Live in the present moment and savor every experience along the way
Interview with
Robin Stevens
Entrepreneur and Intern
at Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce (NTCC)
Hi Robin, Thank you for joining this interview with us. Please briefly introduce yourself to the DBWT community!
Sure! I’m Robin Stevens, a Dutch international business and entrepreneurship student at EuroCollege in Groningen. Currently in my last year of my study. I have a strong passion for conducting business in diverse cultural settings and navigating through cultural differences. Over the past eight months, I have had the opportunity to live and work in Thailand, where I undertook an internship at the Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce (NTCC). NTCC operates as a membership organization, self-funded and independent from government subsidies or external sources. With nearly all Dutch companies in Thailand as members, NTCC presents itself as a robust and autonomous entity. Proudly, NTCC currently represents over 300 members this year, ranging from startups and small businesses to global market leaders. I have had the privilege of meeting the majority of these 300 members, which has allowed me to build an invaluable network.
During my internship, I’ve gained an immense amount of knowledge from the people I’ve connected with, especially the entrepreneurs. The most valuable aspect of my internship has been hearing everyone’s journey, their challenges, achievements, and their advice for me. It’s been truly enriching to learn from such a diverse group of individuals.
Why did you decide to come to Thailand?
I decided to come to Thailand because of my fascination with the country’s rich culture, vibrant business environment, and its strategic location as a hub for international trade in Southeast Asia. After completing my previous internship in Barcelona, where I fell in love with international business, I wanted to push myself even further out of my comfort zone. The opportunity to embark on an adventure on my own almost halfway around the world was incredibly appealing to me. Moreover, I believe that Southeast Asia offers numerous opportunities for young, motivated individuals like myself to thrive and grow professionally.
What unique experiences or challenges have you had while working here?
While working here, I’ve encountered both unique experiences and challenges. Initially, the transition was challenging as there were numerous tasks to arrange, such as finding an apartment, obtaining visas, and setting up a bank account. However, once these logistical aspects were sorted out, life in Thailand became much more relaxed compared to the hustle and bustle of the Netherlands.
Surprisingly, connecting with the Thai people wasn’t as difficult as I anticipated. They go out of their way to offer a warm welcome and hospitality. As long as you treat them with respect, make an effort to learn their language (even if it’s just attempting), and show interest in their culture and beliefs, you’re treated like royalty here.
How does the work culture differ from what you have experienced in Europe?
The work culture here feels quite different from what I’m used to in Europe. From my perspective, Dutch people tend to be more direct, and there’s often a heightened sense of stress in the workplace. In the Netherlands, there’s often a high level of individual focus on fulfilling personal ambitions and finding meaning in one’s work. This individualistic approach can lead to a heightened sense of stress and pressure in the workplace, as each person strives to meet their own goals and expectations.
On the other hand, I’ve noticed that Thai employees seem to approach their work with a different mindset. They seem more dedicated and satisfied with their tasks, often taking longer breaks and enjoying meals together. Additionally from my perspective, Thai people prioritize spending time with their families and embracing the present moment, which contributes to their overall satisfaction and contentment.
Furthermore, Thai workplaces often have a strong respect for authority, which I’ve observed can sometimes make it difficult for employees to speak up about problems or suggest solutions. Despite this, I’ve noticed a deep commitment and loyalty among Thai employees to their tasks and responsibilities.
What advice do you have for young professionals or interns in terms of maximizing their internship experience, especially when working in an international business community (like the NTCC)?
My advice for young professionals or interns looking to maximize their internship experience is to immerse yourself in Thai culture and connect with the people before arriving. Thais deeply appreciate respect and hospitality, so reciprocate that same feeling, and you’ll be rewarded.
Once you’re here, I strongly recommend learning the language. I had the opportunity to learn Thai from my colleagues during lunch breaks, and you can see the joy in Thais when you attempt to communicate with them.
Furthermore, prioritize your mental and physical well-being once you’re here. There are plenty of affordable facilities like gyms, massages, and swimming pools. Ensure you stay physically healthy and get enough rest to make the most out of each day.
At the beginning of my internship, I struggled with my age. I questioned why people would want to engage with me, feeling like just an intern. However, my team at NTCC showed me otherwise; they treated me like a valued colleague from day one. Through attending over 30 events, I realized that my age is actually an advantage rather than a disadvantage. Entrepreneurs and professionals appreciate motivated young individuals who take bold steps to pursue adventure and growth. So, be open-minded youth, seize opportunities, and let your enthusiasm shine.
Moreover, I’ve learned the importance of networking during my time here. Building relationships with industry professionals and fellow interns has been invaluable. As the saying goes, “It’s not what you know, but who you know!” Networking opens doors to new opportunities and fosters personal and professional growth.
Finally, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our team at NTCC for providing me with the opportunity to grow and learn during my internship, and for their warm welcome to this beautiful country! Additionally, I am grateful to all the members for their active collaboration and future opportunities provided throughout my journey here.
A special thanks to Mathijs van den Broek from Further East Consult for connecting and preparing me for this internship!
What is the crucial digital tool that supports your daily work or study that you would like to recommend to others?
My calendar app is an indispensable tool that I utilize extensively to manage my daily tasks and commitments. I set up detailed alerts and reminders to ensure that I am always on time and well-prepared for upcoming events.
In addition to my calendar app, I heavily rely on AI tools to enhance my productivity and efficiency. Tools such as PDF AI enable me to easily manipulate and extract information from documents. Furthermore, the AI bot “Gemini” from Google provides valuable insights and assistance across a wide range of tasks, from research to problem-solving, helping me streamline my workflow and accomplish tasks more effectively.
How do you keep yourself motivated during difficult times?
During difficult times, I find solace and release by physical exercise. This not only helps me stay healthy but also contributes to my mental well-being. I firmly believe that maintaining a balance between physical health and mental well-being is crucial, especially during challenging times. Apart from that I also enjoyed the delightful array of delicious and nutritious food available here every day.
Furthermore, the support of my family and friends keeps me motivated. They stand by me and are always available to lend an ear or offer advice whenever I need it. I’ve learned that it’s essential to express any concerns or worries rather than keeping them bottled up inside.
What is your hobby or activity that you like to do when you have free time?
In my free time, I prioritize maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I’ve learned to work hard during the week and make time to relax on the weekends. I firmly believe that having one or two days to do absolutely nothing work related is essential for clearing the mind and boosting efficiency during the week. During this downtime, I enjoy catching up with friends over drinks, going out for a nice dinner, or challenging myself in physical exercise.
Furthermore, I emphasize the value of reading books as a way to expand knowledge and stimulate the mind. As young professionals, it’s essential to focus on personal growth and development beyond the digital realm.
What are your inspiring messages to DBWT?
My inspiring message to DBWT is centered around the importance of prioritizing physical and mental well-being. It’s crucial to make time for exercise, ensure an adequate amount of sleep, and focus on maintaining mental health. Additionally, I encourage individuals to spend less time on social media and their phones and instead immerse themselves in real-life experiences.
Above all, my most important message is to embrace and enjoy the journey. While we all strive for certain successes, the path toward them can be just as rewarding. Live in the present moment and savor every experience along the way.
