Role: Executive Intern
Organisation: ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia
Duration: 4–6 Months (Allowance Provided)
Location: AICB Centre of Excellence, Kuala Lumpur (on-site)
Company Description:
The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia Chapter is an integral part of the regional ASEAN-BAC, participating in Council Meetings and Consultations with leaders. For over 13 years, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia has provided valuable feedback and recommendations to ASEAN Economic Ministers and Heads of State. The council also conducts national and regional economic studies to support their recommendations, many of which are presented to ASEAN. Moving forward, ASEAN-BAC focuses on operative initiatives like business matchmaking and promotional activities, especially for SMEs, driving economic growth in the region.
Role Description:
Support the Malaysian Chapter of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council in its mission to bridge the gap between private sector interests and government policy. You will work at the intersection of regional trade, diplomacy, and economic growth during a critical period for ASEAN integration. In this role, you will also help maintain the Council's professional visibility, ensuring our research and initiatives are effectively communicated across our various engagement platforms.
Core Responsibilities:
Policy & Research Support
- Assist in monitoring and analysing ASEAN economic trends and private sector developments to support the team's research.
- Help synthesise data into draft briefing papers on trade and industry topics. Any interest or knowledge of private markets is an advantage.
Stakeholder Engagement Assistance
- Provide logistical and administrative support for high-level dialogues and roundtables.
- Manage and update the Council's social media presence (LinkedIn, etc.) by creating engaging content that highlights key policy recommendations and event milestones.
- Assist in drafting communications and preparing background materials for engagements with C-suite executives, senior government officials, and regional trade bodies to ensure smooth coordination of policy recommendations.
Project Administration
- Provide operational support for ASEAN-BAC Malaysia's flagship projects and legacy initiatives.
- Assist in tracking project milestones, maintaining organised documentation and filing systems, and liaising with various sub-committees to ensure administrative deadlines are met.
Executive Support & Drafting
- Support the Secretariat leadership by drafting and proofreading formal correspondence, meeting notes, and internal memos.
- Assist in the creation of board-level presentations and digital assets (infographics/social tiles) that reflect the Council's stance.
Diplomatic Liaison & Documentation
- Attend working group meetings and regional consultations alongside Secretariat staff to accurately record minutes and deliberations.
- Help identify critical action items and support the maintenance of a rigorous follow-up system with regional partners across the 11 ASEAN member states.
Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, International Relations, Communications, or a related field.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to assist in planning events, dialogues, and roundtables.
- Proven knowledge of social media management and content creation; experience with Canva or basic graphic design tools is highly preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia; knowledge of other ASEAN languages is an advantage.
- Solid research capabilities with the ability to support report preparation and analyse basic economic data.
- Good administrative abilities with an eye for detail and an understanding of basic compliance or protocol.
- Ability to work well independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- High proficiency in productivity software, especially spreadsheets (Excel) and presentation decks (PowerPoint).
- Prior experience or academic focus on economic studies or regional development is a plus.
