Navigating Cultural Complexities and Economic Realities – Reflections on the NUS MBA Global Immersion Programme in China
Every year, the NUS MBA organises Global Immersion Programmes (GIP) to help our MBA students develop a global mindset. GIP offers invaluable real-world experience that allows our students to gain a deep understanding diverse business environments, cultural nuances and global market dynamics. Here is a first-hand account from our student, Yuta Wakabayashi on his GIP experience.
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Yuta Wakabayashi
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By Yuta Wakabayashi (若林友太)
As a Japanese participant in the NUS MBA Global Immersion Programme (GIP) to China, I embarked on this journey with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The historical tensions and current geopolitical challenges between Japan and China added a layer of complexity to the experience. However, the warm welcome from NUS MBA alumni during our first-day dinner, including a heartfelt celebration of my birthday, set the tone for a memorable and enriching trip. My birthday wish was to create wonderful memories with all the GIP participants.
Alumni Networking & Dinner Party in Shanghai
The week-long GIP took us to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing, where we visited renowned companies such as Tesla, Cainiao, Enjoy Town, Manhing Digital, Yingke Law Firm, UBS, Popmart, and Baidu. We also had the opportunity to visit esteemed universities, including Fudan University and Peking University. In addition to the company visits, we explored iconic landmarks and cultural sites, such as the Bund in Shanghai, West Lake in Hangzhou, and the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall in Beijing. These experiences provided a deep insight into China’s rich history and cultural heritage, complementing our understanding of its modern economic landscape.
Baidu in Beijing, exciting opportunity to experience cutting-edge autonomous driving technology firsthand
Two companies that left a lasting impression on me were Manhing Digital and Popmart. Manhing Digital’s cutting-edge VR technology, which offers immersive experiences for gaming and training simulations, showcased China’s technological prowess. Popmart, a trendsetting toy manufacturer, has captured the hearts of consumers globally, including international celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, with its creative and collectible figurines, demonstrating China’s ability to create appealing products with global reach.
Popmart, we also enjoyed purchasing numerous creative and collectible figurines as gifts
Interestingly, shortly after our trip, news broke that Tesla had agreed to collaborate with Baidu on data collection for autonomous driving. This partnership underscores Tesla’s efforts to revitalize its presence in the Chinese market, where it faced its first quarterly sales decline since the opening of its Shanghai factory in 2019. It was a pleasant surprise to realize that we had visited companies at the forefront of industry trends during our GIP.
Connecting with NUS cohorts in China and engaging with students from Fudan University and Peking University reinforced the value of the NUS network and the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding. These interactions provided valuable insights into the Chinese perspective and highlighted the potential for collaboration and mutual learning.
Tesla’s facility, we were greeted by a video message from Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla
Peking University, captivated by the vast and beautiful campus
As we concluded our journey at the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, I reflected on the profound lessons learned throughout the GIP. Gazing through my camera lens, I was captivated by the magnificent scenery and the sight of a participant adorned in a traditional Chinese dress, I realized that my birthday wish had indeed come true. The experience had given me a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance nations and businesses must strike in navigating the complexities of the global landscape and the vital role programs like the NUS MBA GIP play in bridging cultural divides.
The Forbidden City
I am deeply grateful to the NUS organizing members, the MBA Office, my fellow participants, and the friends who provided invaluable support throughout this unforgettable journey. The GIP left me with a newfound understanding of China’s economic realities, cultural richness, and the importance of fostering connections that transcend borders.
Check out NUS MBA Echoes Newsletter May 2024 edition for other GIP stories.
