#DearPal
Breaking the Barriers of Locality
“One Vision, One Identity, One Community”. Get connected to like-minded people and build your network with peers in the ASEAN region.
Looking to make more friends from the ASEAN region through shared interests? Say hello to #DearPal.
#DearPal, is a new cross-cultural virtual initiative under the MyASEAN Internship programme, which allows ASEAN youths to build new friendships, explore new cultures, practice new languages and share their passion and aspirations in life through e-letter exchange.
The 2-week virtual interaction period will recognise the importance of cross-cultural and cross-societal understanding in one’s personal and career development, while also building a strong community of youths in the ASEAN region.
Expand your network and build meaningful connections with ASEAN peers
Gain exposure through cultural diversity and add to your self-development
Get to know what ASEAN stands for, discover new cultures and make life-long friends without having to travel abroad
How does the matching process take place?
Each participant will be paired with one (1) other #DearPal applicant. The matching criteria will be based on the criteria set by the participants in their registration. The matches will also be of different nationality between matches.
When does the matching take place?
The matching process will take place within two (2) weeks after TalentCorp has received your application. You will receive a confirmation email, inviting you for the on-boarding session once your match has been identified.
Do we have to contact our match once matched?
You do not have to contact your match prior to the e-letter writing. Your first point of communication would be by sending an e-letter to your match after receiving their details.
How will I know when I'm matched?
TalentCorp will send you a notification email once we have identified your match, together with an invitation to the #DearPal on-boarding session. You will then receive the details of your match including the name, country of origin and interests in an e-mail sent out by TalentCorp after the on-boarding session.
How many times do I need to exchange e-letter?
It is hoped that participants will exchange as many e-letters as they can throughout the two (2) weeks period. However, at least one (1) e-letter needs to be exchanged between these matches during the programme.
Who sends the first e-letter?
E-letter will or can be sent simultaneously. However, each participant is responsible to write and share e-letters to their match during the 2-week course of the programme, from the date they received their match’s details.
I haven't received anything from my match. How long do I wait to tell you that I would like to be rematched?
If you have not received anything from your match within the two weeks from the date you received your match’s details, please contact TalentCorp to be re-matched.
Will I ever meet my match physically?
TalentCorp will only monitor the interaction and progress for two weeks from the date you received your match. Should you decide to meet your match either physically or virtually, these arrangements can be made on your own after you have completed the two-week period of e-letter exchanging. Do note that this will be your personal initiative and TalentCorp will not be held responsible for it.
What should I talk or write about to my match?
You will be assigned a topic/theme for you to start your conversation with your match. Nonetheless, you can still write about anything or everything to your match in your e-letters. You may make the e-letters as interactive as you can by sharing pictures or videos of the topics you discuss. Please be reminded to maintain a respectful, positive and friendly manner when communicating with your match.
How do I communicate and exchange e-letters with my match?
It is advised that all communication between you and your match is done via e-mail exchange, at least within the two weeks of virtual interaction. Do note that you are also required to keep your e-letters exchange with your match and share them with TalentCorp at the end of the programme.
When the 2-weeks interaction has ended, what should I do?
Once the two-weeks interaction has ended, you will receive an email from TalentCorp detailing the next steps. You will be required to provide us with a report and feedback on the #DearPal programme by filling out our online survey form. The link to this survey form will be provided to you via e-mail at the end of the programme. You are also required to upload your e-letters to the platform provided.
I am satisfied with my first #DearPal experience! Will I be able to submit my application again?
Yes, you can! All you have to do is fill up the application form again, specifying the criteria of your desired match. You can also contact us directly!