Seeking to enrich his academic journey, Mohamad Tauhid, a National University of Singapore student pursuing Malay Studies with a minor in Religious Studies, embarked on an internship with the Malay Heritage Foundation (MHF) in August 2023. Now, fresh off his internship’s completion in November 2023, Tauhid shares his perspective on being an MHF intern.
Q: How did you learn about this internship programme with MHF?
I discovered the MHF internship programme through seniors who had previously undergone this enriching experience. Intrigued to gain insights into the Malay heritage scene, I eagerly seized this opportunity as part of my internship module when my lecturer informed me that MHF offered an internship role.
Q: How well did you know about MHF at that time?
My knowledge about MHF was somewhat limited then. At best, my (limited) exposure was confined to attending MHF’s online lecture series during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, I must admit that I had mixed it up with MHC previously!
Q: Could you share with us your experience and role as an intern at MHF? Some memorable moments?
This internship experience was, in a word, delightful! I appreciated the small talks and advice from my internship supervisor, AGM Mr. Fadli, especially given our prior encounter at a different event late last year.
One of the highlights undoubtedly was contributing to the various lectures. Immersing myself in the presentations delivered by esteemed guest speakers opened my eyes to the richness of our heritage. Further, crafting the programme highlights post-lectures not only sharpened my writing skills but also deepened my understanding of the various topics of discussion. (Read them here!) Not to mention, too, a memorable experience was the opportunity to present during my concluding Sembang Ilmu Plus(+) lecture as an intern with MHF!
Q: What have you learned during your 3-month stint in MHF?
This short stint made me realise the immense effort invested in preserving heritage. Despite the occasional lack of recognition, it became apparent that the driving force behind organisations like MHF is a deeply rooted passion and an unwavering dedication to heritage preservation.
This internship also equipped me with diverse skills that would be valuable beyond this stint. Enhancing my writing and translation proficiency is a notable aspect of this learning journey. Furthermore, this experience underscored the significance of meticulous attention to detail and forward planning as I witnessed how events are planned and executed.
Q: What challenges do you face at work and how do you overcome them?
Reflecting on this journey with MHF, a distinct challenge was crafting the programme highlights for SIS#12 Asatizah Berwarisan: Maulid dalam Tradisi Melayu Islam for several reasons. The programme was in Malay and thus required me to translate the speakers’ presentations into English for the programme highlights. Furthermore, with religious elements involved, maintaining accuracy was paramount to avoid unintended sensitivities.
Despite these challenges, I navigated by consistently referencing the video recordings, replaying certain sections multiple times, and conducting additional online research when necessary.
Q: Going through the internship, does it help shape and further reinforce your interest in learning more about our Malay Arts, Culture & Heritage?
Certainly! The internship has not only deepened but also reinforced my keen interest in delving further into the rich tapestry of Malay Arts, Culture, and Heritage. This stint also made me realise that many facets of this domain still have yet to be uncovered. Undoubtedly, this stint has ignited a new passion within me – to explore and contribute to preserving and promoting our Malay Arts, Culture & Heritage.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
Chill. Passionate. Introvert.
To learn more about our tertiary student internship program, click here. For any further inquiries, you may get in touch with MHF at secretariat@mhf.org.sg.
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