Before this trip, I thought I knew what to expect from Southeast Asia. I had read a little about Singapore, heard stories from others, and looked up some of the companies we would be visiting. But once I actually stepped off the plane, I realized that no amount of research could fully prepare me for the experience.
Stepping into the Unknown
I chose this study abroad trip because I wanted something completely different from my everyday life in the United States. As a Global Supply Chain Management student, I knew I would eventually work in an international environment, and I wanted to see firsthand how business, culture, and daily life operate in another part of the world.
What I didn’t expect was how quickly the trip would become about more than just business.
Singapore: Clean, Efficient, and Full of Surprises
Singapore was our first stop, and it immediately impressed me. The city felt incredibly organized and clean. Walking through the streets, seeing the Merlion, and looking across the bay at Marina Bay Sands felt almost surreal. Everything seemed modern, efficient, and carefully planned.
One thing that stood out to me was how different housing is compared to the U.S. Most people live in high-rise apartment buildings, including many wealthy residents. That was a big contrast to the American idea that success usually means owning a large house.
Food was another highlight. Hawker centers became some of my favorite places in the city. I remember trying chicken curry laksa and being surprised by how flavorful it was. Even better, it was incredibly affordable. Many meals cost only a few dollars but tasted better than dishes I’ve had at home.
We also visited companies such as Hoya Electronics and Cloudera, where I learned about semiconductors, AI, sales, and marketing strategies. As someone interested in business, these visits helped me connect classroom concepts to real-world operations.
Malaysia: A Different Pace
Moving from Singapore to Penang, Malaysia, felt like entering a completely different world. The city had a more relaxed atmosphere, colorful streets, and a strong connection to its history and culture.
One of my favorite experiences was exploring Penang Hill. The rainforest environment, wildlife, and views over the island were incredible. We visited temples, learned about Buddhist traditions, and even tried fruits that are difficult to find in the U.S., such as starfruit and durian.
The business visits in Malaysia were especially valuable for my major. Touring Hoya’s manufacturing facility showed me how precise semiconductor production is, while visiting Rhenus Logistics demonstrated how global transportation and warehousing systems work together. Seeing these operations in person made many supply chain concepts feel much more real.
Thailand: Busy, Loud, and Unforgettable
Bangkok was probably the biggest culture shock of the trip. The city was constantly moving—traffic, scooters, street vendors, and crowds everywhere. Yet despite the chaos, I found the people incredibly welcoming.
Some of my best memories came from the food. We took a tuk-tuk food tour, tried dishes from local vendors, and later attended a cooking class where we prepared a full Thai meal ourselves. Every meal seemed packed with flavors that were hard to find back home.
We also visited Sanmina, a semiconductor manufacturing company, and met with representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. Hearing about careers in international business and public service opened my eyes to paths I hadn’t considered before.
The most memorable experience, however, was visiting an elephant sanctuary. Feeding and bathing elephants was something I had only ever seen in pictures. Being close to these animals and observing their behavior was genuinely moving and easily became one of the highlights of the entire trip.
What I Took Away
When I think back on this journey, I remember far more than just the company tours and tourist attractions. I remember the conversations with locals, the kindness of strangers, the excitement of trying new foods, and the feeling of being completely outside my comfort zone.
The trip taught me that global business is ultimately about people. Understanding different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking is just as important as understanding supply chains or financial strategies.
Most importantly, it gave me confidence. Traveling across Southeast Asia showed me that I can adapt to new environments, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and learn from experiences that are very different from my own.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have taken this trip, and I know the lessons I learned will stay with me throughout my career and beyond. I want to also give the Reh School of Business a shoutout for allowing Clarkson University students to have this opportunity.
