Reflections from the National Chengchi University College of Commerce Global Immersion in Asia Summer Programme (NCCUC GIA-Taiwan)
By Darren Low Wee Kiat
I’ve always believed that the best learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms—it happens when you step out of your comfort zone, meet people who think differently, and immerse yourself in unfamiliar environments. That’s exactly what I experienced during a one-week overseas exchange at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University (NCCU).
[NCCU Dah Hsian Seetoo Library]
The exchange brought together 19 participants from all over the world: the US, Norway, Greece, Germany, and across Asia. We came from different industries—finance, marketing, FMCG—and at different stages of our careers, from full-time students to CEOs. The single commonality that binds us is a shared curiosity about global business and a desire to learn from one another.
The week was a whirlwind of activity. Some days were spent in full-day classroom sessions diving into Taiwan’s business landscape. Other days took us outside the campus—to company visits and cultural landmarks. We sipped tea atop the picturesque hills of Mao-Kong, stood in awe at Taipei 101, browsed the treasures of the National Palace Museum, and feasted our way through lively night markets. But some of the most memorable moments happened after hours—when we broke into smaller groups to explore the city, swap stories over local food, and discover just how much we could learn from each other’s worlds.
One of the most memorable experiences was visiting the office and factory of a Taiwan-owned beauty brand – our case study client. Unlike many Asian beauty companies chasing rapid brand expansion, this company opted for a niche approach and focussed solely on the USA and EU markets through large regional distributors. Despite recent investments in bringing manufacturing back to Taiwan and enhancing quality through R&D and water filtration systems, these improvements had not translated into stronger sales – raising important questions about strategy, growth, and market alignment.
In class, the discussion came alive! Each of us brought different perspectives to the table—some focused on branding, others on supply chains or geopolitical risk. The diversity of our group transformed this single case into a multifaceted exploration of global business strategy. Rather than simply analysing a problem, we collaborated to find cost-effective ways forward—exchanging ideas, challenging assumptions, and appreciating how culture and context shape decision-making. It was an energising reminder of the value of diverse thinking in tackling complex challenges.
Just as we began to truly connect, the week came to an end. Many of us wished the exchange had lasted longer—two weeks would’ve allowed for deeper collaboration and more time to explore this vibrant country together. Still, the experience was nothing short of incredible. The program was exceptionally well-organised, and the staff at NCCU were warm, responsive, and genuinely invested in our learning journey. If I could do one thing differently, I’d choose to stay at the on-campus International House, which is run by a professional hotel chain—an option I’d highly recommend to future participants for a fuller cultural immersion.
[Taipei 101]
This exchange wasn’t just about gaining knowledge—it was about gaining perspective. I left Taiwan with a clearer understanding of how culture shapes business, how diversity enriches problem-solving, and how much we grow when we step outside our familiar spaces.
