Name of activity/programme/experience
I took part in the ACCT009 Overseas Project Experience (Accounting in Asia) – SMU-X study mission to Jakarta and Bandung.
What motivated you to participate in this programme/activity?
I wanted my first overseas academic exposure to be somewhere not too far from Singapore so it wouldn’t feel overwhelming, but still different enough to push me out of my comfort zone. Indonesia felt like the right balance — familiar regionally, yet culturally and socially distinct — and I was curious to learn how to better navigate new environments. I thought that the study mission would provide me with just that, so I decided to sign up for it!
Please describe your overall experience.
The experience felt both humbling and empowering at the same time. There were tough moments, especially when facing uncomfortable realities like inequality, but those encounters forced me to reflect more deeply on my impact on issues I care about rather than choosing the easier option of turning a blind eye. At the same time, the experience gave me close friends from both SMU and Indonesia, highlighting that shared challenges often create the strongest bonds.
In what ways did this experience add value to your SMU education and/or professional development?
We live in a very globalised world, and knowing how to interact with people from different backgrounds is an essential skill. From understanding cultural sensitivities in foreign professional settings to exploring how the business environment itself may be structured abroad, this course gave me practical exposure to performing my own research when approaching a new global setting. It built my confidence significantly and gave me the courage to pursue a six-month exchange, something I was initially afraid to commit to.
Why Asia? What advice would you give to juniors or fellow students who are considering a similar experience?
Asia is incredibly dynamic, and experiencing it as a tourist versus engaging with it in an academic or professional context can feel completely different. If you see an opportunity that interests you, take it; growth often comes from stepping into environments you’re unsure about. You’ll return not just with knowledge, but with a stronger sense of adaptability and confidence.
