Thinking big: intern gains fresh perspectives in Kuala Lumpur

Sumana: "During my internship, I saw how large and fast-moving the business world can be in Asia."

As I left Auckland International Airport, I was ready to embark on a three-month internship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I didn’t quite know what to expect and felt a mix of apprehension and excitement.

However, on my arrival in Malaysia's capital city, any uncertainty quickly faded as I was welcomed by the warmth of the people and the vibrant rhythm of life in the city.

Not long after settling in, I began my internship at PwC Malaysia as an assurance intern in the technology, communications and consumer products (TCCP) team.

Working at one of the 'big four' professional services firms in such a dynamic city was both inspiring and motivating.

I was assigned to two different audit engagements, each offering a unique perspective on the audit process.

Sumana says she was welcomed into the team at PwC who guided her through

For my first engagement, our team was based at the client’s office, giving me a firsthand look at the interactions between auditors and clients, and the kind of collaboration and communication required to keep an engagement running smoothly.

For my second engagement, I was based at the PwC office, where I assisted during the completion stage of the audit.

My responsibilities included carrying out casting procedures to confirm the accuracy of figures within the audit file, as well as assisting with the archiving process, which strengthened my attention to detail and understanding of completion-stage requirements.

Throughout both engagements, the team at PwC demonstrated exceptional support, they took the time to explain each task in detail, helping me see how my work contributed to the overall engagement.

Our typical working days ran from 9am to 6pm, with a dedicated lunch break at noon. Lunch was perhaps one of the most delightful cultural differences I encountered during my time in Malaysia.

Instead of packing lunches, as we are so used to in New Zealand, our whole team would venture out together to find street food. One particular time my manager wanted to show us his favourite spot; we were taken through basements and navigating narrow alleyways until we arrived at a small storefront where my he proclaimed with confidence, "This is the best chicken rice." He wasn’t wrong.

I loved that every lunchtime became a new opportunity to try another local cuisine, from the rich flavours of nasi lemak to the savoury satisfaction of char kway teow. Each meal felt like a small adventure in itself.

Sumana: "Each meal felt like a small adventure in itself."

Living just outside of the Little India district, in close proximity to the office, I was immersed in the neighbourhood’s vibrant energy on a daily basis. Walking to work each morning, I would pass through streets where music blasted from shops, and people sat leisurely enjoying their roti chanai—a classic Malaysian breakfast staple.

The area was alive with colour and movement, filled with food vendors and saree shops, with each corner offering something new to discover and experience.

Beyond the professional work itself, it was the people and the cultural exchange that made this experience truly unforgettable.

Coming to Malaysia meant discovering not just a new country, but entirely new perspectives on life and work.

The friends and colleagues I made were quick to welcome me into their circles and eager to share stories about Malaysia, while I reciprocated enthusiastically with tales of life back home in New Zealand. These conversations helped us identify and appreciate both the similarities and differences in our respective countries.

During my internship, I saw how large and fast-moving the business world can be in Asia. It taught me the importance of thinking bigger and being open to new ways of working.

Beyond gaining professional insight, I’ve also learned to embrace cultural differences and celebrate diversity. Although we may come from different backgrounds and have unique ways of seeing the world, it’s through these differences that we learn from one another. That exchange of perspectives is truly beautiful and enriching and it’s something I hope to carry back to New Zealand.

The Foundation's business programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. It also supports to grow the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.

Our internship programme helps interns build a better understanding of the people, place and culture of their Asian host country, while developing industry-specific skills that will benefit them as they progress in their careers.