Program Reviews

I had a few months before beginning my Masters so I thought I’d take the time to do something productive whilst taking the opportunity to do some traveling.

I did a marketing internship in a very successful startup based in the city. I expected another regular internship - doing menial admin tasks, maybe helping out with some in-house projects, and whatnot. But, the internship experience turned out to be a lot more fruitful than expected. Because the start-up trend has grown so quickly over the past few years, not just in Malaysia but also in many other countries around South East Asia and East Asia, many of these new businesses rely on each other sharing support and information to continue to grow. It’s a great community that I was incredibly lucky to take part in, especially because the company I worked for trusted me enough to let me lead my own projects and take care of my own clients. There’s a lot more trust involved when working in a start-up, and definitely more responsibility is given. So, it was definitely an eye opening experience compared to the other internships/summer jobs I’ve done back home.

Start-ups, especially in Asia, definitely have their own work culture. If you’re looking to one day start your own business, or if you’re just looking to get a better understanding of Asia’s young business culture, I would definitely recommend applying to a start-up somewhere in Asia. Thanks to AIP, I was able to get my foot in the door. I’ll definitely consider coming back to Malaysia after my Masters!

You may think that Japan is only known for their cultures of manga, and weird shows. However, Japan has more than that to offer. Night and day are like a different culture where you may question yourself if you are in the right place.

As a product design intern, I would have to learn all about the culture. I was required to know how the products are manufactured. After that, I have to understand how the product’s appearance can affect the usability. Is it too big? Does it feel weird to hold it, or use it?

I gained insight on how to gather and analyze data from customer’s feedback. I was really surprised by the fact that you can sleep during working hours and nobody gives you a bad remark. I soon later learned that it was normal because people would work late, and go back to sleep for a couple of hours and get ready for work.

I really enjoy eating sushi. It was freshly served with raw fish that is only prepared when your order has gone through. Although, it may seem like sushi is a common food from series, or restaurants outside of Japan; it is not really common. I ate sushi using wooden chopsticks and the chief was staring at me as though I did something wrong. It was later when I understood why he was acting that way. Sushi was meant to be eaten with your hands.

If you don’t like sushi or raw fish; you can go for noodle-based food. Yakisoba and ramen are more commonly eaten. It’s fast, and filling for people that just want to get a quick bite and continue with their work.

I really haven’t traveled outside of Tokyo as I was really busy with my internship. With this internship experience; it taught me to manage my time better.

I was hoping to find an internship abroad since I would like to work abroad and I didn't want to do the usual Seattle tech scene style of internship. I went online and found AIP and after thoroughly reading up on them and the reviews left by others I decided to reach out. They were quick to reply and set me up with an interview. I was a little nervous for my interview but as soon as it began, my interviewer made me instantly feel like comfortable. They were very easy to talk to yet very professional.

AIP found me a company that matched my skills, backgrounds, and interests and helped me get an interview with them. After the interview with my internship sponsor, AIP was quick to inform me that I was accepted and I spent the next three months having the time of my life growing my technical skills with my company while exploring Bangkok.

Any time I had to reach out to anyone from AIP I was replied to within 24 hours. They also frequently hold events that allow interns to experience Bangkok and network with professionals. My only regret is that I did not sign up for a longer internship. Thanks to AIP and the company they set me up with, I had a capstone experience that I will never forget!

All my life I wanted to travel to Thailand—it was a dream of mine. AIP gave me the push I needed to fulfill one of my career goals working for a lifestyle magazine in a culture I had wished to immerse myself in for years. Without AIP, I would not have stepped on the country's ground in the same way. I learned the ins and outs of Bangkok's leading lifestyle magazine, which was a fabulous placement for me. The staff was friendly, helpful fun and not only became my coworkers but my friends as well.
Upon arriving in Thailand, AIP's friendly and responsive staff made my stay easy, welcoming and unforgettable. They were there when I had any question—yes, there are dumb questions—and they even advised me on recommendations during my stay here.
If you're wanting to travel and get to know another culture while pursuing advancement in your career, I would recommend this program. They were the crutch, connection and network I needed to kickstart my future.

Hong Kong is an amazing place. There is no better place in the world. A lot of people believe that Singapore is the heart of Asia, but I am convinced it's Hong Kong. Business, trade, money, deals are all around Hong Kong. The first time I heard about Hong Kong was a documentary movie called "A century of power". The amount of inspiration I received from the movie was over the top. From that day I knew that if there is a place for me to grow my career that place would be Hong Kong.

After confirming my passion towards the country, I didn't know what kind of career should I follow and go with. History was my favorite subject in school, and I've read a lot about travelers who were bringing goods and materials all around the world with their ships, so I became obsessed with logistics industry. What are the most efficient and safe ways to transfer goods from one part of the world to another? How can the companies reduce the cost of transportation and make it more sustainable as well as environmentally friendly? Those questions were in my mind and driving me towards personal developments and career growth within logistics industry.

Combining these two factors, I realized my destiny. Hong Kong the logistical hub of Asia if not the world, and I clearly have a passion towards the transportation of goods. Instead of waiting for a perfect opportunity and perfect conditions I've talked to my parents and they supported my idea to go to Hong Kong for the winter period to do an internship. Since I didn't know anything and anyone in Hong Kong, I found AIP. These guys help students to not only find an internship but also assist with on-ground support like accommodation, transportation and some social activities. Within few months and some simple steps like interview and my CV being sent to AIP they manages to organize an interview with great company and they had a logistics position, under the supervision of the logistics manager. As soon as everything was confirmed I booked my flight and started crossing out the days before my departure. When I arrived to Hong Kong AIP came to meet me and picked me up and gave me some good tips for my time here!

Overall I'm grateful to AIP to make my dreams came true, more than that I am planning to re-apply for one more internship next year with AIP as well.

Last year I participated in a three months IT internship in beautiful Seoul with AIP. The experience was great overall and I definitely recommend it to anyone seeking an internship in Asia or who want's to be based in an Asian country for a few months to be able to travel to different places easily! I managed to see three other countries during my three months in Asia (Thailand and Vietnam just because they are more affordable and Japan because I have always wanted to go there but I only went for a few short days, I'd like to go back again)

While it was sometimes difficult to order food (I often ended up with food too spicy) I still really liked it and would love to be able to replicate some of the dishes at home - my favorite was dukbokki because I have never eaten anything like it before!

It was a necessity for me to take part in a film and media internship as required by my University. I had been to Thailand in 2017 and I loved it so it was a clear winner!

AIP placed me in a media agency where I made visual content about local leisure & lifestyle. I can be very particular when it comes to my work, but my coordinator was patient in getting to understand my wants and needs. My work focused on travel and fashion and I could work on independent, cultural pieces too. It was made getting used to the culture much easier!

My coordinator was thorough with explaining my visa application process which was a major help because I assumed I would be getting a visa on arrival like the last time - I was wrong. I would defiantly recommended AIP to anyone who asked!

Upon my arrival in China, I was shocked by the air quality, it was worse than the news. I was really curious to know how people in China contribute to cleaning the pollution problem. I was planning to do an environmental internship, that is why I picked China. The company that I was placed at had me do many testings of water, air, and soil. I was assigned with the task of spreading awareness in highly polluted housing areas of China. My experience with the company was amazing. My colleagues were very helpful. They helped me order food in restaurants, also taught me a few basic Chinese words.

Throughout the internship AIP was in touch with me making me feel secure and comfortable in China. I am glad to have chosen AIP as my service provider.

I just got back from my internship in Thailand. One word, “Awesome”. My position was an intern in marketing. I really enjoyed my internship as I have learnt new marketing strategies that are different where I am from. This opens my perception on many things such as culture, and what and why people do things.

Aside from just doing my internship, I had fun traveling in Bangkok. I went to Wat Arun which is on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is stunning because the temple’s design was different from all the other temples that you can visit in Bangkok. I went around the evening and found that it was crowded, so I came back the next morning.

China Town also known as Yao Wa Rat, is a place that every intern should visit. There are great varieties of amazing food. This place is crowded with shops in the morning and afternoon, and the night is filled with food stalls.

Traveling is easy. It is good to know before hand on how to get to a certain location so you can save time and money. If you only travel in the Sukhumvit area, you can use the BTS sky train which is easy to use, and fast to travel in.

After studying Chinese for four year in Uni I felt like I ought to talk to someone else in Chinese other than with my professor and classmates. I am very interested in business and hope to open my own jewelry e-commerce store next May after graduation. I would be sourcing my pieces from China so what better place to practice my Chinese than Shanghai? I was sent a guide for life in China by AIP and read that Skype was blocked in China which made me a little bit scared but I had the time to figure out the alternatives and teach my Mom how to use them haha. But other than re-learning social platforms I LOVED China, the people were so friendly (although I wasn’t keen on posing for pictures everywhere I went) and I liked the food a lot! I was fortunate enough to be able to fly to Beijing after my internship and see part of the Great Wall, I know it’s the obvious touristy thing to do I wanted to tick something off my bucket list. I can’t say I noticed a huge improvement in my Chinese language skills but I did gain more confidence from speaking with my colleagues with I sorely needed. My colleagues were super nice, and I feel like I learned a lot about startups! I had a great time in China and I am really glad I decided to go through this program.