KK Fund in Singapore
By: Harper Nguyen, Wharton ’25
GRIP: KK Fund
I was given an amazing opportunity to explore Singapore this summer, and truly enjoyed every day of the experience. All the time prior to landing in Changi Airport, I had envisioned my 10 weeks full of enriching work and making the most out of the local cultural and culinary scene. As this was my very first time living in a new country for work, I diligently prepared a timetable with weekdays packed with new tasks and weekends with new destinations and fun activities. However, I did not expect that I would leave Singapore with so many fond memories.
One of the most enriching aspects of my time in Singapore was the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture. I quickly came to appreciate how Singapore is a melting pot of diverse cultures. The multicultural tapestry of the city was evident in everything from the architecture to the food. Strolling around neighborhoods from Chinatown to Little India and Arab Street allowed me to witness the unique traditions and practices of each community. From the colorful festivals to the vibrant street markets, I was captivated by the unique blend of diversity.
The food scene here was another highlight. The city is renowned for its hawker centers, where visitors can savor delicious local dishes at affordable prices, one that I definitely could not miss. I made it a goal to try as many local specialties as possible, Hainanese chicken rice and laksa to satay and chili crab. Each dish was a delightful adventure for my taste buds, I could not help finding myself returning to Maxwell and Newton time and again to explore the endless variety.
While my weekdays were dedicated to intern tasks and culinary explorations after work, I reserved the first few weekends for exploring the natural beauty of Singapore. You may hear of the country as densely populated with skyscrapers and complex urban planning, but it also impressed me with an abundance of green spaces. Singapore Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay are my favorites, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. I spent hours wandering through lush gardens, admiring exotic plants, and just inhaling the tranquil ambiance.
It was a remarkable journey filled with joy and excitement. While I initially arrived with a meticulously planned schedule, it was the unexpected moments and experiences that left the most profound impact on me. It taught me that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you did not plan for.
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.