Thailand and Singapore have always enjoyed a close relationship built upon historical ties and shared strategic interests as important trade and investment partners. The latest Business Study Mission (BSM) had these elements in view, as it specially focused on Bangkok, the most cosmopolitan business hub in Thailand. The BSM Thailand trip was preceded by preparatory classes and project studies. These were supplemented with class visits by representatives of Thai companies in Singapore as well as Singapore companies doing business in Thailand. After adequate groundwork, the BSM Thailand trip itself took place on 5-12 June.

The purpose of this BSM was to provide the students with an appreciation of business opportunities and practices in Thailand, and an understanding of the social, cultural, economic and political settings that influence business decisions. Through the BSM course and group project work, culminating in the visit to Bangkok, students gained a greater understanding of diverse economic areas like agriculture, automobile manufacturing and health tourism, while developing an awareness of the country's social policy and development.

"Although globalisation continues to drive the world, and the world has grown progressively smaller, Southeast Asia as a hinterland has not diminished in value," said course instructor Practice Associate Professor Ong Siow Heng. "Rather, it has become increasingly so important that students need to seek an enhanced understanding of the region and its numerous opportunities."

BSM Thailand continues in the line of previous study trips to key business hubs like Pearl River Delta (China), metropolitan India, Madrid and Silicon Valley, among others. Two current BSM courses are focusing on the Americas and will include trips to Chile and New York City at the end of the academic term.