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As part of Kleen-Pak’s commitment to nurturing future talent, our internship programme offers students meaningful exposure to research and development within an FMCG manufacturing environment. In this interview, Pangilinan Abiah Tonia Kae Vergara (Abiah), an R&D intern from Singapore Polytechnic, where she is pursuing a Diploma in Applied Chemistry, shares her experience, learnings, and professional growth during her internship at Kleen-Pak.

Q: How did you first get introduced to Kleen-Pak, and what motivated you to join the R&D team as an intern?

Abiah: I was introduced to Kleen-Pak through an internship job posting and was interested in the company’s involvement in the development and manufacturing of consumer care products. This aligned closely with my academic background in Applied Chemistry and provided an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in formulation science behind everyday products such as wet wipes.

Abiah: One of the most meaningful projects I worked on involved evaluating a new preservative system for eco-friendly wipes. This included conducting accelerated stability testing to assess whether the preservative could meet performance and regulatory requirements. The results supported the R&D team in determining its potential suitability for future product development.

Abiah: One of the main challenges occurred when microbial tests for the new preservative system did not meet expectations. This required me to review my sample preparation process and reinforced the importance of strict adherence to standard operating procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). It highlighted how handling and process-related factors can significantly impact test outcomes.

Q: What skills or technical knowledge did you gain during your time in Kleen-Pak’s R&D lab?

Abiah: During my internship, I developed a stronger understanding of formulation science, particularly the functional roles of ingredients in consumer care products. I also gained practical experience in accelerated stability testing, preservative efficacy evaluation, GMP practices, regulatory compliance, and technical documentation.

Q: What would you say is your biggest takeaway from joining Kleen-Pak as an intern?

Abiah: My biggest takeaway was the importance of patience and perseverance in R&D work. I learned that even small actions can have a significant impact on product quality and reliability, and that challenges and failures are essential parts of the learning process that lead to professional growth.

Q: How would you describe the company culture and working environment at Kleen-Pak?

Abiah: The working environment at Kleen-Pak was professional and welcoming. The team was focused and disciplined, creating a productive atmosphere. I felt well-supported throughout my internship, as my supervisor and colleagues were always willing to guide me, explain procedures, and provide constructive feedback.

Q: How was your experience working with your mentors and team members in the R&D lab?

Abiah: It was a pleasure working with my mentors and team members in the R&D lab. They were approachable, patient, and supportive, especially at the beginning of my internship. They took the time to explain not only the procedures but also the rationale behind formulations, which helped me adapt quickly and grow both technically and professionally.

Q: In what ways did this internship contribute to your professional growth and future career goals?

Abiah: This internship provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the product development process, from formulation to stability testing and evaluation. It also familiarised me with industry practices such as GMP and documentation, which has prepared me for future roles in the chemical, pharmaceutical, or consumer care industries.

Q: What advice would you give to future interns considering an internship at Kleen-Pak?

Abiah: I would encourage future interns to remain inquisitive and maintain a continuous learning mindset. Asking questions and looking at tasks from a broader perspective can provide valuable insights into the industry and enhance the overall internship experience.

Q: Looking back, how would you describe your overall internship experience at Kleen-Pak? Would you recommend it to others?

Abiah: Overall, my internship experience at Kleen-Pak was enriching and professionally rewarding. The exposure to real-world R&D activities within an FMCG manufacturing environment complemented my academic studies well. I would highly recommend this internship to students who are interested in gaining practical experience in R&D and manufacturing.