In honor of our new rotational campus, we are casting our minds back to Hult’s first foray into the modern city-state of possibilities that is Singapore. Our city seminar brought together students from all over our community in one blockbuster location to dive deep into the Asian economic market for a truly global experience. Two students look back on the seminar a year on and cherry-pick their personal lessons and highlights.
  

Onyinyechi Nwosu

Malin Fagerlund

Why did you sign up for the Singapore City Seminar?  

First, I love to travel. I typically enjoy visiting new places and experiencing life in different climes. The trip to Singapore meant I would explore a new city with my colleagues from different Hult campuses. Second, I have a curious mind and wanted to expand my knowledge, especially about doing business in Asia while really interacting with people in the region. ON 

As a Swede in New York City and having lived and led teams across the world, I was eager to continue growing as a global leader and finding new ways to drive meaningful business results. With Asia being the world’s fastest growing region and an increasingly influential force in the global economy. MF

Was there a specific “Singapore thing” you were most looking forward to? Did it live up to expectations?

I was looking forward to experiencing how three powerhouse faculty would navigate their individual expertise and principles taught in class with the industry practices in Asia and the world. I recall learning about the cognitive economy and the FLP-IT framework developed by the trio as a strategy tool for addressing future challenges. This model didn’t end up in books. It was glaringly applicable even as we went on industry visits in Singapore. ON
 
While I knew little about Singapore beyond its reputation for cleanliness and strict policies like the ban on chewing gum, I was thrilled to experience its unique blend of modernity and culture firsthand. The sessions were held in the inspiring Singapore National Gallery, providing a backdrop that matched the seminar’s ambitious agenda. Hearing from the knowledgeable and skilled professors with all their renowned guest speakers across Asia exceeded my expectations by grounding theoretical learning in real-world applications.  MF 

What was the most surprising or unexpected element of Singapore?

In the typical MBA student fashion, I had done my research prior to visiting, so I was familiar with Singapore’s business climate. However, what surprised me the most was how clean it was and how welcoming the residents were. I expected it to be clean to a degree but was stunned to learn litter is basically a myth there! ON 

Singapore’s seamless balance of efficiency and tradition genuinely surprised me. It was fascinating to see how the city’s infrastructure supports a fast-paced lifestyle while its cultural roots remain deeply respected. One moment that stood out was witnessing how entrepreneurial thinking is interwoven into daily life, from small businesses to corporate giants. It broadened my perspective on what makes a city thrive.MF

 
A year later, what is the one seminar session that stands out? 

The final team presentation session stood out for me, especially because it culminated the course. Here, we had to apply all the learnings from the course to develop an innovative approach to business in Asia. I enjoyed watching each team present and was impressed by how different our approaches were yet still within the scope of expectations. ON 

The seminars and visits to consulting firms like McKinsey’s innovation center were especially memorable. We heard from successful Hult alumni based in Singapore, who shared valuable insights about working in Asia’s fast-paced business environment. The sessions were not only informative but were also a great way to understand career and personal challenges and opportunities in this region. MF
  

What was your number one takeaway from the seminar?

There was no better place to depict this than Singapore, a city-nation with limited natural resources, a small land mass, and geographical limitations with a population of less than 6 million inhabitants.  Yet this nation has grown to become an innovation nerve center for Southeast East Asia and the globe. This is a testament to the nation’s resilience and a resolve to use their “human resources”. ON  

The seminar offered valuable insights into Singapore’s success story as a global business hub. We examined how factors such as rapid population growth, strategic investments in infrastructure, and social policies laid the foundation for its economic boom and compared it to regions with similar potential but vastly different outcomes. With an astounding 2,300 languages spoken, seven of the world’s top ten mega cities, and the largest middle class, the opportunities for exploration and business opportunities in Asia are boundless.  MF 

 How did the Singapore City Seminar influence the rest of your studies at Hult?

The Singapore City Seminar was my last course during my MBA studies. It made me appreciate Hult’s drive to mold truly globally relevant talent by seeking ways to make learning experiences immersive and not just theoretical. Studying across campuses and locations allowed me to access nuances that couldn’t be picked from the four walls of a classroom. ON 

As my final course at Hult, the Singapore City Seminar was a perfect culmination of two transformative years. Experiencing Singapore firsthand, from the food to the architecture, added a tangible dimension to my international education. The seminar gave me fresh perspectives and reinforced the importance of on-the-ground learning, especially in such a dynamic and fast-evolving part of the world. These insights continue to shape my approach as an international leader. MF 

 
You can return to Singapore for one day, what are you doing?

 
I will start my day with breakfast at the Botanical Gardens, strolling through the garden and appreciating the beauty of nature will be a good way to ease into the day. Next, I have a museum visit in the afternoon. It will start with a private tour of a museum that displays the region’s culture. The evening will be dedicated to the Bay Area where I’ll have drinks as I watch the sunset. ON

Eat! One of my most memorable moments was visiting a local hawker center with my peers after a full day of classes. It wasn’t just about trying incredible food like laksa and Hainanese chicken rice—it became an informal setting to share ideas, debate global business trends, and build connections that have lasted beyond Hult with students originating from +40 different countries. That cultural immersion was a reminder of how diverse experiences fuel empathy and curiosity in leadership. MF 

Parting thoughts 

Being part of Hult, a school with such a strong international presence, has been an exciting experience. The Singapore City Seminar was a reminder of the global network we have access to—whether through alumni connections, world-class faculty, or leaders from Asia’s top businesses. It was the perfect way to close my Hult journey while reinforcing the value of leadership that spans cultures and borders. MF 

To check out what else our new rotational campus and surrounding city have to offer, visit our website