Intern gains insights into APEC
Interning at the APEC Secretariat in Singapore earlier this year was "one of the most fun and insightful periods of my life," writes Christopher Tang. Christopher's internship experience included him shadowing the APEC Secretariat executive director during APEC Peru 2024.
Christopher describes his internship experience as one of the most fun and insightful periods of his life
In late 2023 I was on the search for internships that would align with my semester dates and came across the Foundation's APEC Secretariat internship. It was just what I was after, so I leapt at the opportunity and applied on the spot.
Next thing you know, I was on a flight to Singapore, where I lived and worked for three months and had one of the most fun and insightful periods of my life.
APEC, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, is an inter-governmental forum that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region for 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim.
Based in Singapore, the APEC Secretariat is the coordinating, technical and advisory body that acts as the core support mechanism for the APEC process.
In 2021, APEC was held in New Zealand; this year, in 2024, it was held in Peru, with APEC Peru 2024's theme being: "Empower, Include, Grow".
Being an economics and international relations student, an internship at the APEC Secretariat could not have been a better fit, bringing together the worlds of multilateral trade and international diplomacy and providing me with insight into international diplomacy — an area I wish to pursue a career in.
During my internship, I worked in the Executive Office of the APEC Secretariat and shadowed the APEC Secretariat Executive Director, Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria.
My mentor, Yasmin, the executive officer, and I worked together on various projects and tasks for Dr Rebecca. This often involved researching APEC fora, helping write and edit APEC articles, gathering information from programme directors, notetaking at meetings, and assisting with many APEC events.
One of the highlights of my internship was attending the Senior Officials' Meeting 1 (SOM1) in Lima, Peru, where I shadowed Dr Rebecca and was an official notetaker.
During the week, I had the opportunity to attend many APEC fora discussions (Committee on Trade and Investment, Budget and Management Committee, Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy, to list a few), bilateral meetings, press conferences, outreach events as well as fancy cocktail dinners.
I also got the opportunity to meet and connect with diplomats and officials across the Asia Pacific region during the many social events, getting advice and insights into what being a full-time diplomat is like.
After SOM1, I had a week of cultural sightseeing leave, during which I took the opportunity to explore Peru, backpacking across the country and visiting a few different places, including Machu Picchu!
Accompanying the APEC Secretariat executive director to Peru for APEC 2024 was a highlight of the internship experience for Christopher
I had such an international experience at the APEC Secretariat in Singapore. The workplace was diverse, with colleagues from 21 nationalities working in the same office.
Since coming back to New Zealand, this has also further helped me understand and appreciate our own multiculturalism, especially in Tāmaki Makaurau, and further connect with our Asian diasporas here.
Singapore itself is a vibrant and bustling city-state, and the food is especially terrific. However, do be prepared for the heat, it takes some getting used to for sure.
It is also located in the heart of Southeast Asia, and there are cheap and accessible flights in the region if you are travel-inclined too!
During my three months at the APEC Secretariat, I met a fantastic bunch of people, and the guidance, mentorship, and networking I received were unparalleled. Through my internship, I better understood the importance and potential of the Asia Pacific, being the most populous region in the world and hosting more than half of the world's GDP.
The exposure I got, in both culture and society and in trade and diplomacy were eye opening – to say the least.
The Foundation's Business Programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. It also supports to grow the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.
Our internship programme helps interns build a better understanding of the people, place and culture of their Asian host country, while developing industry-specific skills that will benefit them as they progress in their careers.
