David Lee was a participant in the 2019 Business Professional Practicum from the University of Tasmania. David is studying a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of ICT majoring in Marketing and Software Development. David received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support his participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Business Professional Practicum?
To live in one the most exciting places in the world. A sleeping economic giant, Indonesia is blessed with abundant resources in terms of minerals and manpower and has been widely predicted to become a superpower if a number of important challenges can be overcome. I wanted to work in Indonesia to observe and understand the massive societal and economic movements of the nation.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Transport to and from Indonesia was the most expensive part of the trip, and I am highly grateful of the NCP funding. Living in Indonesia itself can vary greatly – depending on level of lifestyle you want to live, so any financial assistance is highly appreciated.
Q: How will the Business Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
Living in Indonesia has given me a completely new look on our lifestyle and society in Australia. Not being able to communicate at a high level in terms of talking to locals – for food, directions, etc. has given me a strong understanding of the importance of organisation and planning. I now believe I can communicate more effectively and problem solve in unfamiliar situations.
Q: Which organisation did you intern with? What were your responsibilities?
I worked with PT Merck Indonesia. As the Indonesian arm of the German multinational pharmaceutical company, I worked in the logistics and supply chain arm of the organisation. In my time with Merck, I created a tool to allow for the comparison of two transport databases which allowed clients to easily calculate elements of a product delivery.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
I loved hiking and will definitely come back soon to climb Mount Bromo.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food?
Favourite food would be kambing tongseng (Goat Soup) and the Susu Jahe Merah (Red Ginger Milk) available from all good warungs!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
“Saya tidak tahu” (I don’t know)
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
Yogyakarta (Candi Prambanan, Borodobor, Ratu Boko and Mount Merapi), Cirebon, Solo, Bogor and Bandung.