From September 23 to 27, 2024, 57 students from Waseda University’s Global Management Program (GMP) participated in an overseas study trip to Singapore. During the trip, students visited local companies and presented proposals in English on assigned topics. They also attended lectures at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and participated in cross-cultural exchanges at Singapore Management University (SMU). Additionally, they hosted the GMP Career Forum in Singapore with Waseda alumni based in the city. Partially funded by donations to the GMP, this study trip offered students a valuable learning experience, helping them build the skills needed to become global business leaders—the core goal of the GMP.
Below are detailed reports from some of the participating students, sharing the valuable insights they gained during this study trip.
▶Corporate Visits (Group A: DAIKIN and EY)
▶Corporate Visits (Group B: MITSUI & CO. and ONE)
▶Visit to NUS
▶Visit to SMU
▶GMP Career Forum in Singapore
▶Visit to Waseda Shibuya Senior High School in Singapore
▶Corporate Visits (Group A: DAIKIN and EY)
On the morning of September 24th, the students in Group A visited the Singaporean subsidiary of Daikin Industries. The visit began with a presentation from local staff about Daikin’s business operations, followed by a discussion session with the subsidiary’s president on Daikin’s future business strategies and market trends. The students then delivered presentations in English, offering potential solutions for Daikin to stay competitive against its rapidly growing global competitors.
It was a very valuable experience for the students to hear directly from Daikin Industries, the leader in the global air conditioner market, on how the company recognizes changes in demand and reflects this recognition in its business. It was also a good opportunity for students to get a clear sense of what it would be like to work overseas by observing the employees at work and witnessing a work environment where lively discussions were taking place.
In the afternoon, the students visited EY, one of the world’s leading consulting firms. The visit began with an overview of the company’s business from EY employees, followed by three student presentations in English to the EY audiences. The students gained valuable insights from EY employees’ feedback during the presentations, especially on points they might not have considered from a student’s perspective. During the visit, the students learned about the detailed roles and responsibilities of each participating employee and even had the opportunity to talk directly with them in small groups, making it a very meaningful experience for students aspiring to work in the consulting industry.
Through these company visits, the students gained firsthand experience in a real business environment and a deeper understanding of business operations. They received valuable feedback on their presentation and document skills, which will be invaluable in their future studies and careers. The knowledge and insights from these visits have left them feeling well-prepared for the next steps in their professional journeys.
▶Corporate Visits (Group B: MITSUI & CO. and ONE)
On the same day, the students in Group B visited Mitsui & Co. and ONE, where they were divided into six subgroups, each tasked with presenting a pre-assigned challenge in English.
At Mitsui & Co., three subgroups focused on the topic, “What business segments and sectors should Mitsui & Co. pursue in APAC countries in the future?” Drawing from their daily studies, each subgroup crafted proposals that aligned Mitsui & Co.’s strengths with regional challenges, including ideas like the railway business in Indonesia, the plastic container business in Vietnam, and the nursing care business in ASEAN countries. In the following session, students received insightful feedback from local employees and engaged in dynamic discussions.
I was especially struck when they emphasized that building a successful business requires a no-compromise approach. I also learned the importance of examining keywords closely and asking, “What does this truly mean?” to reduce the risk of unanswered questions during a presentation, making for a stronger, more persuasive argument. I was deeply impressed by the employees’ commitment to realism; they explained that they asked challenging, practical questions that would arise in real business scenarios, encouraging us to think more critically about our proposals. At the same time, it was a bittersweet experience, reminding me of the areas where my own proposals needed improvement.
Experiencing firsthand the perspectives and insights of business professionals made us acutely aware of the substantial gap between our proposals and real-world business practices. We also realized the importance of viewing social issues from a broader and deeper perspective and the need to develop a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of real-world business dynamics.
The visit to ONE started with a brief introduction to the company by its employees, followed by presentations from the GMP students and feedback sessions. Through this, students gained valuable insights into ONE’s journey and future vision as a transformative player in the shipping industry. Students showcased the skills they developed in the GMP by generating innovative ideas on the challenging topic of future business opportunities in container shipping and by presenting and responding confidently in English.
During the panel discussion, one of the employees spoke thoughtfully about how ONE was founded to create a competitive company with a vision beyond domestic competition, focusing on the international shipping industry. They shared how ONE is striving to grow in an industry facing significant challenges, shifting its focus from Japan to a worldwide perspective and continuously seeking new opportunities beyond traditional business frameworks. This perspective reinforced for us the importance of a global outlook—essential for those of us aiming to succeed in an ever-evolving international environment.
Visiting Mitsui & Co. and ONE broadened my understanding of the trading and shipping industries. The most valuable lessons I took away were the importance of a proactive business mindset, the need to avoid rigid thinking in global business, and the value of a broad perspective. It was an invaluable experience as a student to engage in discussions with professionals I would not typically have the chance to meet, especially in an international setting. I will use these insights to guide my career choices and growth.
▶Visit to NUS
On the morning of September 25, GMP students visited NUS, where they took part in a variety of activities, including lectures by NUS professors, interactions with NUS students, and a campus tour.
The GMP students attended lectures by Professor Pasha and Professor Sam at NUS. Professor Pasha discussed the mindset required for the future in light of Asia’s economic growth, while Professor Sam focused on biases in information processing. Many GMP students participated actively, sharing their perspectives in response to the professors’ questions.
After the lectures, the GMP students enjoyed lunch and informal discussions with the NUS students. It was impressive to see how many students had become friends over a shared interest in Japanese anime and manga while chatting. After lunch, the NUS students gave the GMP students a tour of the campus, showing them their favorite study spots and popular cafes, which helped them bond even more.
Attending world-class lectures and interacting with local students made this study trip a truly valuable experience. Many students had the opportunity to reflect on their own rigid thinking and biases. As we continue to expand the GMP network, we aspire to grow into global leaders, learning from diverse interactions and experiences to positively impact the world.
▶Visit to SMU
On the afternoon of September 25, GMP students visited SMU, where an SMU professor provided an introduction to Singapore and SMU. A GMP student then introduced Waseda University and the GMP program, followed by an exchange of perspectives between students from GMP and SMU.
Professor David of SMU began by sharing the history and unique characteristics of Singapore and SMU with the GMP students. For many, this was their first visit to Singapore, and they found it refreshing to view the country from a historical and cultural perspective. This broader understanding, students felt, would enrich their interactions with local people during their upcoming city tour.
Next, the Chairperson of the GMP Student Committee introduced Waseda University and the GMP program to the SMU professors and students on behalf of the GMP students. The introduction included an overview of Waseda’s founder, Shigenobu Okuma, highlighting his three founding principles and an explanation of how the goals and activities of the GMP are rooted in these principles. The SMU students listened with great interest, making it a meaningful experience for the GMP students.
Finally, the GMP students had the opportunity to connect with the SMU students. In an icebreaker session, mixed teams of SMU and GMP students competed to build the tallest paper tower. Each team poured in creative energy and engaged with full enthusiasm. Through this activity, the GMP students were able to get to know the local students and have a great time together.
The visit to SMU provided us with a valuable opportunity to interact with students from other universities and promote ourselves beyond Japan. It also provided a chance to reflect on how Waseda University and the GMP are viewed from an international perspective.
▶GMP Career Forum in Singapore
On the evening of September 25, nine alumni from the Singapore Tomonkai, an organization composed of Waseda University graduates, were invited to the GMP Career Forum in Singapore. Held at a seaside yacht club, the forum offered the GMP students the opportunity to gain valuable insights from alumni working in diverse industries, including infrastructure, consulting, shipping, and finance.
The career forum began with self-introductions by the Tomonkai alumni, who then mingled with the GMP students at different tables, sharing their experiences and insights. Among the many career-related questions asked by the students, the most common topic was working overseas. It was a valuable chance for GMP students to hear firsthand from alumni currently working in Singapore about the challenges and rewards of their careers, especially for those considering global career paths.
This career forum was a great opportunity for third-year students currently on job searches to learn more about different industries and for fourth-year students to think about their future careers. We also reaffirmed that in today’s increasingly globalized world, it is essential to develop the skills to be competitive not only in Japan but also internationally. The inspiration from this experience will guide all GMP students as they develop into future global leaders.
▶Visit to Waseda Shibuya Senior High School in Singapore
On the afternoon of September 27, Professor Hirota, Professor Yago, and 13 GMP students visited Waseda Shibuya Senior High School in Singapore, an affiliate of Waseda University. The GMP students gave a presentation about GMP and the School of Commerce of Waseda University, followed by a career counseling session with the high school students. At the counseling session, the high school students asked thoughtful questions not only about university life but also about careers, inspiring us with their high aspirations and serious approach to their future careers. We shared our reasons for choosing the School of Commerce and discussed our studies, which gave us GMP students a valuable chance to reflect on our own university experiences. We hope this visit will be helpful for the high school students as they consider their future paths.
