About The Course
COMM253 - Storytelling for Organizations and Brands, delivered by SMU-X, uniquely blends the art of storytelling with practical application in a business environment. This course reaches beyond conventional academic boundaries, drawing from disciplines such as neuroscience and psychology.
As a participant, I had the opportunity to grow as a storyteller, honing my ability to create and deliver narratives that engage and resonate with diverse audiences across different media platforms.
A standout feature of this course is its emphasis on real-world applications. We were plunged into the epicenter of a live project with Naver Cloud, a Korean tech company. This immersion not only necessitated the application of our newly acquired storytelling techniques but also offered invaluable insights into the demands and expectations of a modern corporate setting.
Moreover, the course ventured beyond the classroom, inviting us to experience the vibrant tableau of Korean business culture. Opportunities for interaction with Korean university professors, students, and industry professionals fostered a comprehensive understanding of the global business landscape. Visits to various companies in Seoul enriched this understanding, offering first-hand insights into the intriguing fusion of tradition and modernity that distinguishes Korean business practices.
Reflection
My exhilarating journey through South Korea, made possible by the SMU-X Opportunity Award, was nothing short of remarkable. Every moment was filled with firsts, an intoxicating blend of adventure, education, self-discovery, and camaraderie that left me craving more.
Paragliding over the Yangpyeong Mountains offered a taste of freedom I'd never experienced before. Soaring high above, I felt as if I were part of something grander. The breath-taking climb to the summit of Bukhansan further cemented this sense of connection with the environment – a physical and metaphorical ascent that I won't soon forget.
Evening gatherings by the Han River were steeped in warmth and laughter. The mellow tunes from buskers served as the perfect soundtrack to late-night suppers with classmates. The novelty of a jjimjilbang visit, complete with a first-time body scrub, brought a refreshing close to our busy days filled with company visits and endless exploration.
Companies such as Seawith, with their unwavering commitment to sustainability, and innovative ventures founded by our SMU alumni, like GoPizza, genuinely opened my eyes to the vast possibilities that lie ahead. I've learned that I may be a 'nobody' in this grand world right now, but it is a liberating rather than a limiting realisation. It signifies my place at the starting line, ready to dash towards the passions that ignite my spirit.
The experience helped me recognise that our world is much larger than our immediate surroundings. Meeting new friends from Sungkyunkwan University, who I would undoubtedly reconnect with if I return to Seoul, was a joyous reminder of the universal language of friendship.
This trip also fostered a deeper relationship with the most important person in my life – myself. Solo date days allowed me to bask in my own company, appreciating my unique quirks. Seeing the acclaimed South Korean musical 'Nanta' and visiting vibrant night markets were experiences that underscored my newfound self-love.
A surprise was the deep bonds I forged with my classmates on this trip. We felt such a strong connection that, barely two weeks back in Singapore, we gathered at GoPizza, reliving our shared memories of Korea.
Before the trip, I had naively believed that this singular excursion would quench my thirst for global understanding. However, the profound learning experiences I had, which can never be replicated within the confines of a classroom, have sparked a greater desire within me. I'm now seriously contemplating taking bold steps in order to embrace the opportunity to learn more about the world before plunging into the workforce.
This Korean sojourn was a journey of self-discovery, growth, and an expanding worldview, a Seoul-ful symphony that I will forever cherish. It was an extraordinary chapter in my life's narrative that has imbued me with invaluable lessons, lifelong friendships, and an enduring sense of joy.
Thank You Notes to Benefactors
Dear Benefactors,
I write this note with a heart brimming with gratitude and joy for the opportunity that you've so generously provided through the SMU-X Opportunity Award. This award didn't just fund a trip; it opened doors to a whole new world, fuelling an adventure of personal and educational growth beyond my wildest dreams.
Your benevolence afforded me the chance to paraglide over the majestic Yangpyeong Mountains, to scale the towering Bukhansan, and to lose myself in the vibrant night markets of Seoul. Every moment was a new lesson, an unforgettable adventure, a memory deeply etched within my heart. Through these experiences, my understanding of the world expanded significantly, in ways that a traditional classroom setting could never replicate.
Your kindness illuminated the expansive world beyond our familiar shores, teaching me that I am a single, but crucial, thread in the grand tapestry of life, ready to weave my own vibrant pattern. Through your support, a newfound confidence and desire have been kindled within me, encouraging me to venture further, to explore deeper, and to contribute more meaningfully to the world.
This experience, fuelled by your generosity, has ignited an even stronger desire within me to broaden my global understanding. It's a spark that would not have been lit without your support. As a result, I am now contemplating a bold step towards further global learning experiences, possibly even delaying my graduation to delve deeper into the well of worldly knowledge. This, I believe, is a testament to the profound impact this trip and your support have had on me.
For these life-altering experiences and for your unwavering belief in the potential of young minds like mine, I offer my sincerest thanks. Your generosity has truly transformed perspectives, broadened horizons, and planted seeds of curiosity and ambition that I will carry with me always.
The lessons I've learned during this journey will be the guiding force as I stride towards my dreams, and as I fondly recall the enriching experience of my Korean sojourn - a Seoul-ful symphony of joy and learning, I am humbled and immensely grateful for your support.
With deepest gratitude,
Joey Lim Hui Shan
