1. Name of activity/programme/experience
India Internship Programme (IIP) as a Software Engineer Intern at HYC Precision Engineering Pvt Ltd in Chennai, India.
2. What motivated you to participate in this programme/activity?
What motivated me to participate in this programme is that it offers one of the most economical ways for me to gain overseas exposure. I have always been interested in going on exchange, but the cost can be a major barrier. An overseas internship feels like the best of both worlds, where I get the international experience while also earning an income that can help offset living and travel expenses. This makes the opportunity much more sustainable for me, and allows me to make the most of my time abroad without placing too much financial strain on my family or myself.
I also chose to apply for an overseas internship in India because of the strong lineup of well-regarded companies offering internships. Beyond that, India’s growing presence as a global business and technology hub really stood out to me. I am interested in experiencing first-hand how teams work in such a fast-moving environment, and I see this as a valuable chance to expand my perspective, build my network, and better understand the culture and people. In the long run, I believe these insights will help me communicate more effectively and build stronger working relationships with clients, colleagues, or business partners from different backgrounds.
Lastly, I see this overseas programme as a meaningful opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and explore the world, while still having the support and guidance of the school. Knowing that the school is behind me, providing structured support and guidance throughout the programme, gives me a stronger sense of security. It reassures me that I will have support when adapting to a new environment, which makes me more confident in taking on the challenge and fully embracing the learning experience.
3. Please describe your overall experience.
During my 10-week internship in Chennai, India, I had an eye-opening and enjoyable experience. Everything was new to me from the food to daily necessities and cultural differences, like cows roaming freely on the roads. Contrary to the common misconception that there is not much to do, Chennai actually offers plenty of activities such as theme parks, water parks, bowling, and beaches. I tried many of these, including getting a manicure and mehendi (also known as henna), and even went on a road trip to Pondicherry, about three hours away from Chennai. I also bought many local products, especially skincare items since people there prioritize natural ingredients. Adapting to the food was easy for me, as it’s quite similar to Indian cuisine in Singapore. Their wide variety of gravies is worth exploring, and they also have diverse cuisines such as Italian and African. Along the way, I became close friends with other interns from NUS, NTU, and SUTD.
On the topic of safety, I initially had concerns as a Chinese female in a foreign country, especially after hearing stories before I left. However, I found Chennai to be relatively safe. With basic precautions, such as traveling in groups and avoiding late nights, it is possible to feel comfortable and enjoy the city. The locals there are all very friendly and willing to help, do not be afraid to seek help from your colleagues or others when needed. Food safety was also manageable; I mostly ate delivered meals, home-cooked food, or from proper restaurants. The main area needing extra caution is road safety, as some pavements are uneven and traffic can be chaotic. Still, getting around is convenient with cars and autos (tuktuks) readily available.
4. In what ways did this experience add value to your SMU education and/or professional development?
During my internship at HYC Precision Engineering, I developed both soft and hard skills. On the soft skills side, I strengthened my communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities. My role as a software engineer and auditor involved ensuring compliance with ISO quality systems while also driving user-friendliness in record tracking and monitoring by introducing digitalisation. For hard skills, I gained knowledge of ISO clauses, practiced leadership and communication as a lead auditor, and applied technical skills such as UI/UX design, web architecture, and other competencies I had learned in school. The role required me to take initiative, ask questions to understand processes deeply, and effectively be a communication bridge and manage two-way communication conveying records and requirements from management to the shop floor, and bringing queries or concerns from the floor back to management.
5. Why Asia? What advice would you give to juniors or fellow students who are considering a similar experience?
My internship in Chennai was extremely enjoyable and enriching. I learned and experienced many new things, both professionally and personally. Doing an overseas internship makes the journey even more exciting, as you are constantly exposed to new cultures and activities, and weekends become opportunities for adventure. The key is to stay open-minded, if you are curious and eager to experience Chennai, an overseas internship there is definitely worth it.
