ASIA CENTRE'S 2025 INTERNS
Srijita Mukherjee
Srijita Mukherjee is a Research Intern at the Asia Centre in Bangkok from July to September 2025. As an undergraduate student studying Sociology at the University of Southampton in the UK, she embodies a deep curiosity about the social world and its complexities. With a passionate focus on gender justice studies, period poverty, and racism, Srijita is committed to making a meaningful contribution to society through research and charitable work. Her internship is not just a stepping stone but an opportunity to gain valuable skills as a researcher, broaden her understanding of the social landscape, and deepen her engagement with pressing political issues and the vital work of NGOs.
Sheref Weal Moursi
Sheref Weal Moursi is a Research Intern at the Asia Centre Training Hub from May to July 2025. He is currently pursuing a degree in Economics at Ateneo de Davao University in the Philippines.
His academic and extracurricular interests lie at the intersection of economics, diplomacy, and human rights. Sheref is particularly eager to deepen his understanding of sustainable development and youth leadership. At university and beyond, he has been involved in youth-led initiatives promoting peacebuilding, disaster preparedness, and community empowerment. He has also contributed to public engagement activities and supported partnership-building efforts within civil society networks. Recognised for his participation in sustainability and policy-related challenges, Sheref brings a growing background in public relations, project coordination, and policy advocacy to his role at the Centre.
Chieh-Yu Liao (Natalie)
Chieh-Yu Liao (Natalie) is a Communications and Partnerships intern at Asia Centre in Bangkok from June to August 2025. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Drama and Theatre at National Taiwan University, with a minor in Political Theory, as part of the university’s Overseas Internship Programme.
Her academic interests centre on political philosophy, particularly how normative ideas influence and interact with institutional frameworks, and the challenges faced when these frameworks are applied in practice. She is also passionate about art and art theory, focusing on how the arts engage in public discourse, foster civic participation, and uphold artists’ rights within society. Through her internship at the Centre ,Natalie hopes to gain close insight into the workings of NGOs and think tanks, develop skills in partnership-building and resource networking, and understand the everyday operations of such organisations. She also aims to enhance her cross-cultural communication and writing skills, while deepening her knowledge of political issues and NGO operations.
Chou, An-Chin (Ann)
Chou, An-Chin (Ann) is a programme intern at the Asia Centre Research Hub in Bangkok from June to August 2025. She is currently a fourth-year student at National Taiwan University, majoring in Political Science (International Relations division) and Sociology.
With a keen interest in Southeast Asian politics, development studies, and international affairs, Ann hopes to deepen her knowledge of evidence-based research on human rights issues in the region. Through her role in the programme team, she aims to gain first-hand experience organising seminars, workshops, and conferences, developing concept notes and event programmes, and coordinating with speakers and participants, while enhancing her understanding of how research organisations operate.
Wen-Ling, Lai (Amy)
Wen-Ling, Lai (Amy) is a Research Intern at the Asia Centre Training Hub from March to August 2025. She recently completed her Master’s degree in International Relations from Jean Moulin University in Lyon, France.
With her research experience on refugees at the European level, she aims to deepen and broaden her understanding of human rights issues in Southeast Asia while gaining hands-on experience in evidence-based research within an organisation. This aligns with her career aspirations beyond the internship, as she aims to focus on advocacy and policy development for the human rights agenda.
Lee Xi Zheng
Lee Xi Zheng, also known as Lee, is Asia Centre Media Hub’s first communications intern. His internship is from February 2025 to June 2025. He is a final year student enrolled in the English for Global Communication program at University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
During his internship, Lee hopes to learn more about the challenges faced by marginalised communities around the Asia region. Additionally, he looks forward to sharing what he has learned at the Centre and to encourage other young people to apply for the internship programme.
Lilly Varner
Lilly Varner is a Media Intern at the Asia Centre Research Hub in Bangkok from January 2025 to March 2025. She is an undergraduate at the University of Oregon, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Business Administration as well as Legal Studies.
Lilly decided to intern at the Asia Centre because of her strong interest in exploring how NGOs navigate and influence the intersection between governmental structures, the private sector and community-based activism in Thailand. She hopes to gain valuable media and communication skills during her time at the Asia Centre. In her free time, Lilly enjoys playing sports, board games, and baking.