About The Course
The purpose of this course is to provide participants with an appreciation of business and investment opportunities in Indonesia, and an understanding of its social, cultural, economic, and political landscape. At the same time, this is an SMU-XO module, which offers an overseas experiential learning opportunity for students. The course allows students to translate classroom knowledge and theory into practical solutions for real organizations. In addition to visits to companies and organizations, students will also participate in a consultancy project. Through the project, students will learn how to solve business problems with guidance from the faculty and project sponsor mentors, from problem definition to final client presentation – while simultaneously testing their skills in real-world settings.
The project will focus on evaluating problems faced by the accounting/finance and other functions of one company in Indonesia and recommending/applying solutions to these problems. The course qualifies for one credit unit and encompasses seminars, guest lectures, and presentations all held in Singapore. It culminates in a study trip to visit Bali and Jakarta at the end of the semester.
Reflection
My study mission trip to Jakarta and Bali was an eye-opener for me. Throughout the whole semester and trip, it taught me to be more open-minded as the world is an endless learning curve. If you think you know it all, think again. When the Professor told us we had to do our group project with students from Jakarta, I was pessimistic as I felt that due to differences in time, distance, culture, and schedule, it would be very hard to produce a good report for our clients. However, I was wrong. Despite the constraint, the benefits actually outweigh the cons. We were more creative, more adventurous and more knowledgeable now since we have a student in Jakarta with a local understanding of our client. Additionally, working with overseas students allows me to think differently and be more sensitive with my actions as we have different ways of living and culture and thus, we always must be respectful of one another.
Project aside, I learned a lot about Indonesia during the company visits and from my own observation. Did you know North Jakarta has sunk 8.2 feet in the past decade? I definitely did not know but I learned to be grateful as we definitely have it better here. However, the culture there excites me. From the kecak dance to their excellent authentic Nasi Padang. From their many islands to the way they show respect. There are just countless things to learn and discover there. Overall, this trip has encouraged me to be more engaged in world matters, not just politically but culturally. And I definitely enjoyed my trip to Jakarta and Bali.
Thank You Notes to Benefactors
I would like to say thank you to the Benefactors for the grant. It has enabled me to embark on an incredible study mission to Jakarta and Bali. Your support is not only a financial contribution but also an invaluable encouragement in my pursuit of learning and growth. This opportunity allowed me to deepen my understanding of the culture there while engage with local communities and broaden my global perspective. None of this would have been possible without your thoughtful investment in my education. I am committed to making the most of this experience and hope to carry forward the knowledge I gain in a way that reflects your generosity and belief in my potential. Thank you once again for your trust and support. It truly means the world to me.
