Course Pack

Malaysia and Singapore March 2024

Table of Contents

Briefing

Malaysia and Singapore briefing:
14 February 2024
18h00-18h45

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88938864522?pwd=V1FsbC9rMlNIYmkrUUU4Q1N5L2tndz09
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Malaysia-and-Singapore-Study-Tour-BRIEFING-Presentation

Overview

Malaysia and Singapore March 2024

Singapore

Singapore (name from Sanskrit words.”singa” (lion) and “pura” (city) is a former British trading colony which was established in 1819. It was part of the Malaysian Federation in 1963 and in 1965; Singapore was expelled and became independent. The Republic of Singapore is located on the Southeast Asia between Malaysia and Indonesia and is 697 square meter of which 10square meter is water and is made up of the Island of Singapore with smaller islands. The capital city is called Singapore and covers a third of the area of the main island (City-State). The country is located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula with tropical climate; hot and humid between December and March.

Economy

Singapore is developed and successful free market economy dependent mainly on exports (consumer electronics), vibrant transportation and is a leading business and financial hub in Asia. The economy is dependent on foreign labour and has attracted major investments in pharmaceutical and medical technology production.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a former British Colony and became independent in 1957. Malaysia borders Thailand, Borneo, Indonesia, Brunei, South China Sea and Vietnam. The population of Malaysia is estimated around 31 million in 2016 of which 50% are Malay, the rest comprise of the Chinese, indigenous, and Indian. Bahasa Malaysia is the official language though other widely spoken include Chinese, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi and Thai. In terms of religion, the majority of the population is Muslim with over 60% and the other groups are Buddhist, Christians, Hindu, Confucianism, and Taoism. Kuala Lumpur is the capital city with an estimated population of about 7 million.

Economy

Malaysia is a middle income country which has developed from a producer of raw materials to value added manufacturing. The country has been attracting investments in high technology industries, biotechnology and services. The economy has reduced its dependency on raw materials exports and now concentrates on exporting electronics, oil, gas, palm oil and rubber. Malaysia has natural resources including, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas and bauxite.

As Global leaders, it is imperative that you understand the business and the socio economic culture of countries both on the African continent and the rest of the world. The course is designed for teaching and learning to be facilitated through field based learning which will expose students to the unique experience covering the following key issues:

Review the history, social-cultural background and political economy of Singapore and Malaysia

  • Overview of the economic performance
  • South African cooperation with Singapore and Malaysia
  • Singapore and Malaysia economic success and challenges
  • Degree of Singapore and Malaysia investment in South Africa
  • South Africa’s Investment in Singapore and Malaysia
  • The influence of Chinese investment in Singapore and Malaysia
  • Assess the risks and opportunities of doing business in Singapore and Malaysia
  • The central role of politics in Business
  • Rise of private enterprise and the specific challenges facing new firms
  • Special and evolving characteristics of capital markets in Singapore and Malaysia and related risks
  • The emergence of the middle class and its impact on consumer market and corporate social responsibility
  • The role of Singapore and Malaysia in the regional politics and

This study tour underlies all other MBA courses as it contributes to the overall MBA qualification by providing a capstone integrated learning experience, whereby students can bring to bear their knowledge of the whole MBA programme. This knowledge will allow them to analyse a foreign economy and businesses in that economy. In addition, this course directly supports the core themes of the MBA in terms of critical engagement, context of SA and also issues of sustainability. Decisions and methodologies which students are exposed to in their company visits and cultural activities in the country.

This study tour will provide students with exposure to different economies and cultures in various destinations. This study tour is designed to expose the student to different organisations in the countries visited including business schools, government agencies, state owned enterprises and private corporations.

At the end this course, students will be able to:

  • Develop contemporary knowledge about business practices in Singapore and Malaysia which will assist them to appraise the basics and standard protocol of interactions with the Singapore and Malaysia business environment;
  • Critically assess the Singapore and Malaysia economy and determine its strengths and weaknesses for doing business;
  • Compare and contrast different cultures and the way of life of people in Singapore and Malaysia in relation to South Africa;
  • Evaluate and analyse business models of selected company examples in Singapore and

Curriculum tied to context in South Africa

The study tour draws on various South African companies experience in various markets. Here the extensive use of company site visits shows comparisons between the companies operations in South Africa and the selected country.

Curriculum tied to context in African and other dynamic emerging market economies

The study tour identifies the opportunities for growth of the African continent as well as its challenges such as the slow-down of China and the associated drop in commodity prices. It maps these global issues to the level of individual African countries and major firms therein, thus enabling students to begin to address these issues at a management level.

Sustainability

With the use of company and institution visits, the course addresses the optimality of overall resource allocation in economies and its role in economic systems such as free markets and command economies and mixtures thereof in the selected country.

Entrepreneurial action

The institution and company visits provide insight into innovation and entrepreneurial action and (managed) risk-taking thus enabling students to make decisions at a management level.

Critical engagement

By focusing on examples of successful and unsuccessful business ventures in Africa and emerging markets, the study tour enables the student to acquire a better perspective on foreseeable and unforeseeable consequences of action and business decisions.

Course assesment and assignments

Course Assessment

Assessment

 Number

Mark

Standing Orders and Indemnity Forms 

1

0%

Pre-Trip Assessment (Individual Assignment)

2

40%

On-field syndicate assignment

3

30%

EQ Assessment (Multiple Choice Questions)

4

30%

Total

 

100%

Pass Mark Requirements  

In terms of the Standing Orders, to pass a course a student is required to achieve a final accumulative average of 50% for a pass mark, and a subminimum of 35% in the examination. When an assignment is an exam equivalent, failure to submit on time will result in a student being ‘failed absent’, with the result that the student will be failed off the programme.

When the individual assignment is designated as an exam equivalent, please specify in the heading for the assignment that this is the case. As stated above, the status of the assignment has implications for the Rules and Standing Orders. 

Assessment ONE (GL 3) – (0%)  

The purpose of this assessment is to familiarise and fully acknowledge the rules, standing orders, code of conduct and indemnity forms for the global study tours. 

Assessment

Participants are required to read and fill in the rules, standing orders, code of conduct and indemnity forms for the global study tours.

Assessment TWO (GL 1 and 2): 40% 

 

The purpose of this assessment is for the participant to demonstrate through various models and theories, the necessary competencies in International Business knowledge.  

 

Penalty for late submission: Not late submission accepted.  

Mark allocation:   

Criterion 

Mark Allocation % 

 

Application to the integration of theories developed and learnt throughout the MBA programme   

 

35 

Application of the theory to the relevant case study selected 

35 

Research and use of relevant data to complement situation analysis 

20 

Presentation: Referencing, style, etc. 

10 

TOTAL 

100 

Individual Assignment  

Answer all questions below:

Question 1: (10 marks)

Peng and Meyer (2019), A country’s institutions establish the formal and informal rules for operating in that country. Companies operating internationally need to know these ‘rules’ because these ‘rules’ differ between countries, and because they shape greatly what can be achieved and what is not possible in a country. Institutions can be formal or informal.  Formal institutions consist of laws, regulations and rules. Informal institutions consist of norms, cultures and ethics. 

Describe ONE of your host country’s economies.  Is it a market, command, or mixed economy?

Question 2: (15 marks)

Executives seeking to succeed in global markets should take into account different cultures of nations. In 1980, Geert Hofstede introduced the cultural dimensions model. Since then, it has been applied widely by organizations. 

Identify the relevant dimensions of Hofstede’s model for your host country and explain the importance of culture in international business.

Essential Readings:

(No date), Geert Hofstede: 6d model of National Culture, https://geerthofstede.com/culture-geert-hofstede-gert-jan-hofstede/6d-model-of-national-culture/  retrieved 1 June 2024

Question 3: (15 Marks)

Douglas, Wind and Pelmutter (1973) advocated four approaches (EPRG) of International Business as follows: 

  • Ethnocentric Approach 
  • Polycentric Approach  
  • Regiocentric Approach 
  • Geocentric Approach 

Provide TWO company examples of TWO of these approaches in your host country. 

Essential Readings: 

Drachal, K. (2014). What do we know from EPRG model?. Ecoforum Journal, 3(2), 10.  http://www.ecoforumjournal.ro/index.php/eco/article/viewFile/85/72 (retrieved 2 June 2024)

Field-based Syndicate Assignment (Amazing Race) (GL 4): 30%

The purpose of this assignment is for you to think quick on your feet. It’s fun and interesting. You will be allocated a syndicate group in your host country(ies) and will need to work as a team. The purpose of this assignment requires you to think out of the box and familiarise yourself with the environment. As a suggestion, download maps; know the history of the country, all online attractions and all modes of transport.  

Penalty for late submission:  No late submissions will be accepted.

Assessment Four (GL 3): 30% (End of Tour) 

The purpose of this assessment is for participants to understand the importance of behaving ethically in their professional lives.  

Participants are required to fill in a sell EQ Assessment, subsequently the respective Lead Academic will provide an overall score.   

Candidate EQ Assessment:

Self-Assessment: 

Part A: Professionalism

  1. How punctual were you for scheduled activities and meetings?
    • a) Always on time
    • b) Mostly on time
    • c) Occasionally late
    • d) Frequently late
  2. How did you dress for formal events and meetings during the tour?
    • a) Always appropriately
    • b) Mostly appropriately
    • c) Occasionally inappropriately
    • d) Frequently inappropriately

Part B: Engagement and Participation

  1. How actively did you participate in discussions and activities?
    • a) Very actively
    • b) Actively
    • c) Occasionally
    • d) Rarely
  2. Did you take initiative in group activities and discussions?
    • a) Frequently
    • b) Occasionally
    • c) Rarely
    • d) Never

Part C: Respect and Cooperation

  1. How well did you cooperate with peers and tour facilitators?
    • a) Excellent cooperation
    • b) Good cooperation
    • c) Fair cooperation
    • d) Poor cooperation
  1. How respectful were you towards local cultures and customs?
    • a) Very respectful
    • b) Respectful
    • c) Occasionally disrespectful
    • d) Frequently disrespectful

 

Part D: Communication

  1. How effectively did you communicate with team members and facilitators?
    • a) Very effectively
    • b) Effectively
    • c) Occasionally effectively
    • d) Ineffectively
  2. How open were you in receiving feedback and constructive criticism?
    • a) Very open
    • b) Open
    • c) Occasionally open
    • d) Not open

Part E: Responsibility and Accountability

  1. How responsibly did you handle personal belongings and travel documents?
    • a) Very responsibly
    • b) Responsibly
    • c) Occasionally responsibly
    • d) Irresponsibly
  2. How accountable were you regarding your actions and behaviour during the tour?
    • a) Very accountable
    • b) Accountable
    • c) Occasionally accountable
    • d) Not accountable

Part F: Adaptability and Problem-Solving

  1. How did you adapt to new environments and situations?
    • a) Very well
    • b) Well
    • c) Occasionally well
    • d) Poorly
  1. How effectively did you solve any problems or challenges that arose during the tour?
    • a) Very effectively
    • b) Effectively
    • c) Occasionally effectively
    • d) Ineffectively

 

(Lead Academic Assessment) 

Part G: Overall Behaviour: How would you rate the participant’s overall behaviour during the tour?

  • a) Excellent
  • b) Good
  • c) Fair
  • d) Poor
  1. If any, what areas of the participant behaviour need improvement? 
  2. Any additional comments or feedback regarding the participant behaviour during the tour. 
  • Sharma, P. (2011). Country of origin effects in developed and emerging markets: Exploring the contrasting roles of materialism and value Journal of International Business Studies, 42(2), 285–306

Tour Schedule

*This schedule is subject to change without prior notice, please refer to the daily schedule sent in the Whatsapp group for any updates.

Pre Tour Briefing (South Africa/Zoom)

Malaysia and Singapore briefing:
14 February 2024
18h00-18h45

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88938864522?pwd=V1FsbC9rMlNIYmkrUUU4Q1N5L2tndz09
Meeting ID: 889 3886 4522
Passcode: 314912

DATE WEEK DAY ACTIVITY CITY LOCATION
8/Mar Fri Departure from Johannesburg Johannesburg South Africa
DATE WEEK DAY ACTIVITY CITY LOCATION
9/Mar
Sat
 14:55 Arrive Sinpapore Hotel Transfer
SINGAPORE
 The Dorsett Hotel Singapore
15:30 Hotel Transfer Address: 333 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 088765
16:00 Afternoon at leisure
10/Mar
Sun
 07:00 Breakfast
SINGAPORE
Singapore city
09:00 – 16:00 Amazing Race
16:00 Afternoon at leisure
19:00 Welcome Dinner
10/Mar
Mon
 07:00 Breakfast
SINGAPORE
09:00 Dirco Singapore Odeon Towers, 15th Floor, 331 North Bridge Road, 188720 SINGAPORE ; Phone. +65 6 339 3319 ; Directories.
11:00 Company visit Bollywood Farms 100 Neo Tiew Road (Kranji) Singapore
12:00 Lunch Poison Ivy 100 Neo Tiew Road (Kranji) Singapore
13:30 Company visit AMEX One Marina Boulevard, 1 Marina Boulevard, #22-00,. Singapore 018989 …
16:00 Afternoon at leisure
12/Mar
Tues
06:00 Airport transfer – Depart Singapore 09:20
SINGAPORE & KUALA LUMPUR
Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Address: Jln Sultan Ismail, Chow Kit, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2717 9900
07:00 Breakfast – at own cost
10:20 Arrive Kuala Lumpur
11:00 Hotel Transfer
12:00 Lunch
 Urban Korean BBQ – Quill City Mall4th Floor Quil City Mall, 1018, Jln Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Petronas Towers
15:00 Petronas Kuala Lumpur city
17:00 Afternoon at leisure
DATE WEEK DAY ACTIVITY CITY LOCATION
07:00 Breakfast
KUALA LUMPUR
13/Mar
Wed
 09:00 FGV Holdings
FGV Holdings Jln Raja Laut, Chow Kit, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
11:00 Sunway Group
13:00 Lunch Sunway Group Menara Sunway, Jalan Lagoon Timur,
Sunway City, 47500 , Selangor D.E.
Lunch at own cost
14:30 NITA Cosmetics Dimensi Moda Sdn Bhd(1127256A)
10, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
60000, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
16:00 Afternoon at Leisure
14/Mar
Thurs
 07:00 Breakfast
KUALA LUMPUR
09:00 Velvet Vanity Velvet Vanity Cosmetics Sdn Bhd (1176278-P)

A-26-2, The Elements, Jalan Bemban,

55000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
11:00 Malaysian Investment Development Authority MIDA Sentral, No. 5, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5 KL Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
13:00 Lunch Lunch at own cost
14:30 Asia School of Business 11, Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
15:30: Asia School of Business
16:30 Afternoon at leisure
15/Mar
Fri
 07:00 Breakfast
KUALA LUMPUR
09:00: Dirco Malaysia Dirco kualalumpur.dha@dirco.gov.za. Street Address. Suite 22, 01 Level 22, No. 3 Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur 50450, MALAYSIA. Phone. +60 32 170 2400. +60 32 161 7629.
11:00 SDG Centre SDG, 1, Jln Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
13:00 Lunch Lunch at own cost
14:30 MayBank 100 Jalan Tun Perak, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
16:00 Afternoon at leisure
18:00 Farewell Dinner BARKAR SUITES G-06, GROUND FLOOR, G Tower, 199, Jln Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
07:00 Breakfast
16/Mar
Sat
 09:00 Day at leisure
KUALA LUMPUR
DEPART KUALA LUMPUR AT 20:30

N/A

Itinerary

Download Itinerary

Additional Info and Contact Details

Additional Information

Kindly bring formal wear and business cards for company visits. The following dress code applies:

 

  • Conservative suits for men with subtle colours are the norm;
  • Women should avoid high heels and short-sleeved blouses;
  • Both men and women should wear subtle, neutral colours;
  • Casual dress should be conservative as well;
  • Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.

Company visits and activities

Visits

Student Commitments

Learning Contract and Student Commitments

Learning Contract

Please note, all visits and events on the global study tour are MANDATORY. Please refer to the standing orders regarding the tours. As a student you should review the Learning Contract and ensure you are fully aware of the methods and implications of the assessment approach as mark allocations cannot be changed retrospectively. If you have any concerns about the assessment you should raise this with your tour leader at the start of the course.

The Importance of Preparation for the Study Tour

The above readings should be read before departure. Students should also research on the companies that will be visited. The scope of this course covers a wide range of topics, thus a variety of readings have been carefully selected to provide different perspectives. It is essential that students focus on these readings and embark on company research. Appended with the readings are the links for ease of access. However, should you encounter any problems with the links provided consult the WITS library e-journals catalogue or consult the WBS Librarian.

Teaching Methods

Teaching emphasis in the MBA Global Study Tour is experiential and involves on-site action learning. The tour itself would entail visits to one or more destinations to provide broader international learning exposure for the student. Students should keep a learning log on insights that they gain from each business or organisation that they visit, and these logs are used for debrief sessions during the tour as well as to compile a post-study tour assignment on what they have learnt.

Legal Declaration of Indemnity, Undertaking and Consent
 
  1. The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (hereafter referred to as ‘the University’) has insured itself for its liability arising from the acts and omissions of persons acting on its behalf, and that its registered students, staff and individuals who are subject to the University’s rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standing orders as amended from time to time are insured during the course and scope of their registered courses and/or within the scope of University’s business. This is subject to the proviso that the University’s maximum liability will be limited, whether for a single or multiple events, to the extent that is covered thereof;

  2. When the University arranges for me to travel to locations which are outside of the University’s precincts, and when traveling in vehicles which do not belong to the University’s and/or are not driven by University staff, I will enjoy only such cover as referred to in Section 1 above, provided that I depart and travel from the University’s precincts and return to it from an excursion arrange by the University, on a route agreed upon in advance by the University;

  3. In cases where no fault can be attributed to the University, I hereby indemnify, absolve and hold harmless the University, its officials, employees, students and invitees in respect of any damage the property, death or bodily injury to/of myself and/or third parties, whether on/off the University precincts, or whilst engaged in any related activity to the University abroad; and

  4. I understand that I attend and participate in the WBS Global Study Tour in various designated countries around the world during specified periods at my own risk where the event falls outside the cover provided to or by the University.

  5. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the contents of this indemnity in every respect.
This document is applicable to all modes of delivery of the Global Study Tour from 2017 onward. 
 

Assessment Policy
All assignments, including the attendance of the Amazing Race and all scheduled visits to businesses, other organisations and cultural activities, is compulsory.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in an automatic failure off this course. A record of attendance at each prescribed tour activity will be kept by the Tour Leader and will be submitted to the International Office as a formal record for student assessment. Should a student fail (including as a result of non-attendance and failure to participate), the tour will have to be repeated.

A candidate who has not completed all the requirements for this tour by the end of the minimum period of study and who is permitted in terms of Senate Standing Orders to continue will be required to register again for this tour at the beginning of the following academic year and pay the relevant fee.

 

Registration for the Global Study Tour
A candidate is required to register and pay in advance for the Study Tour in order to be admitted to complete the course.

If a candidate wishes to amend his/her selection of destination, a prescribed period of time will be permitted as indicated by the Global Study Tour Coordinator. However, no changes to selection of destination will be entertained once confirmed.

 

International Applicants
Applications from international exchange and immersion students are welcome. All international students need to conform with the University’s requirements and the South African legislation that pertains to such students.

 

Credits towards MBA or MM to other degrees
Students may be granted credits for this tour at international partner schools however please note that the granting of credits is based on the credit weighting exchange between the WBS MBA and other international programmes.

 

Pass mark for this course
In order to pass the study tour, a student must obtain a minimum of 50% as a final mark subject to the subminimum rule.

 

Fees
Students must register for the Global Business Study Tour (BUSA 7442A) in order to pay the travel component cost for the study tour. Students will be advised as to the Rand value that has to be paid for the study tour of their choice. The deadline for the choice of study tour and payments will be communicated to students by the School’s International Office. Failure to pay the full fee for the Global Study Tour in advance or failure to attend the tour for whatever reason will still hold the student liable for the full amount as indicated for the selected tour package. Please note that fees may not involve the same costing as certain travel destinations are cheaper than others. Also note that whenever indicated students will be responsible for their own transport and cost of meals and incidentals on each tour. Tour leaders do not carry additional funds to allow for students who do not make personal provision for their own expenses.

 

Allocation of Marks
The mark composition for each assignment will comprise a combination of marks awarded for assignment projects and field work, both individual and syndicate work. The mark allocation for the course is detailed in the course pack.

Syndicates may apply to have non-performing members excluded from the syndicate mark for their assignment, or have a portion of the total mark allocated to the non-performing student.

 

Publication of Final Course Results
The results of the global study tour will be published by the Faculty Office as soon as possible, normally within four weeks from assignment submission.

 

Disputes and Grievances
Any disputes or grievances that arise as a result of the application of, or failure to apply, the provisions of these Standing Orders should be managed within the Faculty’s existing appeals and grievance procedure. Problems should always be resolved as close to the source as possible. The grievance procedure policy and applicable forms are available from the Faculty Office.

 

Code of Conduct
All students will abide by the daily dress code as indicated by the Tour Leader depending on the daily schedule of events and places visited.

Students are also advised that whilst they are encouraged to enjoy the tour, they are reminded that they are participating in a Wits Study Tour programme and are not traveling for their own leisure purposes. As such, the prime focus is on teaching and learning and at all times students will need to participate in all prescribed activities and field visits.

Students are advised to heed the guidance and instruction of the designated Tour Leader on each trip. In addition, students are advised to serve as professional ambassadors of Wits University and the Wits Business School at all times whilst on tour. Students are also advised to download a copy of the Wits Student Code of Conduct to familiarise themselves with the policy.

During visits, students are to ensure that all mobile phones are switched off.
Students are to be punctual for all visits, failure to attend a visit without a valid reason will render your attendance as incomplete.

Failure to adhere to the above could result in a disciplinary action being lodged against the student.

 

Recording of Global Study Tour Activities
Business visit sessions may only be recorded (by audio, images or video) with the express written permission of that organisation. Students will be required to agree in writing that:

    • recordings will only be used for purposes of their own private study and revision;
    • recordings will not be copied, shared, communicated, published or distributed in any format whatsoever and using any medium whatsoever, unless requested to do so by the lecturer;
    • unedited copies recordings will be provided to the lecturer if requested to do so; and
    • Copyright of all recordings remain the property of the University.

It is noted that infringement of any of these conditions may result in disciplinary action being taken against the student.

Click here to complete the Indemnity and Standing Orders Form
Click here to complete the Bio Data Form