On Thursday evening, exchange visitors of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.fusia.net) had a unique opportunity to learn about the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore, one of only two permanent missions that Singapore maintains. Students from Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore spent the evening meeting with Joseph Teo, the Deputy Permanent Representative of UN Matters.

Mr. Teo spoke with the students on a variety of topics that relate to his duties at the United Nations as well as the particular challenges and cultural particulars of the mission. Singapore joined the UN in 1965 as the 117th member and, in addition to New York, has a permanent mission in Geneva.

This activity was organized by NTU student, Hui Xian Sim, who is interning at Aithent Inc. for seven weeks. Hui Xian is a member of the Student Advisory Board, which is tasked with helping to organize the various activities that the group does, whether they be group gatherings, an evening outing to Broadway, or trips out of the state.

"Mr. Teo was very informative," Hui Xian said. "It would be fascinating to be in his position, living in a foreign country but still having a connection to my home. The Mission helps people from Singapore who come here have an easier transition. I think it's very important work that Mr. Teo does here."

The group of Singaporean students join others from Hong Kong, Macau, and China in the internship program, which seeks to bridge the gap between cultures so that everyone involved gains a greater acceptance of the global community. In July, the students will attend the 38th Annual Grand Mid-Summer Pow Wow to experience Native American culture firsthand.