Global Ready Talent Programme opens door to SEA immersion
The Global Ready Talent (GRT) Programme, an initiative of Enterprise Singapore, supports business expansion of local companies into regional markets by working together with the local universities to build a pipeline of global-minded young talent through internships in local and overseas offices.
Its Southeast Asia (SEA) appreciation event was organised by SMU in Jakarta on 8 August 2024. This networking opportunity which concluded with a dinner commemorated the 10-week journey of programme participants.
“In September last year, my colleagues and I met with Enterprise Singapore to explore new ways to develop a deeper pool of Singaporean undergraduates who understand Southeast Asia,” said Kenneth Choo, Director, Overseas Centres, SMU in his welcome address.
“This understanding pertains to business, culture, and society. As the largest country in our region, and in line with SMU’s Growth in Asia strategic priority, we felt Indonesia was where the pool must be enhanced. That was how the Global Ready Talent-SEA Programme was born.”
He also noted that the programme’s success would not have been possible without the generosity of host partners in Indonesia. On behalf of SMU, he expressed his gratitude to them for providing students the opportunities to learn and immerse in Indonesian work culture.
Building an understanding of SEA business and cultural nuances
SMU was appointed by Enterprise Singapore to organise and deliver the current edition of the programme for students from the six autonomous universities in Singapore.
The programme included both local and overseas internship placements for students. From June 2024, 34 undergraduates from Singaporean universities travelled to Jakarta to intern over 10 weeks.
The programme’s aim of equipping a pipeline of talent with requisite understanding of the business and cultural nuances of Southeast Asian countries resonated well with companies such as Sinar Mas Land, which had been selected as an internship host for students of GRT.
Irawan Harahap, CEO of Digital Tech Ecosystem and Development of the company said, “Sinar Mas Land greatly appreciates and supports this programme. The insights offered by top global university students from Singapore will provide us with fresh and innovative perspectives.”
“We also hope that they will gain valuable work experiences while representing a tangible example of international collaboration that enriches perspectives and expands professional networks among ASEAN countries.”
Mr Kwok Fook Seng, Singapore Ambassador to Indonesia, presented plaques in appreciation of their valued roles in hosting internships to Sinar Mas Land and its compatriots for their support.
In his concluding remarks, Mr Choo of SMU said “To our students here this evening, we hope the friendship, the mentorship, and the networks you have developed in Indonesia will serve you well in your professional lives in the not distant future. We welcome you to return to Indonesia to pursue other opportunities, perhaps in different cities and islands.”
