The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition, or known as SEAMEO RECFON has a significant role in advancing public nutrition and health in Southeast Asia. However, SEAMEO RECFON faces one serious challenge in its mission regarding the lack of adequate human resources. One of the alternatives that emerge in resolving this issue is the certified internship and independent studies program namely Program Magang dan Studi Independen Bersertifikat (MSIB), initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia.

“Now, MSIB becomes an efficient way out in strengthening the organization capacity”, explained by Toha as one of the Human Resource Division Staff on Thursday 11, 2024 in a journalistic and social media management workshop, an event held by SEAMEO RECFON, in Gren Alia Cikini Hotel.

The MSIB program enables SEAMEO RECFON to obtain skillful human resources. These people can contribute either directly or indirectly in the SEAMEO RECFON flagship programs. The flagship programs are Nutrition Goes to School (NGTS), Early Childhood Care and Nutrition Education (ECCNE), and Nutrition Goes to Work (NGTW).

The MSIB program is aimed at students from various disciplines who have an interest in nutrition, public health, and public policy. Through this program, students get the opportunity to be directly involved in various programs and projects implemented by SEAMEO RECFON. By participating in an internship at SEAMEO RECFON, students not only develop technical skills related to nutrition and health, but also the managerial and analytical abilities that are needed to succeed in the professional world.

In the 2nd semester of 2024, SEAMEO RECFON accepted at least 38 MSIB students who are placed in various positions such as Finance Admin, Business Development, Archivist, Legal, HR Generalist, Event Organizer, Secretary, Programmer & Web Admin, Publication & Editorial, Graphic Design, Research Assistant and Training Analyst. They will be involved in research, data collection, policy development, and implementation of programs aimed at improving nutritional status in Southeast Asia. In addition, MSIB also provides an opportunity for students to learn from experts in the field of nutrition and health and understand the challenges faced by the nutrition sector in Southeast Asia. With hands-on involvement in real-world projects, students will gain practical skills that are much needed in the workplace.

Currently, all MSIB students have been working through the internship program at the SEAMEO RECFON office located in Utan Kayu, East Jakarta. As the center of nutrition policy research and development in Southeast Asia, SEAMEO RECFON is an ideal place for students to apply their knowledge in a practical context. Here, students have the opportunity to work with experts and professionals in the field of nutrition and expand their network, both at the national and international levels.

The MSIB program can be joined by students at various stages of their studies, especially those in their final year of higher education. The program allows students to experience the world of work before they graduate, which provides a great advantage in increasing their competitiveness in the world of work. Until now there has been no further information whether the MSIB internship program will be held again next year or not.

The MSIB program has made a significant impact for SEAMEO RECFON in addressing the shortage of skilled human resources. Through this collaboration, SEAMEO RECFON not only gets a young workforce that is ready to work, but can also save training costs because the students involved already have relevant basic skills. Students also gain hands-on experience that can improve the quality of the existing workforce in Indonesia.