ASEAN Internship Scheme 2025 - One-Day Experience Programme in Singapore
July 11, 2025
To nurture Hong Kong’s young people and broaden their international perspectives in an ever-evolving global environment, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Singapore launched the ASEAN Internship Scheme for Hong Kong Higher Education Students in 2014. Together with the HKETOs in Jakarta and Bangkok after their establishment, three offices join hands to administer the scheme now, identifying hundreds of internship opportunities across the ASEAN countries under their respective purview.
In 2025, over 60 students from nine Hong Kong universities secured internships at various companies and organisations across six ASEAN countries – namely Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei. Approximately one-third of these students were placed in Singapore. On July 11, HKETO in Singapore organised a One-Day Experience Programme for interns based in the city-state, aiming to offer them a deeper understanding of Singapore’s business and professional environment as well as socio-economic landscape.
The group first visited the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Singapore, where the interns were warmly received by the Minister Counsellor (Education) Han Jun. Mr Han led a tour of the embassy premises and introduced the embassy’s work, including consular services, economic cooperation, and cultural and educational exchanges, while also highlighting the strong bilateral relations between China and Singapore. This was followed by an exchange session with two Chinese students studying in Singapore, during which participants shared experiences and insights on pursuing studies and career opportunities in Singapore, Mainland China, and Hong Kong.
As both the scheme administrator and the host office in Singapore, HKETO organised an orientation and welcome lunch, coordinated with the support of its own interns. Director Mr Owin Fung introduced the work of the office, which focuses on strengthening bilateral relations between Hong Kong and three ASEAN countries – Laos, Singapore, and Vietnam – as well as India, through enhanced economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties. He also underscored the value of the internship scheme in empowering the younger generation to gain firsthand exposure to the fast-growing ASEAN region, with which Hong Kong is forging increasingly close links. The lunch offered a valuable platform for interns and HKETO officers from various departments to engage in meaningful dialogue.
In the afternoon, the group visited the Housing & Development Board (HDB) to learn about Singapore’s public housing system. Deputy Director (Partnership & Outreach) Ms Lui Wen Qing and Senior Communications and Engagement Manager Mr Neo Wei Teck presented Singapore’s housing strategy, including the policies and practices that ensure affordability and foster vibrant communities. At the MyNiceHome Gallery, interns explored a range of show flats featuring different designs and layouts, and learned about the latest community design aimed at promoting social cohesion.
The final stop was a visit to the law firm Chung Ting Fai & Co., a long-time supporter of the internship scheme since 2014. Founder Mr Chung Ting Fai, a prominent figure in the Hong Kong community in Singapore, shared his insights on legal practice, professional development, teaching, and community service. He also offered valuable career advice to the interns. Two interns placed at the firm took the opportunity to share their internship experiences and express their appreciation to Mr Chung and his team.
The ASEAN Internship Scheme has benefited over 930 students from 11 Hong Kong higher education institutions since its inception. Interested students and prospective host organisations are welcome to visit www.hketosin.gov.hk/internship.php for more information.
