Pre-Trip Projections

5 days. 120 hours. 7200 minutes. The amount of time we have in Chiang Mai. The amount of time we have to determine the effects of modernisation and how it affects Chiang Mai’s traditional heritage. While this may not be my first overseas experiential learning trip with schools, this is but yet my first time conducting research overseas with a group of talented individuals from various disciplines.

Our group chose to delve into the study of the intrinsic balance between urbanisation and heritage preservation. This topic is one that I can relate to as it is an issue prevalent in many countries, including Singapore. As we see how the Singapore government tries to preserve heritage using the 3R Principle – maximum retention, sensitive restoration and careful repair, it arouses the curiosity in me to find out how other countries in SEA preserve their rich heritage and if there are any learning points Singapore can adopt.

From the beginning, we were given the liberty to decide on the objectives of the trip, the methods we can adopt to attain this objective as well as the people whom we want to interview. Even during the trip itself, we have the freedom to alter our direction based on findings from the ground. We may make mistakes, but we learn from them as well. This forces us to step out of our comfort zone, to be self-dependent, and provides the freedom for independent inquiry throughout the trip.

In addition, living in a foreign country necessarily increases the importance of exercising caution in the things we say, the things we do, and how we portray ourselves. The presence of a language barrier also indicates the emphasis placed on our body language. We fall back onto the primitive ways, of relying on our five senses to pick up information and feelings. This trains our interpersonal and social skills as we are required to build relationships with people using a language we are largely unfamiliar with, hence having to rely mainly on our body language and facial expressions. These are important skills that cannot be taught using textbooks or in school, but rather by throwing us out there to see and learn for ourselves.

As a business student, there is a constant need to engage with people. People from all walks of life. People whom we may be meeting for the first time. This trip to Chiang Mai is able to provide me with an intercultural experience. As we approach the Thais on the streets for interviews and focus group discussions, we can learn how to interact and communicate with people who do not speak our language, people who have different beliefs, and people who are brought up in an entirely different environment. And it is through this that we can hone our communication skills and accelerate our growth to becoming a global leader.

On a more personal note, I envision this trip to bridge the gap between the other USP scholars and myself. As an introvert, I take a longer time to warm up with people I do not have frequent contact with. Given the fact that other than the USP camp in July there are hardly any chances for the USP scholars to bond due to hectic schedules, I believe this trip will be a platform for us to know each other better and bring us together. Travelling to a foreign country naturally requires mutual trust and understanding. With the myriad of problems we are bound to face in a foreign environment, I hope our group will be able to rise to any challenges and overcome the adversities together, forging stronger friendships.

On top of intra group bonding, I believe this trip can be used as a common topic to interact with USP scholars from the other groups. Hence, I hope that strong bonds will be forged throughout the trip, bonds that will last for a lifetime.

As the saying goes, “It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books.” I have always believed in the wonders of travelling. And through this trip, it will certainly aid my development as a NTU USP scholar, enhance my growth as a business student, and on top of all, allow me to become a better person through the experiences gained and lessons learnt. I am very grateful to be given the chance to go on this trip. After all, how many university students can say that they have conducted a research before? Let alone in a foreign country.

This trip will certainly be a great start to the New Year.