SMU-X Overseas Study Mission (Bali): Sustainability & Tourism
Back in my freshman year, I was eager to expand my horizons, and this programme became the first stepping stone in my SMU-XO journey. Through engaging with tourism-dependent communities in Bali and developing recommendations for Mana Earthly Paradise, I learned that sustainability extends beyond policy ideals and is deeply shaped by local cultures such as Tri Hita Karana and meaningful, ground-up collaborations. This experience grounded my understanding of sustainability in lived realities, sharpened my empathy and cross-cultural sensitivity, and revealed how cultural context matters deeply when designing responsible and inclusive solutions.
- Website Link: https://masliana2002.wixsite.com/balistudymission
- Youtube Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyUmt90L20A
SMU-X Overseas Study Mission (Bangkok): Social Change on Disability Inclusion
I was motivated to participate in this programme to deepen my understanding of disability inclusion beyond theory and to observe how community-based organisations in Bangkok work alongside persons with disabilities to effect social change. Collaborating with the United Nations as a partner and engaging directly with advocacy groups and beneficiaries to raise awareness of disability inclusion in the workplace challenged my assumptions and demonstrated how universal design and inclusive participation can transform everyday experiences for persons with disabilities. This experience added value to my SMU education by blending social awareness with action-oriented practice, strengthening my ability to engage thoughtfully with complex and sensitive social issues.
- Website Link: https://masliana2002.wixsite.com/bkkstudymission
- Youtube Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q09oUBahNp0
SMU-X Overseas Study Mission (Tokyo): Gender Equality in the Workplace
This study mission deepened my understanding of how inclusion in the workplace requires intentional and sustained effort. Through engagements and discussions on employment equity, I learned that while Japan is working towards measurable goals such as increasing the employment rate of persons with disabilities to 2.7% by 2026 through structured support systems. Significant gender gaps persist, reflecting the complexity of cultural and institutional change. Conversations around leadership, intersectionality, and allyship further showed me that inclusive workplaces are built through clear vision-setting, embedded mechanisms, and leaders who actively foster participation and belonging.
SMU-X Overseas Study Mission (Bangkok): Sustainability Communications
Returning to Bangkok, this experience deepened my understanding of how sustainability narratives must be communicated differently across cultural and social contexts to meaningfully engage diverse audiences. Indorama Ventures highlighted the power of storytelling in translating complex environmental commitments into narratives that resonate with stakeholders across regions.
Overarching Advice for Juniors
Across my SMU-XO experiences, I learned that Asia offers a uniquely rich learning environment shaped by diverse cultural values, social structures, and institutional approaches, from sustainability philosophies to labour and inclusion practices. Engaging with these contexts not only deepened my social awareness, but also strengthened my professional skills in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking by requiring me to work across cultures, stakeholders, and real-world constraints. The most meaningful growth came from approaching these experiences with humility, openness, and a willingness to question assumptions, rather than seeking quick solutions. My advice to juniors is to listen deeply to local voices and approach learning with intention, allowing each experience to challenge, shape, and deepen their understanding.
