RMIT students explore future-led innovation in Singapore

As a part of the Careers Festival 2024, 10 students of RMIT Vietnam attended the International Industry Learning Tour in Singapore, gaining a holistic understanding of global innovation and initiatives in sustainability.

The International Industry Learning Tour, organised by RMIT’s Careers, Alumni and Industry Relations Department as part of the Careers Festival 2024 event series, included a Future-led Design Thinking workshop with students from National University of Singapore, office visits to major companies, a visit to the Singapore Smart Nation CityScape Exhibition and networking activities with industry professionals such as Google, L’Oréal, Schaeffler, and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW).

These visits introduced the students to cutting-edge sustainability initiatives and gave them a glimpse of how global businesses address environmental challenges while fostering innovation.

Here, five of the students share their most significant takeaways and reflect on how these experiences will shape their future careers.

Thien Di: Pride in Vietnamese success abroad

For Di, the tour’s highlight was meeting Vietnamese professionals excelling in global companies. “It was truly empowering to hear their stories and see the incredible impact they’re making on the world stage,” she said. Di found this connection with fellow Vietnamese professionals deeply meaningful, as it demonstrated that staying true to one’s roots while achieving global success is possible. “Their advice and success showed me that we, too, can make waves internationally.”

Quynh Nhu: Sustainability in action

Nhu was fascinated by Singapore’s role as a leading country of sustainability and innovation, describing it as an eye-opening experience. “Seeing how companies like Google, Schaeffler and AEPW integrate sustainability into their operations was inspiring,” she shared. They have been incorporating smart sustainability initiatives for both environmental and human aspects. For instance, real practices of triple bottom line, waste management models and embrace for workplace diversity. Nhu was also impressed by the city’s focus on workplace diversity. “Singapore equipped me with a stronger sense of how I want to incorporate these practices into my future career, where sustainable business success and diversity go hand in hand.”

Hoang Anh: Building unexpected connections

Hoang Anh emphasized the networking opportunities the tour offered, particularly the chance to meet leaders from diverse industries. “Learning about collaborations, like AEPW’s partnership with Exxon Mobil, expanded my understanding of how even seemingly different companies can work together for a common goal,” Hoang Anh reflected. These insights gave him a broader perspective on sustainability and how various industries can unite for shared causes, which he believes will benefit his career growth.

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Kim Trang: Proud moments and paying it forward

For Trang, the tour was a defining moment in her university journey, far exceeding her initial expectations. “Seeing Vietnamese professionals and RMIT alumni in top positions at global companies filled me with immense pride,” she shared. Inspired by her experience, Trang co-hosted a workshop to share her insights with fellow students, encouraging them to take part in similar opportunities. “This tour has made me realise the importance of stepping out of the classroom and into real-world experiences to truly grow.”

Lam Phuong: Insights on career sustainability

Lam Phuong’s key takeaway from the tour was the invaluable opportunity to connect with accomplished professionals from various industries. “Meeting RMIT alumni who have achieved great success in their careers was incredibly inspiring,” she said. For Lam Phuong, the interactions offered deeper insights into what it takes to build a sustainable career in today’s fast-paced world. “The resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning these professionals emphasized will undoubtedly guide me as I shape my own career.”

These reflections showcase the profound impact of RMIT’s International Industry Learning Tour, as each student not only learned from the global leaders they met but also gained lessons that will influence their personal and professional growth.

Contributed by RMIT’s Careers, Alumni and Industry Relations Department and the Industry Learning Tour student group.

25 October 2024