Students of the Master’s Program in Islamic Economics (MES) were granted a rare opportunity to participate in an internship program at the Indonesia Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Shanghai. This experience not only marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of Muh Afdhal Mubarak AS and Zahra Irma Rahmawati—MES students participating in the student exchange program in China—but also served as an open gateway to a deeper understanding of the complexities of international trade, particularly within the context of economic relations between Indonesia and China.

The internship program, which took place throughout January, introduced students to a strategic institution under the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia while providing in-depth insights into various aspects of bilateral trade between the two countries. From understanding the roles and functions of ITPC Shanghai to receiving structured briefings on China’s export–import regulations, students were able to broaden their perspectives on international trade practices.

Throughout the program, students were actively involved in a range of activities designed to develop their skills in market analysis and the formulation of effective trade strategies. These activities included learning systematic market analysis methods and processing export and import data for specific products, such as edible bird’s nest. Through these processes, students were encouraged to understand the dynamics of the Chinese market while identifying potential opportunities and challenges. In addition, discussions and technical briefings on China’s export–import regulatory framework enabled students to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the legal and procedural aspects governing international trade.

The internship also provided MES students with hands-on experience in conducting market analysis, engaging directly with Indonesian exporters, processing export–import data, and preparing as well as presenting export products to relevant stakeholders. Through these experiences, students not only acquired knowledge and skills aligned with their field of study but also developed the ability to adapt to diverse business environments and articulate innovative ideas within the context of international trade.

This internship experience is expected to make a valuable contribution to preparing MES students as competent and highly competitive future professionals capable of addressing challenges in the global market. Opportunities such as this will continue to be an integral part of the curriculum, enabling MES students to further develop their potential and contribute positively to Indonesia’s economic development through international trade.