Exploring the Dynamics of Asian Business
By Emma Steadman, C'26
This summer, a group of Sewanee students traveled to Singapore and Vietnam as part of the Babson Center for Global Commerce’s Dynamics of Asian Business program, combining classroom research during the spring semester with site visits and in-person meetings with business leaders. The opportunity to explore different cultures, economies, and industries through business is what drew Clay Upchurch, C’27, to the program. “I have a very deep interest in Asian culture and traveling because I've traveled all over the world,” says Upchurch. “Traveling for school is unique because of the opportunity to meet different business leaders, corporations, and government agencies. It is really fascinating to me.”
The program began in Singapore, a developed city-state known as the financial capital of Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, Upchurch noted its globalization and corporate culture, saying, “It’s an incredibly clean and well-organized city. They’re very methodical in their work, everything’s efficient and well thought-out.”
Vietnam, by contrast, offered a distinct cultural and developing environment. They visited both Hanoi, the governmental capital, and Saigon, where most of the global-facing work is based. Upchurch observed how the country is on the rise, and appreciated the chance to witness a country actively developing, while watching the challenges and opportunities that come with this growth.
Among the most memorable site visits for Upchurch was Tigris, a company based out of Singapore, focused on financing small sustainable practices with the Zero Capital Expenditure (Zero-CAPEX) Model. “The co-founder, Daniel Yeung, was a great introduction and super kind, and a number of Carey Fellows [Sewanee’s business honors program] have gone and worked for him,” says Upchurch. Another one, an entity called the Southern Institute of Social Sciences (SISS) or in Vietnam, is notable for all the research it does to support the Vietnamese government in creating policy.
Beyond the business insights, Upchurch found this program to be a great way to connect with fellow Sewanee students in a new environment. Spending every day together traveling, learning, and exploring, brought the group closer and made the program even more meaningful. It also encouraged Upchurch’s interest in pursuing a career in travel, tourism, or possibly international consulting. “You learn so much from the companies and just from exploring,” he says. “Being out in the city and getting a feel for the culture is an amazing experience. I recommend that anyone who’s interested definitely go.”
