Episode 3- It’s a material world

China South City (ShenZhen) - Tuesday, 13 March 2007

Should you want to tour around Material City, ask for a buggy.

Now you get my point?

In today’s episode, the students take a tour of the sizable Material City. Ms Tina Lee from the Overseas Business Department is the guide for the day. Very detailedly, she briefs the students about the Material City all of which was done on the buggy.

Within the tour, Glenda finds out that the aim of Material City is to act as an international bridge, connecting Chinese industrial materials business with the rest of the world. Ms Tina Lee also mentions that the company has a contract with the Government and that the Government plays a part in helping to attract foreign investors as well. Glenda learns that, with competition among companies, companies will aim to produce better quality goods at a lower cost. The same logic also applies for studies.

Episode 2- The Arrival

Hong Kong international Airport – Monday, 12 march 2007 12.00pm

The sloppy dressed HK tour guide.

Utmost attention at the briefing.

A walk-in at the TDC Business InfoCentre.

Glenda’s classmates. (Elizabeth, Xinni, RongXin)


Glenda’s group mates!

Need advice?

This episode, the students visit their first company- Hong Kong Trade Development Council which is located in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre extension. The students are greeted by Emily Cheung, Corporate Relations Executive.

Glenda’s learning Points of the day :

1) HKTDC provides services such as customized business matching that puts you in touch with the right partners, experienced and knowledgeable business matching specialists, access to a resourceful proprietary database of suppliers and buyers, appointment services and many others. These services are provided to investors who are interested in investing in Pearl River Delta Region.
2) SME takes about 1 to 2 years to start business in the PRD region & HK through TDC.

3) Being able to speak a few languages/dialect (English, Chinese, Cantonese) will help in communication with others. For example Emily Cheung was actually having slight difficulties in understanding and replying the questions back in English.
4) Hong Kong is a well developed country like Singapore. (Not as nice buildings though)

Episode 1- The Pre-Trip

For reasons of broadening her horizons, Glenda and 33 other students from the BA school chose to go on a study mission at the Pearl River Delta region organised by Ngee Ann Polytechnic. The trip commenced on 12 March and ended on 23 March 2007.

Before the trip, the students attended a 5-day pre-trip preparation workshop.

Glenda’s objectives for the trip…

1) Greater understand & appreciate the Chinese culture
2) Understand more about the operation of companies
3) Comprehend the challenges faced by foreign companies entering into China
4) Find out how and to what extent is connections(guan xi) important in China
5) Make new friends

Having to translate english words to chinese, was indeed a catastrophe for Glenda.