A group of 27 Ngee Ann Polytechnic students from the Accountancy and Business Studies faculty are in Chongqing for an Overseas Immersion Programme in partnership with Chongqing University lasting for three weeks between 11-31 March 2018.
Through the Programme, the students get the opportunity to experience a different culture and learning environment through interactions with local students and lectures in Chinese History & Geography, Traditions & Business Culture. They also visited Xiuhu National Wetland Park and Logistics Park, China-Singapore (Chongqing)Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, Ciqikou Old Town, Wulong (UNESCO Natural Heritage Site), Hotpot Factory, Chongqing and Chengdu city tours, etc.
As part of their Programme, they met up with Singaporeans working in Chongqing to understand more about their lifestyles and careers in Chongqing.
Wisenet Asia had the honour of hosting a tea session with the students on 24 March 2018, a Saturday evening.
Ms Karen Woong, General Manager of Wisenet Asia (Chongqing) welcomed the students and shared her overseas working experiences including working in Chongqing. She also gave an introduction of Wisenet Asia, the company’s business in Chongqing and why the company decided to set up a branch in Chongqing, mainly due to increased business activities in Chongqing as a result of One Road One Belt initiative and the third government-to-government project between China and Singapore. She encouraged the students, especially those who are interested to live and work overseas, to develop a positive mindset and a can-do spirit, which are important traits of adjusting and adapting in any foreign country.
Ms Woong then introduced to the students several Singaporeans who are working and living in Chongqing.
- Mr Ernest Lim (Project Director of CapitaLand’s RMB 24 billion multi-tower mega-project (Raffles City Chongqing))
- Mr Jeffrey Lew (General Manager of South Air International)
- Mr Elvin Lee (Marketing Manager of Bangkok Bank Chongqing Branch)
Mr Ernest Lim shared his experiences working in the Middle East and in Chongqing, the differences and how he adapts.
Mr Elvin Lee encouraged the students to keep a positive attitude and never be fearful of doing more. The more one does, the more one learns through experience.
Mr Jeffrey Lew shared interesting facts about Chongqing city and about the business environment in Chongqing.
At the end of the hour-long tea session, they stayed back spontaneously and mingled around with the speakers.
The students shared that it has been an eye-opening experience for them in Chongqing and they like the vibrant city.
Many expressed their interest to return to Chongqing for their upcoming internship.