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
Embarking on an overseas internship is a transformative experience, and Ong Cheng Soon’s journey at MenuMenu exemplifies how immersing oneself in a startup environment abroad can accelerate learning and personal growth. Having studied Financial Technology, Ong found the fast-evolving tech-driven hospitality sector at MenuMenu a well-suited platform to blend finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. Working closely with the startup founder allowed him to witness firsthand the complexities of real-world decision-making, including the risks and rewards that come with innovating in a competitive market. These experiences are crucial for young entrepreneurs and students aiming to thrive in dynamic industries. Moreover, Ong’s proactive approach to overcoming language barriers—utilizing translation tools and paying close attention to non-verbal communication—highlights an important soft skill: adaptability. Such cultural and communication insights are invaluable in globalized workplaces. On a personal level, stepping outside his comfort zone with new activities like snowboarding and exploring local traditions enriched his cultural understanding and enhanced his global mindset. This blend of professional and personal development embodies the spirit of problem-based learning that institutions like Republic Polytechnic encourage. For students aspiring to join overseas internships or startups, Ong’s experience emphasizes the importance of versatility, continuous learning, and cultural openness. Engaging in diverse roles and collaborating across cultures not only bolsters career readiness but also broadens perspectives—key to seizing #GreaterPossibilities internationally.
