.
Academically, it complemented my studies in Accountancy and Finance by allowing me to apply audit and risk concepts in a real-world context.
Professionally, the experience strengthened my:
- Cross-cultural communication skills, especially navigating language barriers and different workplace norms
- Ability to quickly understand new processes and critically assess risks
- Adaptability in unfamiliar environments
Working in an Indonesian company also gave me firsthand exposure to differences in communication styles, decision-making processes, and workplace dynamics. Understanding concepts like gotong royong(communal cooperation) deepened my appreciation for regional diversity and strengthened my ability to work in international teams.
On a personal level, living independently overseas made me more resilient, independent, and open to new experiences.
Why Asia? What advice would you give to juniors or fellow students who are considering a similar experience?
Asia represents one of the most dynamic and high-growth regions globally. With strong economic integration, a rising middle class, and expanding startup ecosystems, it presents immense opportunities for business, investment, and innovation. As Singaporeans, our economy is deeply interconnected with the rest of Asia, making regional exposure not just valuable but increasingly essential.
Indonesia, as the largest ASEAN economy, offers unique insights into scaling businesses in emerging markets and navigating diverse cultural landscapes. Experiencing this environment firsthand provided perspectives that cannot be gained solely through classroom learning.
Advice to juniors and fellow students:
Maintain an open mind to explore new experiences and speak with the locals to understand their perspectives
