GII 3-month Track Programme Overview
The Global Innovation Immersion 3-month track typically sees students embarking on a summer-long internship.
Application Process
Selection Process
- Application & review / Eligibility and Programme Criteria
- Interviews / Assessments
- Internships Offer & Admin Procedures
- Start Internship in country
- Full-time SMU undergraduates returning for at least one semester of study after the internship.
- Internship must be innovation/entrepreneurship related, at approved company types (startups, VCs, incubators, accelerators, tech parks, innovation sectors).
- No internships allowed in country of citizenship.
- Minimum 12-week overseas stint required.
- Do note that any early termination of internship or reduction of original internship duration will result in rejection of GRTP application (if applicable) and subject to review and approval by ESG.
- Internship Applications: Students who successfully qualify for GII will be able to review and apply for internship positions with host companies.
- Placement Interview: Hiring managers from these host companies will select applicants for interviews.
- Successful Placement: Successful candidates will receive internship offers or placements based on demonstrated value, determination, and fit with host companies.
- Note: Vacancies are highly limited and placement depends on a strong match between students and host companies.
- Secure written confirmation of internship offer from employer for visa application.
- Check with School for recognition of internship for specific course requirements
- For details on internship requirements, refer to Frequently Asked Questions | Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre
- Upon receipt of written confirmation , student can proceed to apply for GRTP funding (if applicable) via programme manager and concurrently start with visa application
- Apply for university support letters if needed to support visa application
- Complete mandatory pre-departure checklist on OASIS, and apply from LOA (Leave of Absence) if relevant from your School Administrator at least 3-4 weeks in advance of internship.
Final Approval and Preparation
- Upon approval of internship from DKHMCC or Schools (for course specific internship) and visa application, proceed to make travel and accommodation arrangements
Destinations
Southeast Asia
Electrifying. Rocket Growth. Eclectic Cultures.
Southeast Asia holds tremendous opportunities for the bold, daring and courageous. Each country has its own unique culture, language and people; but the region is united in its rocket growth.
This is where you’ll build and scale your successful startup. This is where you’ll rise to be king of the mountain. This is Southeast Asia.
Cities Offered: Jakarta (Indonesia), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand), Manila (Philippines), Yangon (Myanmar).
China
Competitive. Massive Market. Meaningful Relationships.
China is on track to be the world’s largest economy. A powerhouse to be reckoned with. Knowing how to survive and thrive in China means riding on the dragon and discovering opportunities nowhere else offers.
This is where you’ll forge meaningful relationships. This is where you’ll soar with the dragon that shows no sign of slowing down. This is China.
Cities Offered: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Hong Kong and more.
USA
Risk-Taking. Mature Market. Rich Experiences.
Silicon Valley and the surrounding Bay Area remains as the most influential and highly concentrated place for innovation and investment capital. Global titans like Google, Apple and Facebook make their homes in Silicon Valley, but they too were once budding startups with just a dream and a vision. Countless entrepreneurs are following in their footsteps.
This is where you'll be inspired and challenged. This is where your horizons and perception of what's possible will grow. This is America, the land of opportunity.
Cities Offered: San Francisco, New York City, Washington, North Carolina, Massachusett.
Rest of the World
We have partners at innovation hotspots all over the world.
Cities Offered: Tokyo, Seoul, Melbourne, and various European cities.
Workshops & Training
Prepare to make it count
Every great journey starts with preparation. GII immerses you early—before you even sign a contract or board a plane.
We’ll keep you informed of training opportunities for each GII cohort. The examples below highlight key skill sets you may need to develop before starting your internship, depending on your role and destination.
- How to build a business development funnel and lifecycle
- Outreach: Lead generation through digital channels
- Pitching: How to prepare for sales meetings, positioning of company/product, pitch deck construction, execution and sales tactics
- Closing deals: How to get buy-in from potential customers, deal terms, negotiation and closing tactics
- Think algorithmically, frame problems logically, and articulate solutions like a coder
- Basics of python software design
- Reading in tabular data and performing data visualizations
- Develop & plan effective digital marketing campaigns, with a strong focus on marketing return on investment (ROI)
- Gain proficiency in digital marketing tools, including HubSpot, Facebook, Google Analytics
- Drive user and customer acquisition during your internship with your new knowledge of cutting-edge techniques & platforms
- Business analytics
- Gain a clearer understanding of your personal and professional growth goals for an overseas internship journey
- Understand cultural norms pertaining to networking in the GII markets
- Understand what networking is (and isn’t), and the different forms it commonly takes in the startup world
- Learn about best practices pertaining to digital/online personal branding and in-person networking efforts
- Be equipped with the necessary skills for crafting a compelling resume
- On-the-spot writing support
- Interview preparation from industry experts
- Language classes available in Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, Vietnamese and Burmese
- Gain a better understanding of the etiquette and nuances of coffee/tea chats with professionals in China
- Learn Business Chinese that is frequently used in the workplace (e.g. for presentations, meetings and discussions)
- Hands-on training to practice both Chinese speaking and writing skills for interview & internships with Chinese companies
