GLOBE IX study trip in May 2015 covered Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand. The 10-day journey was one of the highlights of the GLOBE experience in Asia. Through the study trip, GLOBE students can gain a deeper understanding of the business practices and culture of the two Asian cities.
The stay in Singapore started with a luncheon with Mr. Steven Goh, Executive Director of Orchard Road Business Association. In the following days, the group visited and interacted with senior management from Hitachi, Eu Yan Sang and Ogilvy & Mather.
Among all visits, the company visit to GIC (Government Investment Corporation), a private limited company owned by the Singaporean government, is one of the highlights. GIC acts as the government's fund manager, investing the nation's foreign reserves and contributing as much as 2% of the country's GDP. Students had the opportunity to learn about the investment framework and allocation of asset classes guiding the sovereign wealth fund, understand the company's investment process, and even paid a visit to the GIC trading floor each with an iPad guide in hand!
The Singapore leg of the study trip finished off with a visit to the McKinsey Green Campus at Jurong Island, where clients learn how to enhance energy efficiency and overcome management challenges through exposure to various on-site equipments.
Five days in Singapore had passed by in the blink of an eye for GLOBE IX. They not only had the opportunity to visit various established companies, but also to interact and mingle with students from Lee Kong Chian School of Business at Singapore Management University!
After leaving Singapore, students were joined by Ms. Judy Benn, Executive Director of American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, at the opening dinner of the Bangkok leg. With her 14 years’ living in the country, Ms. Benn shared unreservedly with students her understanding and observation on Thailand's economy.
With visits to Nestlé Ice Cream production facility, Daily News Thailand, GMM Channel and talks from Thammasat University professors, GLOBE IX's study trip to Bangkok made the end of the GLOBE experience in Asia for this cohort.
UNC student Andrew Stowe reflects on his time in Bangkok and the entire semester. "The study trip really reminded all of us what GLOBE was all about. Bangkok was such a different experience from Singapore, but it was very interesting to be able to compare how business is done in the two places from actual experience. It was also so great to spend 10 days with everyone together. It reminds you of the friendship we have been able to form over the past year. While my time abroad is ending, I am even more excited to share my home with the CBS and CUHK students in the fall!"
Cultural visit
Luncheon with Mr. Steven Goh, Executive Director of Orchard Road Business Association
Hitachi Singapore Office
Eu Yan Sang
Ogilvy & Mather Singapore Office
Government Investment Corporation
McKinsey Green Campus at Jurong Island
Singapore Management University
Opening dinner with Ms. July Benn, Executive Director of American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand
Nestlé ice cream production facility in Bangkok
Daily News Thailand
Thammasat University
