About The Course
This overseas project experience is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of mass-tourism in Bali. Students are then asked to help the Earth Company solve the real-life issue of how they may raise awareness towards sustainable tourism among travellers from Singapore and beyond.
Reflection
I was intrigued by how eco-tourism has been developing in two different ways: one that focuses on the ecological aspect, and the other focuses on the humane aspect. I saw that our client, Mana Earthly Paradise, has had both feet in the human-centric and ecological-centric components of eco-tourism through their sustainable architecture (Earth Bag Villas), and through their positive relationships with its ‘banjar’ (neighbourhood or smallest form of local government in Bali). My team and I saw that it can play a much more influential role in the eco-tourism sector by infusing cultural storytelling into it marketing efforts to Asian travelers. After all, much of the younger generations are looking at looking at immersive, experiential living with the local community in a sustainable fashion.
This SMU X Overseas module in Global Asia has definitely enabled me to utilize my knowledge and empathy to find practical recommendations for the client, which they can inspire and adapt for future operations.
Thank You Notes to Benefactors
I am glad to have this opportunity to get onto this SMU-X Overseas course on sustainability in Bali to learn more about eco-tourism and also experience its rich culture. It was an eye-opener for me as it was my first time in Indonesia, so I am glad that Bali did that just for me. Thank you for playing role in enabling more SMU students to make their mark in the real-world with our amassed academic knowledge and industrial experience. Such study trips go beyond helping the real-world clients; it allows us to empathize and touch the lives of the locals who resides in the communities and societies positively. I am sure with SMU’s cutting-edge teaching pedagogy, we will be able to make tailored contributions and impact for all organizations and people we cross path with.
