I have now completed both my internship at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Taipei and my Master’s degree at Renmin University of China in Beijing. Although this has been an exceptionally busy year, it has also been one of significant personal and professional growth.
Since my half-year report, my role at the Chamber has continued to develop. As Chairperson of Young Professionals, I have had the pleasure of organising and hosting several larger events together with our wonderful YP Board. One highlight was our “Inside the Finance Industry” event, organised in collaboration with NTU OIA. As part of our Career Path Series, the event gave students and young professionals practical insights into entering the finance industry.
Another memorable experience was moderating a fireside chat with representatives from Sweden’s foreign service in Taiwan. The conversation explored what it is like to work in foreign affairs and the different paths into diplomacy. Moderating these events has taught me a great deal about hosting and facilitating discussions, and I have loved being able to create spaces where curiosity meets experience.
The final and most intensive period of my internship centred on Sweden Days, which returned to Taipei from 22–24 May after a seven-year break. Organised jointly by Team Sweden in Taiwan, the event showcased Swedish innovation, culture, lifestyle, and sustainability at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Preparing for such a large event required extensive coordination with companies, partners, suppliers, and volunteers. Welcoming approximately 6,000 visitors over the weekend made all the hard work worthwhile and was an unforgettable conclusion to my internship.
The event also received distinguished attention, with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an attending the opening ceremony and visiting the exhibition. Working at a small chamber has allowed me to take on significant responsibility and gain practical experience in project coordination, event management, communication, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration. Together with my studies at Renmin University, the internship has deepened my understanding of the relationship between Europe and Asia and strengthened my ambition to build a career connecting the two regions.
Above all, I am deeply grateful to the Scholarship Fund for Swedish Youth Abroad for making this experience possible and to the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Taipei for trusting me, supporting my ideas, and welcoming me into its community. Taipei has truly become a second home, and I will carry the experiences, friendships, and lessons from this year with me into my next chapter.
