Basically my 3 objectives that I set before the trip are getting to know the different culture, learning how to network and making new friends. Through the company visits and networking dinner with the locals and Singaporeans, I gained first hand experience from them about how different it is to do business with the Chinese and also to make the first move to exchange namecards with them conduct small talks. For example, when a contract is signed it does not mean that everything is fixed. In actual fact, the transaction has just begun. As we also visit the different cultural sites such as the Sun Yat Sen Memorial and Huang Fei Hong Memorial, we learnt more about our own Chinese history as well. It was at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial that I learnt that in the past people break the mirror into half, 1 for each for the husband and wife to be buried together in their tomb. This signifies “Po Jing Cong Yuan” which means that the husband and wife can be reunited again in the netherworld. As for the Lion Dance performance at the Huang Fei Hong Memorial I realized that the juniors received more donations and applause as compared to the seniors. From my point of view, I feel that as one grows older more is expected from you. During meal times, I also realized that soup is always served first, no chilli sauce and that rice is not a must to go with the dishes. As compared to us Singaporeans, we are always served rice first and we also like to use different types of sauce to go with our food especially chilli sauce.

I am glad that our lecturers made it a point for us to sit with different people everytime, be it during our bus journey or even at meal times. At first I was really reluctant in doing so but I really appreciate them for coming up with this plan as I am someone who do not really open up to people that easily.

This trip has really trained me to be more independent and not take things for granted. This is my first time abroad without my family, first time bargaining at the stalls and my first trip to China. This trip has also changed my negative mindset towards China to a much positive one. Our tour guide Steven was very responsible and caring. During meal times he went round our tables to make sure everything is alright before settling down to eat.

Before going for the trip, I had heard numerous stories about how bad or less developed China is. However, I was taken aback by how advanced they are. They were many skyscrapers. The hotels that we stayed in were really grand and their facilities were much better than I had expected. I also realized that it is always better to know how to speak the country’s native language. It comes in very handy especially in business dealings as well as for bargaining at stalls. I had a similar experience in Hong Kong. I was given different quotations when I spoke in Cantonese and Mandarin. The quotation I was given was lower when I spoke in Cantonese.

Frankly speaking after the first few workshops I regretted signing up for this trip. However after the 10 days, I really enjoyed and glad that I came. The first hand experience and benefits that I gained is what we call experience that money can’t buy.