Singapore

After exams, the GLOBE programme had a 6 day study trip to Singapore as part of the course "Issues in Asian Business". Getting back on the 19th, I packed up my stuff and flew back to Denmark, now quietly residing in Copenhagen trying to finish my academic requirements.

The idea of the study trip was to have corporate visits during a morning and an afternoon session each day, except for the final day which we had off. We students would actively participate with questions and comments, facilitating a transfer of first-hand information regarding how business is done in Asia. Reality turned out, as expected, to be somewhat different. Seeing as it was the last week the GLOBE students were gathered before heading off on their summer break, the trip became more of a social event, with late nights, little sleep, and unenthusiastic visits. It doesn't help that our grading will be based on a blog we have to write about each corporate visit (I almost feel sorry for the guy who will have to read 45 blog posts on the intricacies of Singapore Post) and a short group paper on the broadest subject possible: "What have you learnt about business in Asia". Since none of this is due till June 10th, no-one did any mentionable amount of work except taking a few notes at the visits, waiting to be let loose on the town.

Singapore is colloquially known as a "fine" city due to its harsh legal system and constant surveillance. Often being compared to Hong Kong, it is better planned, cleaner, less polluted, and seemingly more quite, although I personally enjoy the buzz and chaos which surrounds the latter. Although Singapore is located between Indonesia and Malaysia, around 75 % of the population are of Chinese descent. The city's focus on finance and high-tech industries, its vibrant expat community, and desire for luxury, further enhances the similarities between the two.

Apart from visits, which were generally interesting (such as Dell, DBS, U.S - Singapore foreign relations, and Norden), I spent my time roaming the city. Bars and nightlife around Clarke Quay was reserved for after 10 PM, so day-time excursions on my day off included the Museum of Asian Cultures, the Marina Bay, lunch in Chinatown, and a visit to the Urban Development Board. The final place is highly recommendable, with an interesting overview of Singapore's rapid growth, as well as its planned development in the future, most of which has already been sold. The botanic gardens, as well as the night safari, were also top class. But with the a constant 85% humidity and +30 degrees, I am more than happy to be back home once more.