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My internship journey with Anderes Fourdy Events (AFE) was nothing short of transformative. AFE, a professional congress organiser (PCO) and event technology provider, specialises in organising scientific and corporate conferences across Malaysia, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond. During my time there, I had the privilege of serving as Operations Project Manager for one of the Asia-Pacific scientific conferences, while also supporting other projects in various capacities.

This internship provided me with invaluable exposure to the fast-paced and dynamic MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. My responsibilities ranged from speaker coordination and program management to registration handling and event marketing. I was involved in designing promotional visuals, maintaining backend systems, managing conference websites, and performing secretariat tasks. Each challenge contributed to a holistic understanding of what it takes to bring a conference to life.

One of the key highlights was gaining hands-on experience with event technology. I was introduced to website setup, registration systems, web applications, and basic coding that broadened my technical horizons beyond traditional event management. This exposure gave me a competitive edge and a deeper appreciation for how digital tools can streamline the planning process. But it wasn’t just about technology. The reality of handling multiple roles and meeting tight deadlines taught me that time management is not just useful — it’s essential. I learned to juggle responsibilities, prioritise tasks, and stay calm under pressure.

Equally important was the ability to communicate professionally and confidently. Whether speaking with clients, professors, doctors, committee members, or vendors, I realised that every interaction was an opportunity to build trust and clarity. One of the most enriching aspects of this internship was working with clients and collaborators from diverse cultural backgrounds. Each project brought unique communication styles, expectations, and challenges, which added complexity and excitement to my role. It highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in the events industry.

Of course, the internship came with its challenges. One of the early hurdles was adjusting to the fast-paced, multitasking nature of the industry. Managing multiple responsibilities required me to strengthen my organisational and prioritisation skills. I overcame this by being more proactive in seeking guidance, which helped me learn faster, clarify my responsibilities, and deliver more effectively. Another area of personal growth was learning to adapt quickly to new environments. Transitioning from my previous internship in leisure event planning to the business events sector came with a learning curve. The tone was more formal, expectations were higher, and the planning process was more complex. But with time, I adapted. I embraced the professional mindset required for high-stakes international conferences and began to see myself not just as a student intern but as a future professional in the field.

Reflecting on this journey, the internship solidified my passion for the events industry, especially in the business events (MICE) sector. It gave me clarity on my strengths and the kind of professional environment I thrive in. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to grow, lead, and contribute meaningfully in a professional setting. As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue my journey in the events industry, to build on the foundation laid by Anderes Fourdy Events, and to one day bring the same passion and excellence to my work that I witnessed from the professionals who mentored me.

To my juniors preparing for internships, be proactive and stay curious. Every question is an opportunity to learn and grow. Never be afraid to make mistakes, as they’re often the best lessons. The more open you are to learning, the more you’ll gain from your internship experience. All the best!

I am deeply grateful to the university for providing the guidance and support needed not only to secure an internship placement, but more importantly, to help students gain real-world exposure beyond the classroom. With this experience as a foundation, I look forward to the journey ahead and the opportunities that will shape students into capable and confident professionals — Truly A Class Above!

Daryl Loh
(BSc (Honours) in Conventions and Events Management, Jan 2023)