Adrian Wang was a participant in the 2020 Creative Arts and Design Professional Practicum from the University of New South Wales. Adrian is studying a Bachelor of Design & a Bachelor of Media (PR & Advertising). Adrian received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support his participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum?
I was getting to the end of my degree and I was looking for opportunities to diversify my professional experiences while also travelling and experiencing different cultures. This ACICIS program has allowed me to do those two things while also fitting in between my university schedule.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Yes, I received a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant. It has allowed me to gain access to these experience that I otherwise wouldn’t have had.
Q: How will the Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
The Professional Practicum has proved invaluable experience for my career. Despite some slight cultural and language barriers has allowed me to create and further my experiences and connections within my industry.
Q: Which organisation did you intern with? What were your roles and responsibilities?
I interned at PT Merck Tbk, it is a transnational pharmaceutical manufacturer. I was there as part of their communications team doing most of the graphical design work for their 50th anniversary celebration in Indonesia. I was tasked with coming up with designs for their year long theme to present to the board of directors for approval.
Q: How is the work culture of your host organisation different to work experience you have had in Australia?
I found the work culture very warm, friendly and hospitable. The people who worked at Merck never hesitated when I needed help, even for things outside of work, and took my thoughts and ideas seriously. They are a hard-working bunch and I couldn’t be more grateful for their help. Another bonus was that there was always food and snacks.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in the future?
If the experiences I had in my host organisation was emblematic of Indonesian work culture, I would be my pleasure to work there again.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
Eat food. Lots and lots of food.
Q: Favourite place to eat and favourite Indonesian food?
Gofood, literally the best thing if you’ve had a long day at work and you’re too lazy to go out, especially in Jakarta traffic.
Martabak is literally the best thing since sliced bread, it comes in sweet and savoury options – try both, trust me.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Kepo, its slang for curiosity with a slight negative connotation, buts its emblematic of adventures in Indonesia.
Q. What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
There were countless places to do and see, especially if you’re there for more than a month. But by far my favourite place was the Bogor Botanical Garden, it was breathtakingly huge, and the views were stunning. We went during a late afternoon during a weekday so there was little to no people around. It was magical.