MAKING TP INTERNS A PART OF YOUR BUSINESS
Find out more about our Student Internship Programme (SIP)
Temasek Polytechnic School of Design prepares graduates who are grounded in the rigour of design practice and confident in creating value wherever design is needed. The Student Internship Programme immerses students in authentic work environments and professional practice, offering opportunities across both design and non-design sectors, locally and overseas. Students spend 20 weeks working as part of professional teams, gaining first-hand experience in organisations ranging from design consultancies and creative agencies to businesses in sectors such as healthcare, finance, technology, public services and beyond. Students on both local and overseas internship placements receive a nominal allowance and are assessed on their work performance.
Because of the practical nature of the programme, students learn to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. They deepen their professional judgement through responding to real briefs, collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders, and navigating the constraints and complexities that shape professional practice. Transferable skills such as time management, interpersonal communication, adaptability, leadership, and professional networking are also developed through these experiences.
By the end of the internship, students gain a deeper appreciation of the realities and expectations of working life. They emerge more confident, independent, and resilient, having experienced the opportunities and challenges of collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders. This growth is especially transformative for students participating in the Overseas Student Internship Programme (OSIP), where navigating unfamiliar cultural and professional environments further broadens their perspectives and prepares them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
For more information, please visit the main Student Internship Programme (SIP).
School of Design Diplomas
Fashion Management & Design
Communication Design
Digital Film & Television
Interior Architecture & Design
Product Experience & Design
1
Submit Application
Click here to request for DES interns
2
Process & Clarification
School processes application, clarifies with organisation, and reveals outcome
3
Commence Partnership
School coordinates intern allocation and placement with the organisation
"We've had the pleasure of being part of the SIP programme for a number of years now, and the experience has consistently been a positive one. What stands out isn't just the technical foundation students come in with – it's the attitude. The students tend to arrive hungry to learn, open to feedback, and invested in the work. That "TP Design" spirit is real, and it shows in how they carry themselves in a professional environment."
Shannon Lim
Design Director
Practice Theory
"Hosting PED interns has been an incredibly rewarding experience for Fraction Design Studio. As a boutique practice specializing in circular economy design and modular exhibition systems, we operate at a fast pace and look for young talent who can step fluidly between physical setups and advanced digital workflows. What stood out most was the proactive attitude and readiness to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world project constraints. The internship was a powerful inject of fresh perspective and energy for host studios like ours. We are proud to have been a part of the intern's professional milestone."
Celine Ng
Creative Director
Fraction Design Studio
“I am pleased to commend that the internship students are well-trained with strong foundations in design skills, creative thinking, and the design process. They demonstrate a good understanding of how to approach projects thoughtfully, from research and ideation to development and refinement.
Throughout the internship, the student showed passion, curiosity, boldness to explore and a positive attitude toward learning. They were open to feedback, able to take comments constructively, and showed a willingness to improve through each stage of the project.
The student also brought good energy into the studio environment. Their enthusiasm, eagerness to contribute, and collaborative spirit made them a valued part of our team.
We appreciate Temasek Polytechnic’s efforts in nurturing students with a strong design foundation and professional attitude, and we look forward to seeing more students continue to grow through industry experience. ”
Chan Wai Lim
Director
Trigger Design Pte. Ltd.
"It was cool to see my designs come to life in Esplanade. Beyond what I’ve learnt in school, the experience pushed me out of my creative comfort zone—teaching me to be versatile and what it’s like to produce industry-level work. It was eye opening to collaborate with non-designers, understand internal workflows, and gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on everything that brings our creative visions to life!"
Joy Han
Diploma in Communication Design
Esplanade Singapore
Year of Internship: 2025
“My internship at Vicinity Studio was a meaningful and eye-opening experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally as a creative. Through opportunities in writing, assistant directing and directing, I developed stronger confidence, communication and problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the realities of the media industry. Despite the challenges of multiple projects and fast-paced workflows, the supportive and nurturing culture at Vicinity pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become a more resilient, adaptable and capable creative.”
Rowena Joy Eber
Diploma in Digital Film & Television
Vicinity Studio
Year of Internship: 2025
“During my merchandising internship at CLUB21, I gained a lot of exposure to the fashion industry, specifically the fashion supply chain side. I learnt that fashion buying/merchandising was not as simple as it looked and that there were a lot more details involved. I saw how it connected the creative arts to the business industry. Additionally, I managed to gain hands-on experience in fashion buying and merchandising.
I was also introduced to many upcoming designer brands from different parts of the world, and I enjoyed their unique storytelling and creative perspectives in designing their collections. The best part about my internship experience would be my team, as they really helped me to grow through mentoring and guiding me in things that I was new to. They were also extremely supportive of the new ideas and suggestions that I brought to the table, which made me feel valued and part of the team! ”
Claudia Kiew Yu Ping
Diploma in Apparel Design & Merchandising
Club 21
Year of Internship: 2025
“One word that I'll use to describe my Student Internship Programme (SIP) would be transformative. With real life hands-on experiences, it has allowed me to grow as a designer. Picking up crucial skills like, critical thinking and problem solving which pushes me to thrive in an ever-changing work environment.
I personally find that our SIP gives us the first taste of the working world. Showing us the potential future our field might hold for us as we toggle with various smart tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). Throughout my internship journey, I have also received tremendous support from my mentor and liaison officer, encouraging me with kind and constructive feedbacks. Overall, it was a great learning opportunity that promotes self-discovery. ”
Shannon Foo
Diploma in Apparel Design & Merchandising
Lark & Peony
Year of Internship: 2025
“Our internship at Czarl Architects is both challenging and rewarding. While the workload is substantial, the team consistently provides strong support and guidance throughout our tasks. They are excellent at structuring projects and breaking down tasks in a way that makes the learning process manageable and effective.
Although the deadlines are often tight, they are realistic and achievable, allowing us to develop our skills while maintaining high-quality work. We especially appreciate being entrusted with significant responsibilities, including completing documentation packages, design presentations, as well as conceptual development.
Overall, the opportunities provided by our colleagues give us valuable hands-on experience and strengthen our confidence in professional practice. We are grateful for the experience, trust, and mentorship we continue to receive at Czarl Architects. ”
Olivier Sujun Morel
Diploma in Interior Architecture & Design
CZARL Architects
Year of Internship: 2026
“My internship at OCBC's Group Consumer Experience (GCX) team gave me invaluable exposure to how design operates within a large-scale, real-world environment. As a Product Design Intern, I had the opportunity to contribute to user interface design, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), marketing campaign visuals, and cross-functional projects involving product owners, developers, and marketers. Through these experiences, I learned how to balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints while staying customer-centric in every decision.
Most importantly, it taught me to stay curious, embrace feedback, and continuously question how experiences can be improved. It was a truly unforgettable internship that has shaped me into a more thoughtful, adaptable, and user-centred designer, while reinforcing my passion for creating meaningful digital experiences. ”
Clara Yang Mei Jun
Diploma in Product Experience Design
OCBC
Year of Internship: 2025
“My internship at Kohler China Design Studio in Shanghai has provided me with an amazing opportunity to put my skills and knowledge to use and get firsthand experience working professionally as a designer. Over the 16-week attachment, I was exposed to a positive and collaborative environment where designers from different backgrounds worked together to deliver innovative, aesthetic, and user-centered solutions.
At the design studio, I was involved in trend research, concept ideation, 3D modeling, and design presentations, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the product development process and industry expectations in a large multinational company. I am grateful to have worked alongside a talented and supportive team of designers who helped me strengthen my professional skills and confidence that will benefit my career in the future. ”
Dylan Koh Mo-Chan
Diploma in Product Experience Design
Kohler China Investment Co., Ltd.
Year of Internship: 2025
Contact Us
For SIP query across diplomas within School of Design, please send email to dessip@tp.edu.sg
| Diploma | Contact person | |
|---|---|---|
| Apparel Design & Merchandising (now known as Fashion Management & Design) |
Ms Phoebe Lee | Phoebe_LEE@TP.EDU.SG |
| Communication Design | Mr Shawn Lim | Shawn_LIM@TP.EDU.SG |
| Digital Film & Television | Ms Fernie Heng | Fernie_HENG@TP.EDU.SG |
| Interior Architecture & Design | Mr Juniarto Hadiatmardja | Hadiamadja_JUNIARTO@TP.EDU.SG |
| Product Experience & Design | Ms Ivy Teo | Ivy_TEO@TP.EDU.SG |
