Foreign exposure helped her understand industry better

Angeline Chong, 20, just wanted a chance to go overseas and experience working life abroad.

The third-year supply chain management student at Republic Polytechnic thought the experience would help in her future career.

"I believe that I will have a chance to work in Singapore in future, so it will be more interesting if I could work overseas and bring back the lessons to Singapore," said the Malaysian, who has been studying here for three years.

But when she was selected to go to Tianjin, China, for her industry immersion programme, she was a little hesitant initially.

"I heard that the crime rate was high and I was quite concerned about security," she said.

"But I believe the school chose me for the programme for a reason: It is a chance for me to grow," she said.

She worked at a transport company and her responsibilities involved liaising with suppliers and arranging meetings for her supervisor.

She had to adjust to the different working style.

"In Singapore, we tend to be more efficient and systematic while in China, many things are based on trust.

"Luckily, my managers and supervisors were very friendly and patient in guiding me," she said.

She also had the chance to tour the city and attractions in nearby Beijing.

She was also charmed by the directness and friendliness of the locals.

After the internship, she is convinced that she wants to further her studies in the same field.

"Before the internship, everything I knew about the industry was from the textbooks.

"I now understand the industry and what I am getting myself into," she said.

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