An Enriching Learning Trip for NBS GoAlum Group

In March, a business learning trip was jointly organised by NBS Alumni Relations and members of the GoAlum (NBS Alumni participating in the Gobi Desert Challenge) Group. It provided alumni based in China with a good opportunity to network and learn about setting up businesses in Singapore, while deepening their connection to NBS. The event, held from 13 to 16 March 2024, attracted a significant number of participants from the GoAlum group. 

From Theory to Practice

The first day was packed with enriching sharing sessions featuring NTU faculty, from both the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) and NBS. A/P Li Hoi Yeung from SBS spoke about first-in-class targeted therapy for cancer with homologues recombination deficiency. On the other hand, Professor Gerhard Gruber shared about a platform for drug target identification and drug development to fight antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.

The learning trip saw various sharing sessions on the first day

NBS faculty were also well-represented, with A/P Michael Li speaking on the topic of “Corporate Survival in a Disruptive Innovative Era”. Professor Sharon Ng introduced the newly launched Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology, emphasising its role in advancing innovation and thought leadership through rigorous research and impactful collaborations. A/P Simba Chang highlighted the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Innovation, established in 2022 to lead research and practical education in sustainable finance and financial innovations.

The trip encompassed visits to a variety of organisations, offering participants a comprehensive exposure to diverse sectors. These included:

• EDP Renewables, a prominent player in renewable energy on a global scale;
• LinkedIn, the influential business-oriented social media platform;
• EDB, where insights into the Singaporean economy were gained, along with learning from PwC experts the various business models and support programmes for setting up businesses;
• M-DAQ Global, founded by NBS alumnus Richard Koh, utilises data technology to revolutionize cross-border transactions and create a world without currency borders.
• LionsBot, a pioneering robotics company specialising in advanced technology solutions for commercial cleaning
  

This diverse itinerary ensured a well-rounded understanding of different industries and their operations.

Reflecting on the visit to LionsBot, Lance Jin remarked: “We had the privilege of engaging directly with the company's founder Dylan Terntzer, an NBS alumnus, and learning about their cutting-edge products and services. The presentation by Dylan and tour of their assembly line were truly enlightening. Witnessing their use of technology to revolutionise traditional industries and carve out new markets was incredibly inspiring. This experience not only enriched my comprehension of the tech sector but also ignited fresh ideas for potential collaborations and business opportunities.”

Participants took part in several site visits, including M-DAQ

Ji Ling, a participating alumna, commented: “Moving beyond the theoretical, the visits saw theories from the classroom being applied in the real world through the stories of alumni developing their businesses. While I used to perceive our classes at NBS as predominantly academic, this trip bridged theory and practice while encouraging exploration, which I found greatly beneficial.”

In summary, these visits were pivotal in providing insights into various industries and business setups in Singapore, along with valuable networking opportunities. Participants also bonded over shared meals, exercises, and joined the Best Foot Forward fundraising initiative.

The Gobi Desert Challenge

The Gobi Desert Challenge is an annual 121-kilometre trek spanning four days and three nights, undertaken by self-funded Nanyang EMBA (Chinese) programme alumni. This gruelling yet rewarding test of endurance and teamwork is designed for top Asian business school students enrolled in Chinese EMBA programmes.

Speaking of the Challenge, alumna Vicky You Lingqin remarked: “Given how arduous it is, I was always curious about who would willingly participate in the Gobi Desert Challenge. The experience has given me a new perspective on entrepreneurs. I used to think that the entrepreneurship could be a lonely journey, but the Gobi Challenge proves that the difficulties and challenges form a shared experience. With mutual support, problem-solving skills, and early preparation and training, we achieved the goal together. This mirrors entrepreneurship: a leader's capabilities matter, and business success hinges on team effectiveness.”

A Journey of Learning and Discovery

The event witnessed strong bonds and mutual support among the participants.

Dr Han Jun, Minister Counsellor (Education) of the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, emphasised the growing bilateral relations and intergovernmental cooperation between Singapore and China at the welcome dinner, highlighting the recent 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation's impact with 24 agreements. He stressed the potential of NBS alumni, particularly alumni participating in the Gobi Desert Challenge, in enhancing ties between the two nations.

These interactions not only foster international friendships but also develop cultural adaptability essential for effective global leadership. The Singapore-GoAlum Business Learning Trip gave participants a valuable perspective into business practices through cross-cultural experiences, networking opportunities, and exposure to key trends in Singaporean and regional markets.

Reflecting on his experience, Lance Jin found the Singapore-GoAlum Business Learning Trip to be transformative. He gained a deep understanding of Singaporean and regional business practices, learning from industry experts and developing a broader perspective on global business trends. The trip enriched his academic journey and expanded his professional network.