I am Peng-bin Lin, but you can also call me Peter. I come from Taitung, Taiwan. Currently, I am studying in the Department of Child Development and Family Studies at Tzu Chi University in Taiwan. This is my first time travel overseas. For me, this experience is both exciting and a significant challenge because it’s not just a leisure trip; I am here for an internship. Especially in a cosmopolitan city like Singapore, where there are people from various countries, such as Chinese, Malay, Indian, and others, each with different values and ways of thinking. 

When I first arrived at the Humanistic Youth Centre (HYC), I started making daily notes to remind myself of tasks that needed to be handled and to plan my time efficiently. Each member of the centre has specific responsibilities, and future efforts to improve work efficiency will involve proper manpower planning to maximise productivity. Tasks like arranging tables and chairs, updating posters, and others have become familiar to me, and looking back, I realise that they were accumulated gradually. This reflects the distinctiveness of HYC, where careful attention is given to every small detail, whether it’s pre-planning or manpower allocation, ensuring that everyone can perform at their best and maximising human resources.

I find HYC to be a unique centre because here, employees can arrange their own working hours, and there is a high level of flexibility. During meetings, everyone is encouraged to voice their ideas for discussion. At HYC, there are no absolute answers, only better solutions, and everyone pays great attention to details.

During my internship at HYC, I was responsible for the following tasks:

1. Implementing an Eco project
   
   Before coming to HYC, I had a meeting with the supervisors in Taiwan. They requested assistance in creating a plan to reduce the use of single-use plastics and raise environmental awareness among Singaporeans. We created a claw machine game based on the “Blue Bin” campaign that the Singaporean government had launched two years prior and focused on teaching both adults and kids about environmental awareness. This initiative received a generally positive reception.
   
   
2. Developing new projects
   
   Before coming to HYC, I had a meeting with the supervisors in Taiwan. They requested assistance in creating a plan to reduce the use of single-use plastics and raise environmental awareness among Singaporeans. We created a claw machine game based on the “Blue Bin” campaign that the Singaporean government had launched two years prior and focused on teaching both adults and kids about environmental awareness. This initiative received a generally positive reception.
   
   
3. Attending meetings
   
   The center holds various meetings daily, providing me with insights into the centre’s operations and plannin. As the meetings are conducted in English, which is not my native language, this experience has helped me develop my English listening and speaking abilities as well as broadened my perspective on the world.
   
   
4. Supporting survey research
   
   I worked with Ouyang to create surveys because the centre wanted to encourage minimising the use of single-use plastics. I was in charge of developing the surveys, while Ouyang concentrated on producing signs linked to reducing plastic consumption. Singaporeans were surveyed about their knowledge of the group, its goals, and their interest in taking part in plastic reduction initiatives. For the centre to plan future activities, this information offered insightful perspectives.
   
   
5. Assisting with event setup
   
   As the centre hosts numerous events and also rents out its spaces to other organizations, I was involved in setting up venues for various activities, such as Changemakers Circle, Zero Market, and Kidz Hideout. Initially, I was unfamiliar with the process, but I gradually gained knowledge of it and a sense of accomplishment.
   
   

Being in a foreign country for both living and working has presented me with numerous challenges and obstacles. But this has also given me chances to practise problem-solving and adapting my responses. Through participation in various activities, such as Green Fest and World X, I have had the chance to immerse myself in the local culture. Over this one month in Singapore, I am grateful to my colleagues for enabling me to have a deeper experience of the local traditions, customs, and culture. This encounter has broadened my perspectives and enhanced my life experiences.

My ability to organise my time effectively, schedule events, and allocate resources has significantly increased. Being in Singapore has taught me the value of preserving a competitive advantage because it is a global and highly competitive nation. Thus, I have learned to always be prepared and perform at my best, and has instilled in me a mindset of being ready at any moment.

Overall, my time at HYC has been transformative, fostering personal growth and valuable life skills. I am grateful for the chance to be part of this experience and look forward to applying these learnings in my future endeavours.

I hope that future interns can keep an open mind about many things, and have the courage to try and find ways to solve problems. These are projects that can greatly add points. If you want to discuss anything, you can ask your supervisor or colleagues to raise it. I believe Supervisors and colleagues will be willing to give space to try.

I want to express my gratitude to HYC for providing me with the opportunity to intern in Singapore. Throughout the internship, I not only gained knowledge relevant to the position but also developed essential work skills and qualities. I learned to adapt to the work pace, manage my time effectively, and overcome challenges such as language, food, and cultural differences. The supervisors and colleagues were incredibly friendly and supportive, which allowed me the time to adjust.

Interning abroad has been a valuable experience that will be a significant addition to my resume for future job applications or career advancements. It has enhanced my competitiveness in the job market. I believe this experience will serve as a wonderful foundation for my future career.