We’re thrilled to announce that the UA&P’s Entrepreneurial Management (EM) Program is bringing back our highly successful International Study Tours for EM students, and for the first time ever, we’re launching foreign investment roadshow trips exclusively for our alumni, starting in the first quarter of 2025.
Starting in January 2025, our students will get the chance to explore selected countries, gaining invaluable insights into different markets, innovative business practices, and the nuances of cross-cultural communication.
What’s in Store?
The EM study tours have always aimed to achieve several key objectives that are integral to our students’ learning and development. Here’s a closer look at what we strive to accomplish:
1. Broaden Our Students’ Awareness of Opportunities in Markets Outside the Philippines
Our study tours are designed to expose students to international markets, helping them understand the vast array of business opportunities that exist beyond our borders. By visiting different countries, students gain insights into various market dynamics, consumer behaviors, and economic conditions. This exposure helps them:
- Identify potential markets for new ventures.
- Recognize emerging trends and industries that could be adapted or introduced to the Philippines.
- Understand the challenges and opportunities of operating in a global business environment.
2. Facilitate an Exchange of Views on Doing Business in the Destination Country
A crucial component of the study tours is the exchange of ideas and perspectives with local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics. This interaction provides our students with:
- Diverse viewpoints on business practices and strategies.
- A deeper understanding of the cultural, legal, and economic factors that influence business operations in the destination country.
- Insights into the successes and failures of local businesses, offering valuable lessons that can be applied back home.
3. Provide Firsthand Observation of How Local Products and Companies Have Gone Global
Seeing is believing, and our study tours offer students the opportunity to observe successful businesses in action. By visiting companies that have achieved international success, students learn:
- The processes and strategies used to scale operations and enter global markets.
- How local businesses adapt their products and services to meet the demands of international customers.
- The importance of innovation, quality, and branding in achieving global recognition.
How Do We Achieve This?
Our EM study tours are meticulously planned to provide students with immersive and impactful experiences. Here’s how we ensure that our objectives are met through various activities and interactions:
Marketplace Visits
We take our students to bustling urban centers where competition is fierce, and innovation thrives. These visits are designed to give them a real-world understanding of:
- Competitive Dynamics: By exploring local marketplaces, students can observe how businesses compete on product quality, pricing, customer service, and marketing strategies.
- Consumer Behavior: Students gain insights into local consumer preferences and purchasing habits, which are crucial for understanding market demands.
- Innovative Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge business models and technologies that are being implemented by successful companies in the region.
University Interactions
Connecting with local universities is a key component of our EM study tours. These interactions provide students with a platform to:
- Exchange Ideas: Participate in lectures, workshops, and discussion panels with local students and faculty, fostering a mutual exchange of knowledge and perspectives.
- Collaborative Learning: Work on joint projects or case studies, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts in a practical setting and learn from the diverse viewpoints of their peers.
- Cultural Exchange: Gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural differences and similarities that impact business practices and management styles.
These university interactions not only enhance academic learning but also help in building international networks that can be beneficial for future collaborations.
Entrepreneur Forums
Our study tours include dedicated sessions where students can interact with both Filipino and foreign entrepreneurs. These forums are structured to provide:
- Success Stories: Hear firsthand accounts of entrepreneurial journeys, including the strategies and decisions that led to their success.
- Lessons Learned: Understand the challenges and obstacles faced by these entrepreneurs, and how they overcame them. This includes insights into market entry strategies, scaling operations, and navigating regulatory environments.
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with established entrepreneurs, which can lead to potential mentorship, partnerships, or internship opportunities.
A Look Back
Our first tour kicked off in March 2015 with a visit to Vietnam, followed by a trip to Thailand in May 2017. These tours gave our students a unique perspective on the real-world application of their classroom lessons.
A standout moment was our visit to the New Balance factory in Vietnam, where students not only saw operations in action but also received free sneakers—a memorable highlight that reinforced their learning in Operations Management.
What’s Next?
This time, we’re heading to Taiwan! Known for its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovative industries, Taiwan offers a vibrant culture that resonates with our own. Our itinerary includes visits to agribusinesses, networking sessions with successful entrepreneurs, and a university visit to provide our students with practical insights and opportunities to forge international connections.
We can’t wait to see our students and alumni broaden their horizons and bring back fresh, innovative ideas to share with our community. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an exciting 2025!
For more information about the UA&P Entrepreneurial Management Program, please visit https://em.uap.asia/about/.