Global Ready Talent Programme opens another door to immersion opportunities in Southeast Asia

SMU takes the lead in organising the programme, aimed at equipping young talent with overseas experience

By the SMU Corporate Communications team

23 Aug 2024

The Global Ready Talent Programme (GRT) Southeast Asia (SEA) appreciation event was organised by Singapore Management University (SMU) in Jakarta on 8 August 2024.

An initiative of Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), the GRT supports Singaporean/Singapore Permanent Resident students in taking up overseas internships in developing countries, to build their global-mindedness and therefore contribute towards the broader Singapore ecosystem and Singapore companies' internationalisation efforts. The GRT SEA Edition, a cohort-based internship programme, took 34 students through a 10-week internship journey in Jakarta over Summer 2024.

Having partnered with EnterpriseSG Singapore on the latest edition of GRT SEA, SMU hosted a networking dinner to appreciate employers for offering internship placements and commemorate the conclusion of this journey.

"In September last year, my colleagues and I met with Enterprise Singapore to explore new ways to develop a deeper pool of Singaporean and Singapore Permanent Resident 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 strategic priority of Growth in Asia, we felt Indonesia was where the pool must be enhanced. That was how the GRT SEA Edition was born."

The programme's success, he noted, would not have been possible without the generosity of host partners in Indonesia. He expressed gratitude, on behalf of SMU, for providing students the opportunities to learn and immerse in Indonesian work culture.

SMU had been appointed by EnterpriseSG to organise and deliver the programme for students from the six autonomous universities (AUs) in Singapore. 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 at Sinar Mas Land 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. Sinar Mas Land is transforming into a global-standard company and expanding its global business, making it an ideal place for international students seeking internship opportunities with us."

Sinar Mas Land, a property developer in Indonesia with nearly 50 years of experience, has developed more than 50 projects in Indonesia. The firm's success in developing property and real estate in Indonesia has achieved international recognition, in addition to its reputation for pioneering the development of the concept of cluster housing projects in Indonesia. Sinar Mas Land was one of the partners invited to the GRT SEA event, where Mr Kwok Fook Seng, Singapore Ambassador to Indonesia, presented plaques in appreciation of their valued roles in hosting internships.

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."

Photo credit: SMU