RP Student takes on startup life in Japan
“Life at a startup is fast-paced. I have to be well-rounded and ready to do a bit of everything, constantly learning on the spot, picking up new skills, and being pushed out of my comfort zone,” says Ong Cheng Soon, a final-year RP School of Infocomm student currently interning at a startup in Fukuoka, Japan.
A recipient of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Overseas Internship (IEOI) Award, Cheng Soon is interning at MenuMenu, a digital menu platform for restaurants. In his role, he conducts consumer research, analyses market data on restaurant operations and customer preferences, and identifies industry trends. He also works closely with his team to brainstorm ideas, develop prototypes, and promote MenuMenu’s services to local clients through community outreach and digital marketing efforts.
“The frequent opportunities to ask questions and discuss ideas directly with the founder exposed me to real-world decision-making, risk-taking, and long-term thinking,” shares the Fajar Secondary School alumnus.
Despite language barriers, Cheng Soon continues to sharpen his communication skills by observing body language and gestures, and using translation tools to better understand his co-workers and target audience.
Beyond work, the overseas internship has been an eye-opening cultural experience, giving Cheng Soon the chance to try new activities such as snowboarding for the first time, and to explore #GreaterPossibilities.
Find out how RP takes learning beyond the classroom: www.rp.edu.sg/going-international
Living and interning in Fukuoka, Japan offers a unique blend of dynamic work culture and enriching student life. Besides the fast-paced environment of a startup where adaptability and quick learning are essential, this experience also exposes interns to rich cultural practices and new social experiences. For example, immersing yourself in community outreach activities or exploring local landmarks like Sakurai Futamigaura torii gate fosters deeper cultural understanding and connection. Communicating across language barriers is another valuable challenge that builds versatility. Using translation tools and observing non-verbal cues can significantly enhance interpersonal communication with both colleagues and local clients. Additionally, this overseas internship presents opportunities to try exciting activities unique to Japan, such as snowboarding or visiting onsens, adding to the overall growth beyond academics. Such experiences highlight how participating in overseas internships not only broadens professional skills like consumer research, market analysis, and digital marketing but also nurtures personal confidence, resilience, and cultural appreciation—a holistic preparation for future careers and global citizenship.
