This trip was indeed a fruitful one to me. It was an eye opener and there was lots of exposure. This trip was not just like any leisure trips as the places that we visited were quite different. There are little places of interests visited and mostly are companies, factories or manufacturing plants. Compared to the past, China is more develop now. An example is from the no door toilet to a well-furnished air-conditioned toilet. During this trip, I gain new insights of their culture. To the Chinese, it is just being polite to tap the fingers on the table when someone served them tea. It is a sign to thank the server. To us, we do not do such a gesture, as it is not seen that often in Singapore. The way that the Chinese welcome their guests is also so unique to us. When we were at Walmart, the staff actually stood outside the store and waited for us. As we approached the entrance, they actually clapped and cheered. This experience gave me the feeling that I seem to be a very important guest. From the sightseeing scheduled, I have slightly more knowledge about China’s history. Understanding their history allows me to know why the Chinese have certain mindset. Through this trip, I have also learnt about the style of doing business in china. At many times, when a businessman says “yes”, it may not really mean that it is “yes”. Even when a contract is signed, it does not mean that the deal is clinched. It may simply only mean that it is the start of the negotiation. A lot of those successful deals are gotten through “guan xi” which is relationship. Therefore, maintaining a good relationship is essential. From all the companies visited over the past few days, I have gotten more relevant information for my project and it will definitely plays a part when I need to write my report. All the Q & A sessions had also added on to my learning. From being alert so as to not asked repeated question to phrasing and translating question properly to introducing ourselves before posting a question and many more. I feel that asking questions play a vital role, as it will enhance my learning. The key to clearing my doubts and to have a clearer picture of what was going on is to ask when there is a need. Planning and coordinating the day’s program is not easy as well. It is the opportunity to learn and work with each other regardless of whether I know or do not know the person. In this trip, communication is very important. Any miscommunication that occurs will affect the progress of the program planned. Being able to be flexible and adapt to the situation was also essential. Even when we were uncomfortable with our accommodation, we just have to bear with it. The best part of the program comes in when networking lunches and dinners come in. It was real life experience which I benefited lots from it. It is not just as simple as exchanging name card and eat a meal together. A lot of small talks were being carried out so that the atmosphere do not feel funny as if it was like a formal Q & A session. Everyone has to play a part to the conversations or else it will come to a point when it is very quiet and no one talks. In fact, it was the time when I can learn a lot from all those businessmen working overseas. In fact, through all these networking session, it gives us more chances to be open to the overseas market. Some of the businessmen have offered internship opportunities while some have offered full time job opportunities. In this trip, I have known more people and thus widening my social circle. A lot more connections are also gotten from this trip that may be useful to us in the future. This trip has allowed everyone to be more closely bonded with one another. It is like from strangers to classmates to friends and even to close pals. Without you guys, this trip will not have been possible. Lastly, I want to thank everyone that made this trip successful, fun and enriching.

-- Zhao Yuan