It was the second time I met with Timothy Kong. This time in Amsterdam where we shared ideas about The Netherlands, Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Timothy Kong was born in Amsterdam, 29 years ago, and completed his education at Hogeschool Inholland. During his student years, he founded Stage in Azië, which is Dutch for "internship in Asia", focussing on internships in Malaysia for Dutch students. In Malaysia, his company is known under the name Kong International
When asked what he loves about Asia, he passionately describes the variety of fantastic food and the dynamics of cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. "Walking through a skyscraper city makes you feel alive", he adds. Kong also emphasizes the entrepreneurial spirit in Asian cities, where "companies are being built every hour".
"What brought you to Malaysia ?", I wanted to know. Timothy explains that his brother was studying in Singapore and while visiting him he spent a couple days on the Malaysian island of Tioman. Later, in 2011, he did an internship himself at a tour operator in Malaysia. It was then that he saw the tremendous potential that Malaysia has for students. "Everyone speaks English. And who doesn't want to stay in an affordable apartment with a swimming-pool, a gym and security ?"
Kong proudly states that Stage in Azië/Kong International carefully selects the best companies in Malaysia for its interns. What are Kong's plans for the (near) fututre ? "As a company, we are still growing, expanding our service portfolio into new industries, such as Game Design, Web Development, IT and Finance".
"Good luck with your business and see you again soon, Timothy !"
