In summer 2011, our first-year GBS students traveled to Singapore, a renowned international city, for their orientation trip. Within just six days, our GBS students knew so much more about each other throughout their visits to different scenic spots. They experienced both old Indian and Chinese culture in Singapore, and were also fascinated by its modern development in the business districts.
Apart from enjoying their trip by hanging around, the GBS students had corporate visits to Eu Yan Sang, Singapore Airlines, and Singapore Tourism Board.
Established in 1879, Eu Yan Sang is now one of the leading health care manufacturers in Asia specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Throughout its history of more than a century, Eu Yan Sang has been upholding its mission of "Caring for Mankind" all along. With its brilliant marketing strategy, Eu Yan Sang successfully transformed from a traditional herbal institute to a modernized health care brand, capturing the market of the younger generation.
More importantly, during the visit, the GBS students were inspired by how Eu Yan Sang insists upon their quality of production by using the best herbs and producing only in developed areas like Hong Kong despite the higher cost of production. Our students learnt that striking a balance between cost and quality control is not only crucial to the success of a company, but also ties in with the idea of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Well-known for its quality of service, Singapore Airlines has been one of the airlines with the highest returns on capital. At the Singapore Airlines Training Centre, the GBS students understood how the company stands out among its competitors with its service standard. The 'Singapore Girls' outfit, the in-flight entertainment system and the meals designed by experienced chefs are some of the things that differentiate the company from other competitors.
Furthermore, the GBS students also experienced how safety plays a big part in differentiating Singapore Airlines from other airlines and determining its success. Examples include the training on evacuation for flight attendants and the design of emergency doors.
At the end of the visit, the GBS students learnt that only when one can distinguish itself from other companies and make the customers have confidence in itself can it become another leading company similar to Singapore Airlines - 'Great Way to Fly'.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the country's leading economic development agency, aiming at building tourism into one of Singapore's key economic contributors.
During the visit, the GBS students were all truly amazed by the complexity of STB's strategic tourism planning. With a goal of differentiating and marketing Singapore as a must-visit destination, STB placed heavy promotions on tourist attractions, food and beverages as well as the unique cultural diversity in Singapore.
Seeking to be the business hub of Southeast Asia, STB also shared with the GBS students their plans on the MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference, Exhibition) project, hoping to promote Singapore as a leading convention and exhibition city. This was actually a marvelous demonstration of how education can be done out of classrooms in a much more fun way. All in all, our students were completely fascinated by all the incredibly intricated and successful business ideas that they were shown at STB. It was beyond doubt that it must have been an unforgettable experience for all of them..
