Full Circle at IBTE

From Interns to Mentors

It felt different walking back into IBTE Business Campus this time. The lecture theatre was the same, but the seats weren’t. Two batches of AICREATIVV interns: those still awaiting graduation and those who’ve since stepped into full-time roles or further studies have returned to share their stories.

What started as a simple sharing session turned into something bigger: a full-circle moment about growth, courage, and how far a single internship can carry you.

Learning by Doing

For the 2025 batch, their experiences were still fresh, hands-on lessons from shoots, campaigns, and tight deadlines.

For Khadijah Asnawi, the Hari Raya short film taught her to adapt when she had to switch from Assistant Director to Sound Operator. Adreana Shafeqa discovered her creative rhythm while juggling Usinwise and Wadokai 2025 deadlines. Putra Nazirul and Syakir Maslani found pride behind the camera, both learning what it means to own a role even when it’s your first time holding it. Faiqah Adawiyah saw that marketing was strategy, not noise. And Hafizzudin Junaidi, who balanced finance and producing for their intern short film, learned that the hardest part of growth is often overcoming yourself.

They talked about real challenges too—overthinking, staying confident, asking for help. But the biggest takeaway? That every question, mistake, and do-over was part of the process.

“My biggest challenge was myself.” — Hafizzudin Junaidi

“It’s okay to make mistakes, that’s how you learn.” — Putra Nazirul

“Don’t be scared to try new things and get out of your box.” — Faiqah Adawiyah

And when asked how it felt working with a full-time team? Their answers were unanimous: equal, supportive, human.

“I felt seen and heard,” said Khadijah Asnawi. “No ranks, just open communication and fun.”

Carrying It Forward

For the 2024 batch, reflection came with perspective. They were once in those same seats—now they were back as alumni and mentors.

Rusydinul Aiman recalled his early days, staying late through the BDCB Coin project, and how teamwork redefined what “work ethic” meant. Alimin Affendi spoke about shifting from business to media, a leap that led him to represent Brunei at FLY2024 in the People’s Democratic Republic of Lao. For Muna Atikah and Darazwaliza Jayan, the internship shaped their path to marketing studies, while Zaid Al-Rumman carried his finance lessons into new coursework with a newfound sense of responsibility.

Every one of them could pinpoint one thing AICREATIVV left behind: confidence.

“Be a sponge; absorb everything you can.” — Alimin Affendi

“Don’t be scared, its okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from it. ” — Muna Atikah (right)

“Grades don’t define you, your effort does.” — Rusydinul Aiman

Although, the return to IBTE was nostalgic it was also proof. Proof that what began as an internship could become a foundation for life after school.

The Moment on Stage

Some were nervous, others excited. But every voice on that panel carried the same message: you’ll never be fully ready, and that’s okay.

First batch of interns from 2024, all pursuing different paths

Girls of 2025 batch of interns!

The boys of the 2025 interns' batch!

For the younger students listening, it wasn’t a polished talk—it was raw, honest advice from people who were sitting in the same spot not long ago. “If I don’t try, I’ve already failed,” said Rusydinul Aiman, reflecting on the decision to take a full-time leap right after graduation.

For the current interns, it was a glimpse of what “next” could look like.

For the alumni, it was a full circle they never saw coming.

Lessons That Stayed

Imamull Qhaeer introducing his students to the team

1. Be coachable. Don’t let pride stop you from asking questions.

2. Own your firsts. Every new role is a step toward finding yourself.

3. Find your people. The right team makes all the difference.

4. Keep trying. Mistakes don’t disqualify you—they shape you.
   

When asked what they hoped students took away from the session, Alimin Affendi said it best:

“It’s okay to be unsure, but take chances. What matters is saying yes to opportunities and learning from them.”

Because at AICREATIVV, growth isn’t a moment—it’s a cycle.

And sometimes, you only realise how much you’ve grown when you return to where it all began.