What I learnt as an intern at CAS

By Anang Didam Patrick

Internships are usually about gaining work experience. But it is  not every day that you get the unique vantage point to learn about your continent from outside your continent. It is not every day that you get to contribute to work that reframes Africa’s story for business and policy leaders in Asia. That is  exactly what my time at the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies (CAS) has given me.

The journey has been both challenging as well as rewarding. And in ways I did not anticipate. As I look back, there are so many things I could write about, but I will share the highlights of my experience as a story of purpose, people, projects, perspectives, and lessons that will stay with me.

Purpose

When you are passionate about your continent (I am an African), global business, and flying across continents to see fresh perspectives, then an opportunity like this feels like a gift. My internship at CAS was in partial fulfillment of my Master’s degree in Agribusiness Innovation at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco, but it ended up being more than an academic requirement. It was a chance to explore how Africa is seen from Asia, and how I could contribute to shaping that conversation.

I came in with three simple but clear objectives: contribute to the Centre’s insights through research and writing; manage stakeholder engagements; and curate and support events that advanced the Centre’s mission.

People

The people at a workplace can either make or mar your experience. I am grateful that the people at CAS made mine. From the very first email exchange, Centre Director Amit Jain was helpful, encouraging, and has continued to be a steady support to this very day. Working closely with him and Ms Boxi Que showed me what excellence looks like behind the scenes.

It often surprises people to know that behind the Centre’s output—its articles, reports, and events—there isn’t a massive team but an “army of two.” Yet that army of two carries the weight of a thousand. I felt privileged to have added my strength to theirs. Mr. Amit and Boxi have built structures and systems that make the Centre’s work seamless, and watching them model this discipline day after day left me deeply inspired.

Projects

What is a great team without meaningful work? There was no shortage of meaningful work to do. The work at CAS is as significant as the mission that drives it. Our projects are all designed around one big goal: to build more capacity for Singaporean and Asian businesses to do business in Africa. How do we do that? In two words—we write, and we talk.

We wrote articles and reports that translated complex developments on the continent into actionable insights for our stakeholders. And when we weren’t writing, we were consulting, hosting conversations, or curating events that created pathways for the right partnerships. My contributions spanned these different areas.

A high point during my internship was attending the Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF), Singapore’s flagship platform for Africa–Asia collaboration, which is held every two years. I was fortunate to be here at just the right time. Sitting in on those high-level conversations about collaborations between Africa and Asia was eye-opening. It was inspiring to see African countries like Rwanda pulling their weight so strategically, positioning themselves to attract partnerships and investments.

Perspectives

A question I am often asked is -  Why go to Asia to learn about Africa? I think the answer lies in perspective. When you are in Africa, you see Africa as an African, shaped by your own realities. But when you step outside, you see Africa as others see it—sometimes with fresh eyes that spot opportunities we overlook. Unlike many centres of African studies that focus on history or anthropology, CAS approaches Africa through the lens of trade, business, and investment. This means being constantly abreast of Africa’s latest economic developments and shaping them into insights that matter for global decision-makers.

In just four months, I have deepened my knowledge of Africa across sectors, countries, and more. I see the gaps that we need to fill as Africans to meet the world on the level of true partnerships. I am excited about the AfCFTA and the possibilities it presents, and I look forward to seeing more traction in those areas.

At Nigeria’s independence day celebrations, Ndidi Nwuneli of One Campaign reminded us that while Nigeria has challenges, there is still vast room for opportunities. Being in Singapore showed me this firsthand. I heard voices like Haresh Aswani, CEO of Tolaram, speak glowingly about Nigeria. He acknowledged the difficulties but also the immense potential, and how persistence and creativity can make it work. Similarly, during the “Invest in Rwanda” session at ASBF, I saw a nation boldly declaring, “We are creating a business-friendly environment; partners come from all over the world and invest!” Being in Singapore has helped me see Africa through that lens—through the eyes of investors, partners, and leaders who recognise the potential that sometimes feels invisible from within.

Lessons

Beyond the projects and events, another win for me is the skills I am leaving with. On the technical side, I strengthened my ability to research deeply and synthesize information into clear insights, to write with precision for different audiences, and to manage stakeholders and projects within a different context than what I’m used to. On the softer side, I’ve grown to pay more attention to detail, to be adaptable, to take feedback well, and to communicate cross-culturally.

I appreciated the gift of autonomy and creative freedom. It is  one thing to assign tasks, and quite another to adequately equip the executor with the tools, technologies, feedback, and environment needed to deliver value. I got all of that and more, and it made all the difference in how I grew and delivered.

Like any real experience, it was not always smooth sailing. Some rubber balls fell along the way, but they were picked up very quickly. Thankfully, no glass vase was broken. That told me what matters is resilience and recovery.

As I conclude, my gratitude to Centre Director Amit for making room for me to come here, and for modeling an unmatched level of advocacy for Africa and Nigeria, especially. I often tell him that we need to confer honorary citizenship on him. To Boxi, for your constant support and guidance that helped me deliver. For the valuable conversations had and the thoughtful gifts that made me feel more at home. To Professor Simba Chang and Bee Hua, for all the administrative work that brought me here. And lastly, to UM6P for setting the context for me to learn and soar across continents.

Prof Sharon Ng, Nanyang Business School Deputy Dean, presenting an internship completion certificate to Anang.

This has been more than a checklist to graduate. It has been a transformational season that expanded my vision, sharpened my skills, and deepened my conviction. I leave Singapore convinced that there is much more Africa and Asia can do together. But this collaboration cannot be one-sided. As Veda Vaidyanathan, someone who inspires me greatly, reminded us during a recent conversation, it is not just about what Asia is doing with Africa, but perhaps Africa can think about what it wants to do with Asia and the rest of the world.”

I am privileged to have been the first African intern at the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies. My hope is that my presence and contributions open doors for more Africans to come, to learn, and to join these important conversations. To step out and read our labels through the eyes of other partners. To appreciate our strength and see our gaps. So that we know where to create the change we so desperately need.

And to any student considering applying to CAS, I can only say: go for it. The experience is absolutely worth it. You will be converted to an advocate not only for your country but for your continent, because truly, there’s a whole world out here rooting for Africa to work.