ASEAN Internship Scheme 2026 - One-Day Experience Programme for Interns in Singapore
July 30, 2026
To provide young people with first-hand practical experience related to their career interests and better equip them for the challenges of an ever-changing global environment, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) has coordinated the ASEAN Internship Scheme for Hong Kong higher education students since 2014. Following the establishment of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Jakarta, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, the four offices now jointly administer the scheme, identifying hundreds of internship opportunities with companies and organisations across the ASEAN region under their respective purview.
In 2026, around 50 students from 11 Hong Kong higher education institutions secured internships with companies and organisations across five ASEAN countries, namely Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei. Approximately half of the interns were placed in Singapore. On July 30, the Singapore ETO organised a One-Day Experience Programme for interns based in the city-state, offering them deeper insights into Singapore's socio-economic landscape, as well as its business and professional environment.
The programme began with a visit to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Singapore, where the interns were warmly received by the Minister Counsellor (Education), Mr Han Jun, and other embassy officials. Mr Han first guided the group on a tour of the embassy premises, introducing its functions and key exhibits. Together with fellow embassy officials, he provided a comprehensive overview of China-Singapore relations and cooperation, covering topics including the Belt and Road Initiative, economic and political development, as well as cultural and educational exchanges.
The Embassy also kindly invited two Chinese students studying in Singapore to share their personal experiences and perspectives on pursuing studies and career opportunities in Singapore, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, allowing participants to exchange views on their future aspirations.
Director of Singapore ETO, Ms Elsa Hung, expressed her sincere appreciation to Mr Han and the Embassy for arranging the informative visit and insightful sharing. She said the programme had enabled the interns to gain a deeper understanding of the close ties between the Chinese Mainland and Singapore, while broadening their global outlook.
Following the embassy visit, Director Hung, on behalf of Singapore ETO as both the administrator of the ASEAN Internship Scheme and the host office for interns in Singapore, hosted an orientation and networking lunch to welcome the participants. She introduced the work of the Singapore ETO in strengthening Hong Kong's bilateral relations with Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines and India, as well as promoting Hong Kong's economic, trade and cultural ties with the region. She also highlighted the significance of the internship scheme in equipping the younger generation with valuable overseas exposure and a better understanding of the fast-growing ASEAN region. The lunch provided a valuable platform for interns from different host organisations to network with one another and exchange views with ETO officers from various functional areas.
In the afternoon, the group visited the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), where they gained a unique insight into the workings of international law enforcement. Human Resource Coordinator (Talent Attraction and Outreach), Ms Shewaye Shumye, together with two INTERPOL interns, introduced the organisation's internship programme and career opportunities, highlighting the diverse range of professional pathways available across different departments and member countries.
The interns also met Assistant Director (Cyber Strategy and Capabilities Development), Ms Ashly Lam, and Head of Operations (Cybercrime Operations), Mr Huma Chan, both seconded from the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF). They introduced INTERPOL's mission and functions, shared the latest trends in cybercrime, and explained how INTERPOL works closely with law enforcement agencies worldwide to combat increasingly sophisticated cross-border crimes. They also introduced the HKPF's mentorship programme, underscoring the Force's commitment to nurturing future talent and maintaining professional excellence. The session offered participants valuable first-hand insights into the importance of international collaboration in tackling global security challenges.
The final stop of the programme was The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Hotel representatives shared the remarkable story of the building's transformation from the former General Post Office into one of Singapore's most iconic luxury hotels. They also shared Singapore's development from a trading port into a leading international business and tourism hub, allowing interns to gain a deeper appreciation of the city's history, heritage and economic transformation.
Since its launch in 2014, the ASEAN Internship Scheme has benefited more than 1,000 students from 12 Hong Kong higher education institutions. Students interested in participating in future editions of the Scheme, as well as employers wishing to become host organisations, are welcome to visit the Singapore ETO's internship webpage for more information.
