MyASEAN Internship celebrates second anniversary

Launched in 2015 by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, MyASEAN Internship offers students the opportunity to intern across ASEAN with leading companies like CIMB Group, AirAsia, and Axiata. Since its inception, a total of 100 students have experienced life-changing internships within Malaysia and across ASEAN countries like Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam and Phillippines.

To commemorate the second anniversary of MyASEAN Internship, TalentCorp and MITI organised the MyASEAN Gala Dinner on 27 March 2017. Guests of honour included Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)'s Executive Director Mr Ahmad Khairuddin and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade)'s CEO, Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen.

 
A strong advocate for the MyASEAN Internship, Dato' Sri Mustapa shared in his keynote address that he initiated the programme with the aim to "integrate ASEAN students and raise awareness of ASEAN and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) among Malaysian youth".

ASEAN is the future, and as soon as students realise this, they will be able to work together and drive the economy in a more dynamic and strategic manner.”

The dinner provided a platform for alumni of the programme to share their experiences and wealth of knowledge acquired from their respective placements.

Speaking of his experience, Rynn Leow, an Economics major, shared that "there was much to absorb" during his time in MITI, the first Malaysian ministry to offer internships under the programme. "It was truly a humbling experience having had my internship placement at MITI," said Rynn, who was also among the first to intern at a Malaysian ministry under MyASEAN Internship. "I was given independence to work on projects that fuelled my interest and creativity."

Meanwhile, Irene Gohtami, a Computer Science student from Indonesia was honoured to able to intern with UEM Group. "This experience has made me a different person, I believe I am able to achieve more and be able to contribute creatively towards a company's vision and ecosystem," added Irene, who is excited to begin her career journey.

Dato' Sri Mustapa believes that with the right exposure and integration among ASEAN students, the region's economic possibilities are endless.

Through this programme, I hope many more students join the programme, be well exposed to the ASEAN culture and working environment, and aid in the development of a healthy talent pipeline in this region.”