About The Course
MGMT245 Overseas Project Experience (Digital Business Transformation Across Asia Practicum) is a module that offers students the opportunity to tackle real-world digital transformation challenges faced by Southeast Asian companies as well as to aid foreign companies in entering the ASEAN market. Through close collaboration with an international client and local university peers, we assessed business models, applied digital strategy frameworks, and proposed innovative, data-driven solutions for our client. The course also focused on sharpening regional business insights, cross-cultural communication, and practical problem-solving in the context of doing business in Ho Chi Minh City.
Reflection
Vietnam has long been on my bucket list, a country I know to be rich in history, tradition, and culture. My time in Ho Chi Minh City through this SMU-X Overseas practicum was nothing short of transformative. Over the span of just 10 days, I gained lessons that extended far beyond the classroom as I learned to empathize with the local way of life, immerse myself in unfamiliar surroundings, and build meaningful friendships that I’ll carry with me for a long time.
When I first heard about the SMU-X course heading to Vietnam, I knew I had to sign up even if it meant going alone. I was eager to challenge myself, discover more about who I am, and explore whether strategy and consulting were paths I wanted to pursue in my future career.
That’s exactly what this journey gave me. Our main project was to consult on the market entry strategy for DRIMAES, a Korean EV software solutions company. We were tasked with helping them navigate Vietnam’s complex infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and competitive EV landscape. My team and I worked relentlessly, often into the early hours in both Singapore and Vietnam, to craft a compelling strategy that we could be proud to present. The experience of seeing our ideas resonate with the client, who dialed in at 6 AM US time while on a business trip, was truly unforgettable. We were also grateful to our professors who constantly supported us even outside official consultation hours.
We had the privilege of visiting local EV players like MET EV, EBOOST, DAT Bike, and NUEN Motors, where we gained valuable insights into the real-world challenges and breakthroughs shaping the Vietnamese EV market. It was through these site visits that our understanding was deeply enriched and helped us craft a well-supported, tailored solution for DRIMAES.
Beyond the project, what made this trip truly special was our collaboration with the students from Van Lang University (VLU). They welcomed us warmly, offered fresh perspectives, and made our journey so much more enjoyable. I can now (proudly!) count fluently in Vietnamese as certified by the locals themselves!
As I look back, I have zero regrets, and this was undoubtedly a highlight of my year. I’m incredibly thankful for my teammates, professors, and everyone who made this journey so impactful. If you’re considering an SMU-XO module, don’t overthink it. Just go for it. All the best!
Thank You Notes To Benefactors
Thank you so much for making my participation in the SMU-XO Vietnam trip possible. As a student juggling between school and working jobs, this opportunity meant the world to me as it allowed me to fulfil a long-time dream of visiting Vietnam and learning through real-world experience.
This journey was incredibly eye-opening. I’ve grown not just as a student, but as a person, learning from local businesses, working with Vietnamese peers, and gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and innovation!
Because of you, I was able to dream a little bigger and achieve more than I imagined possible.
Cảm ơn rất nhiều!
