SHAPE-SEA Recognizes Interns’ Contributions to Amplify Human Rights and Peace Research in SEA

As our interns complete their journey with SHAPE-SEA this October, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for their dedication, creativity, and meaningful contributions throughout their time with us.

From July 29 to October 3, 2025, our interns at the Communications and Outreach Unit brought fresh energy, ideas, and commitment to advancing SHAPE-SEA’s mission of strengthening human rights and peace research and education across Southeast Asia.

Through their work in knowledge dissemination, communication, research, and advocacy, they helped amplify voices, organize webinar sessions, provide commentary on current events on human rights and peace in Southeast Asia, reach out to networks, and promote greater understanding of human rights and peace in our region.

Their time with SHAPE-SEA also fostered invaluable professional growth and learning, providing them with hands-on experience in regional human rights work, collaborative project management, and cross-cultural engagement. The insights and skills they gained will not only benefit their personal development but also contribute to the broader human rights and peace community across Southeast Asia.

Thank you for being part of SHAPE-SEA. We wish you continued success in your future endeavors — may you keep shaping peace, justice, and human rights wherever you go!

Meet and hear from the interns!

Yoon Hme Hme Aung

Overall, this internship not only enhanced my research, communication, and teamwork skills but also deepened my appreciation for the role of communications in advancing human rights and democratic values.

Joyce Anne A. Mendoza

I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about other countries and the relevant issues within SEA.

Nguyen Thuý Hà

This experience has strengthened my career orientation and deepened my motivation to continue pursuing communication work that contributes to social good.

Norn Sothyfairy

The program putting us with diverse cross-cultural colleagues was also a great factor in pushing our communication skills, especially my partners in the process made another great impact on my journey.

Hnin Oo Wai

My internship under the communication and outreach unit of SHAPE-SEA provided an intensive and positive introduction into communicating human rights and peace concepts and using data from research for advocacy.

Alex Wen Jie Lew

This internship strengthened my understanding of how regional institutions facilitate the co-production of human rights knowledge and how youth can bridge academic research with local advocacy.

Denise Nicola N. Bautista

During my internship, I gained valuable experience in communications, outreach, and content creation while conducting research on human rights and peacebuilding in ASEAN and Southeast Asia.

Irish Shayne M. Francisco

Working side by side with fellow ASEAN interns made me realize how connected our struggles and resilience truly are.

Shu Ma Wa

The most significant outcome is the acquired ability to consistently bridge theory and practice, ensuring that all outreach content is not only visually engaging but also ethically grounded and strategically aligned with SHAPE-SEA’s core mission.