3 min read
5 February 2025
Interning in Paradise: Hannah's Journey with Incentro APAC in Bali
What started as a long-shot idea quickly turned into reality. We had been toying with the idea of launching an internship program but ran into roadblocks along the way. Just as we shelved the plan for the following year, an unexpected email changed everything. A representative from Singapore Management University (SMU) reached out, offering an internship partnership for the Winter 2024 period.
Five weeks later, we welcomed Hannah Loh Qiaoan, an Information Systems student eager to gain hands-on experience in tech while living in Bali. What followed was a month packed with professional growth, cultural immersion, and plenty of unforgettable moments—both in and out of the office.
Why Bali? Why Incentro?
For Hannah, the decision was easy. It was the perfect blend of professional growth and personal adventure—checking off “live in Bali” from her bucket list while working with a company that values creativity, collaboration, and tech innovation. Bali’s unique cross-cultural environment was a major draw, promising new experiences and insights every day.
But bringing Hannah onboard wasn’t without its challenges. While ASEAN offers free mobility for certain professions, internship placements still come with visa requirements. Fortunately, the process was smooth, though it meant Hannah had to start her internship remotely before flying to Bali to join us in person.
A Work-and-Play Balance Like No Other
Hannah arrived with high expectations—tackling exciting projects, collaborating across cultures, and of course, catching a few stunning Bali sunsets. What she didn’t anticipate? The full “Bali experience,” from navigating Bali Belly to late-night motorcycle rides through sudden downpours. Each day brought new challenges—whether debugging code or tracking down the best nasi goreng and nasi campur stalls.
On the professional front, our very own developer, Zahra, took the lead in mentoring Hannah. Thanks to a seamless onboarding process, Hannah quickly dove into real-world web development, contributing to an upcoming SaaS platform. While the learning curve was steep at first, our development team was always ready to lend a hand, answer questions, and brainstorm solutions. Collaboration was key, ensuring she gained hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
Beyond the Desk: Exploring Bali’s Culture
Weekends were all about soaking in Bali’s vibrant culture. Whether it was checking out the island’s best beach clubs, trying new activities, or experiencing the warmth of the local community, Hannah embraced it all. Bali’s food scene was another highlight—whether indulging in traditional Balinese dishes, Indonesian specialties, or international cuisine, the island’s flavors left a lasting impression.
Beyond work, one of the most rewarding parts of this experience was immersing myself in the culture of Bali. Working in a new environment, I saw firsthand the value the team placed on fostering collaboration and prioritizing group harmony over individual achievement. Seeing how this unfolded into greater productivity and team camaraderie was such a fresh perspective.
Hannah Loh – Information Systems student – Singapore Management University
The Impact: More Than Just an Internship
Hannah’s one-month internship went beyond technical skills. She learned about teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, and the value of diverse perspectives. Working in an environment that fosters creativity and innovation, she saw firsthand how a strong sense of community can drive meaningful work.
For Incentro, the experience was equally rewarding. Zahra, in particular, felt the fresh energy an intern brings, sparking innovative ideas and reinvigorating the team. This program underscored the value of investing in young talent—not just for the interns but for the entire organization.
Saying Goodbye (For Now)
Time flew by faster than a scooter weaving through Canggu traffic. On Hannah’s last day, we gathered for a farewell lunch overlooking Bali’s lush rice fields, followed by a final round of board games and, of course, one last plate of nasi goreng.
With that, if you’re looking for a place where work doesn’t feel like just “work,” Incentro is it. Add in the charm of Bali, and you’ll get an experience you’ll never forget.
Hannah Loh – Information Systems student – Singapore Management University
Author:
- Trifitri Muhammaditta – Human Resources Manager – Incentro Asia Pacific
- Hannah Qiaoan Loh – Information Systems Student – Singapore Management University
Conclusion
Reflecting on her time at Incentro APAC, Hannah’s journey was more than just an internship—it was a life-changing experience. She stepped out of her comfort zone, embraced new challenges, and discovered how work and life can beautifully blend in Bali.
For us, it reinforced the power of mentorship, the impact of fresh ideas, and the beauty of a global workplace. Whether it’s building technical skills, experiencing new cultures, or simply chasing unforgettable sunsets, Bali—and Incentro—continue to prove that work-life balance isn’t just a concept. It’s a reality.
