Alumni in ASEAN open doors for NTU students
In Jakarta and Phnom Penh, NTU alumni are welcoming undergraduates into their companies, mentoring them, and giving them a first-hand look at regional business challenges.
Text: Sadia Roohi
Alicia Lim, a graduate of Nanyang Business School in 2009 and a Cambodian, is currently overseeing Himawari Hotel Apartments, a five-star establishment, as its Managing Director in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Recognising the value of regional work experience, Alicia readily welcomed student interns from her alma mater.
Through the NTU PEAK ASEAN programme offered in Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia, undergraduates gain the opportunity to travel abroad for three weeks and immerse themselves in real-world business challenges. The practical engagement will help nurture a new generation of skilled professionals ready to lead innovation.
For instance, NTU students interning at Himawari Hotel Apartments worked on projects spanning management, market research, digital strategy, and employee engagement.
Alicia emphasised that they were given “real responsibilities, not just observation, so they could see the tangible results of their contributions.”
One group of students even went beyond their project scope by proposing a creative solution to enhance communication with local tour providers, including stronger banner advertising and a clearer commission structure. The hotel later adopted their ideas.
“I was impressed by their initiative and maturity so early in their career,” Alicia recalled.
Alumna Alicia Lim (centre) with NTU students (2nd to 5th from left) and Mr Desmond Woo from NTU Career and Attachment Office (5th from right).
What makes the experience truly unique is the involvement of alumni who open opportunities to the students, mentor them, and offer a firsthand glimpse into life and work in various ASEAN countries.
“I benefitted from a bursary as a student, and that spirit of support carried forward into my volunteer work as the first Secretary General of the NTU Alumni Association in Cambodia when it was launched. Hosting NTU students felt like a meaningful way to give back, mentor the next generation of leaders, and showcase Cambodia to the students who were mostly Singaporeans,” she said.
She also made sure the students felt at home.
Current final-year Business student Rahul Adusumilli, who joined the programme in December 2023, remembered, “Alicia was extremely supportive, introducing us to the hotel staff, assigning a mentor, and providing a comfortable workspace. She regularly checked in on our wellbeing and project progress, and even took time to show us around the hotel and nearby attractions.”
Rahul (3rd from left) alongside his fellow NTU peers (far left, 3rd and 4th from right), joined by their mentor from Himawari (4th from left).
For Rahul, the team leader, developing strategies to encourage longer hotel stays proved to be a turning point in his experience. He said, “I think this programme was a great opportunity for me to develop both my hard and soft skills in a completely new atmosphere. I learned a lot about consulting frameworks and improved my communication and teamwork skills.”
Alicia believes the programme leaves a lasting impression. “For many, Cambodia was an ‘exotic’ choice compared to more familiar destinations. Yet I’ve been encouraged to see students fall in love with Cambodia, return later with their families, and in some cases, even pursue longer-term work opportunities here.”
Warmly welcomed in Indonesia
Another alumnus who strongly encourages other alumni to host students for the programme is Johnny Widodo, CEO of Kliring Komoditi Indonesia (KKI), a fintech company in Jakarta. Johnny is a graduate of School of Materials Science and Engineering and Nanyang Business School – he also presides over the NTU Alumni Association in Indonesia.
“The NTU Career and Attachment Office visited my office and shared an exciting programme where students tackle real-life organisational challenges. I found it compelling and readily supported it,” he said. “Be open minded and don’t underestimate the students’ capabilities. Pay it forward and share with the younger generation.”
Alumnus Johnny Widodo (2nd from right) with the four NTU students (centre) and KKI staff.
His company tasked students with finding ways to monetise a Single ID system for cryptocurrency traders. The students’ dedication stood out.
“They were very dedicated and listened to feedback during the interim sessions which helped shape the final recommendation that was relevant to us,” Johnny shared.
The students presented their recommendations to the KKI stakeholders.
Third-year Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student Sng Zhi Yao, who took part in the project in July 2025, found the first week difficult due to a lack of prior knowledge in cryptocurrency.
“For the first week, we were working largely on assumptions. This challenge, however, led to a major highlight which was our interim meetings with the company’s stakeholders. They patiently vetted our research, provided expert advice, and steered us in the right direction. Hearing that our research was aligning with their vision was incredibly rewarding and made us feel we have added value,” he said.
As team coordinator, Zhi Yao also grew into a new role. “I realised how much I enjoy people and project management. This experience was deeply rewarding and one I would gladly repeat.”
Zhi Yao (far right) with fellow NTU students.
