Singapore and Malaysia Fall 2023

Singapore and Malaysia Fall 2023

CBA494A Short-term Study Abroad to Singapore and Malaysia Fall 2023.

Led by Dr. Ming Chen, International Business Program Director, a group of 18 students from the College of Business participated in this year’s short-term study abroad program in Singapore and Malaysia. This was the very first time COB offered a program to Malaysia. The program included class meetings held on campus during the fall semester plus a week-long trip that took place in mid-January. During the class meetings held in Long Beach, students learned the cultures and business practices in these two countries via reading, group presentations, and discussions. The group visited Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the capital city as well as the largest city of Malaysia from January 10 to 17, 2024. The trip included five company visits as well as various social/cultural activities organized by different teams. While in Singapore, the group visited CBRE, a commercial real estate company in Singapore and Singapore MPA (Maritime Port Authority). In Kuala Lumpur, the group visited Maybank, the largest bank in Malaysia, Honeywell, an American advanced-technology company, as well as St Regis, a 5-star luxury hotel. Additionally, the group visited a large number of cultural places and landmarks in these two countries, including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Chinatown, Merlion Park, MacRitchie Nature Trail, and Sentosa in Singapore, and Batu Cave, King’s Palace, Merdeka Square, National Mosque of Malaysia, Central Market, Petaling Street, Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. The trip has allowed the students to gain firsthand information and hence a better understanding of cultural differences and business practices in ASEAN region. It also exposed students to various business opportunities and career options.

Testimonials

While some participants had traveled overseas prior to this trip, for many, this was their very first time traveling outside U.S. and North America, to Asia in particular. Such experiences impacted them all in a very positive way across different dimensions as reflected by the comments made by the participants.

“Though my time in Singapore and Malaysia was limited, I was able to experience a tremendous amount of cultural enrichment while simultaneously learning from various business professionals. I will never forget this wonderful academic trip and the knowledge and joy I obtained from being a part of it.”  A comment was made by management student Damon Dahl.

“I have never even considered or even thought about the industries presented during the company visits, so it was eye-opening to see the vast number of options I can pursue.” A comment stated by marketing student Anh Dinh.

“Overall, this experience was truly life-changing that allowed me to apply directly what I learned in school to a real-life experience. Viewing first-hand the impact of being culturally aware of my surroundings towards working in business is a reminder to what my future would look like as I enter the global marketing landscape. Through viewing the differences and similarities between Western culture and Southeast Asian culture, I can grow my understanding of a global landscape and learn skills that are important in working in international business.” A comment stated by International Business student Therese Joy Florido.

“As a first-generation student myself, I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in a program like this while being provided the financial support. Making programs like these accessible through financial support allows students the opportunity to learn about themselves, other cultures and very practical life skills of being responsible for themselves and others that will make an impact on our collective future communities.” A comment made by Melissa Mata regarding the financial support provided to all program participants.

“I cannot begin to explain the emotions that I experienced from the beginning of the semester until now as I write this paper. The bonds I made with my group and the class, the conversations I had with the locals, the food I never would have tried, and even getting to know Dr. Chen along the way have all been blessings I will cherish forever.” A comment stated by management student Daniel Munguia.

“This program was quite impactful in that it affirmed for me the reason I chose my international business major. I initially chose international business with the goal of opening opportunities for a globally driven career. Through the various company visits, I saw firsthand just what those opportunities may look like. Before visiting Singapore and Malaysia, a career in SEA never even crossed my mine. It’s only after visiting both countries, witnessing their culture, and having a firsthand look into their work culture that I can visualize a future career there.” A comment stated by International Business student Yuliana Romero.

“This experience stimulated my curiosity and interest in each country's history, geopolitics, and economy. This program also fostered the attitude of trying to understand and appreciate others who have different backgrounds from me. I believe that this attitude can contribute to world peace.” A comment stated by management student Daishin Tanaka.