After spending a relaxing Sunday
discovering Singapore's cosmopolitan high life, we were back in the classroom,
taking a deep dive into social and political arena of South East Asia.
Located on the 13th floor of the National Library building, our classroom had a
majestic view of brilliantly fashioned skyscrapers. A perfect blend of East and
West, Singapore gives an impression of a young, bold and dynamic nation.
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| Irving Aw is consulting Valerie Lai regarding one of our tough questions |
Dr. Cedomir Nestorovic, ESSEC's
professor of geopolitics and international marketing, started his sessions by
talking about South East Asia's geography, history, religious divisions, and
military affairs.
After lunch, Valerie Lai and Irving
Aw, Partners at the largest law firm in Singapore, Rajah & Tann LLP, gave the group an overview of South East
Asia's tax and investment environment, which pointed to a strong pro-business
climate in the region. The students received answers on taxation, gaining
entry, registering a business, operating costs, and many others. According to
our discussion, the government has taken tough measures (such as corporate tax
rates reduction and capping office rental rates) to facilitate entry and stay
of entrepreneurs in Singapore.
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| Our passionate guide tells us about the history of Asian garnment |
A visit to the Asian Civilizations
museum gave us a broad, yet integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and an
appreciation of rich cultures that make up Singapore's multi-ethnic society. While
Singapore's founders came to settle here from any parts of Asia within the last
200 years, the cultures brought to Singapore by these different people are far
more ancient. This aspect of Singapore's history seemed to be the main focus of
our tour. After a delicious dinner at one of the best Italian restaurants in Singapore,
our bus took us back to The Carlton hotel.
