From May 27 to May 31, Yu Qianlong, Program Director of the Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) of the USSTBS Professional Degree Education Center (PDEC), and Counselor Zhang Wei, led a delegation of 22-23 postgraduate students on a 5-day overseas study visit to the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). With the theme of Business Analysis and Sustainability, the visit aimed to explore new global business trends while deepening the understanding of sustainability.
On May 27, Sabrina Shen, SIM China Regional Manager (North China), delivered a welcome speech and provided a detailed course introduction. Charmeine Zhou, Senior Officer at the International Student Admissions Department, Krystal Lin from the International Student Services Center, and Kelvin Yao from the Micro-Credentials Center led the delegation to visit the campus.
Group photo
The teaching content of this overseas study visit program was mainly divided into four parts, covering business analysis, an introduction to visual thinking and visual mapping, enterprise sustainable development strategy, and a mind mapping discussion. Professor Jean Foo highlighted the pivotal role of data analysis in business decision-making with examples of enterprise sustainability. Tan Chenxiang introduced visual tools such as mind maps, concept maps and flowcharts, and guided students using Padlet for interaction. Professor John Bounaparte explored the trend of companies building green brands and discussed business development strategies for different types of companies. Professor Andrew Lee's Mind Mapping workshop stimulated innovative thinking and cross-disciplinary problem-solving skills through challenging games and design thinking principles.
The Course Site
The visit program also arranged a variety of practical activities including enterprise visits across different industries, entrepreneur-sharing sessions, and a completion ceremony. Students could have a deeper understanding of the actual business operations and management, as well as the journey of entrepreneurs. Students visited the Bank of China Singapore Branch, the Sino-Singapore Financial Museum, and the eco-friendly coworking space O2Work of M-Grass. Li Ruiwu, President of Guangdong Enterprise Association (Singapore) and founder of O2Work, shared his valuable experience in entrepreneurship and suggestions for future development from the perspective of innovation and entrepreneurship. Allen, Vice President of Insignia Ventures Partners, shared with the students his cutting-edge investment practices and discussed the opportunities and challenges in Southeast Asia. The students and Allen also had an in-depth discussion on how to identify whether to invest in high-tech enterprises, why many companies are headquartered in Singapore, and career development. Students gained a new understanding of the Southeast Asian market and innovative investment opportunities, expanded their horizons and thinking. This experience provided them with valuable references and insights for future career development and entrepreneurial exploration.
Visiting companies
On May 31, the delegation was divided into five groups to present their final reports, which focused on the success cases of business strategies from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). They incorporated the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UNHCR and explored cases in sectors such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection. Students used Disney, Anta, and IKEA as examples to demonstrate how these companies' business strategies align with the UNHCR's 17 SDGs. They also proposed industry improvements to achieve sustainable development goals.
Speech by Yu Qianlong
Speech by Lim Lin
On behalf of the Business School, Yu Qianlong expressed his gratitude to SIM’s reception. Lim Lin, Academic Dean of SIM, presented study certificates to all participants and expressed the hope that they would apply the knowledge gained during this program to their future work and life.
Group photo
The visit to Singapore allowed the students to experience the featured charm of Singapore's Garden City. The innovative vigor of multicultural collision, the favorable business environment, and the superior geographical location make it a hub for numerous outstanding enterprises. The students not only expanded their international perspectives through engaging interactions and learning from esteemed scholars and company executives but also gained new insights and motivation for their future studies and lives.
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The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) was established in 1964. The school collaborates with internationally renowned universities from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries to offer high-quality academic programs. It is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through learning, fostering the development of lifelong learning capabilities. SIM Global Education (SIM GE) focuses on higher education pathways and is one of Singapore’s leading private education institutions. Its multicultural learning environment aims to equip students with knowledge, professional skills, and global perspectives to succeed in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world.
Singapore Institute of Management
Translated by Jin Liang
Reviewed by Liu Weiwei
