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Back to SearchAn internship at global professional services company, GHD, has enabled Australian student Won-Hae Shim to immerse herself in international development assistance projects in the Philippines.
GHD has welcomed Won-Hae to its Philippines business as part of the New Colombo Plan, a flagship Australian Government program that aims to improve links with Indo-Pacific countries by supporting around 10,000 students a year to study and undertake internships in the region.
“Specifically, I have been working on safeguards for the resettlement of people living in the right of way of a planned railway project,” she says.
“This has involved attending meetings with implementing partners, stakeholders and the client, along with coordination and review of key resettlement and livelihood restoration plans. It has been interesting to understand the key challenges and considerations to adequately restore the livelihood of those affected by the project.”
Won-Hae adds, “I had not been to the Philippines before, so I was very curious to explore and understand the culture. I had also heard how friendly the Filipino people are and I can attest this to be very much true.”
Won-Hae, who is studying construction management at the University of Technology, Sydney, says the internship with GHD has reinforced her interest in a career in international development.
“I had always planned to take my background and work experience in construction project management and apply it in the field of international development,” she says.
“I am particularly passionate about post-disaster and post-conflict recovery operations and reconstruction.”
Won-Hae previously completed internships with the United Nations Office for Project Services and the National Society for Earthquake Technology in Nepal, as part of the New Colombo Plan.
Cindy Bryson, GHD’s Team Leader – International Development Assistance in the Philippines, says, “Won-Hae was a welcome addition to GHD’s growing international development assistance team in the Philippines, which is currently implementing water, transport and renewable energy projects for donors and multilateral development agencies.”
Ben White, GHD’s Market Development Leader, Asia Pacific, says, “Our support for the New Colombo Plan in 2019 is a great way to connect with students who are interested in global careers. It also demonstrates our commitment to clients and communities in the Indo-Pacific region.”
GHD employs more than 600 people in the Philippines, with offices in Manila, Cebu and Quezon City.