SEP @ MBS – An experience and an adventure

I was travelling on the Melbourne bound Qantas airways flight. There were some amazing movies playing and the elderly lady to my right was asleep. I could neither sleep nor focus on the movies. My mind was filled with a euphoric expectation of what was to come. A new place, new culture, new food, new people…I had always dreamt of travelling the world. And now, thanks to NUS and specifically Zahira for all her efforts, I was on the verge of realizing my little dream…

Exactly three months later, I was on the Singapore bound Qantas airways flight. My time on exchange had been both an experience and an adventure. An experience in terms of what happened within MBS and an adventure in terms of what happened outside the school. As I recollected those memories, filled with satisfaction, this time I fell asleep.

MBS was a great learning experience for me. I interacted with people from across the world and across age groups. Latin Americans to Europeans to Australians to Asians. I even met Tuffy, a forex trader from Zimbabwe who gave me a detailed picture of the state of Zimbabwe. The lecturers were highly enterprising and the lectures were both hands-on and thought-provoking. The highlight was Mr. Mark Ritson who redefined my perceptions of Marketing and Brand Management. The Career Services was kind enough to allow me to attend the company pre-placement talks. I met with recruiters from some of the best firms in the world (Mckinsey, BCG, Bain, Blackstone…). These events were always accompanied by wine and beer which helped enhance the “spirit” of the networking sessions.

Everything outside MBS was a great adventure. The highlight of the MBS social calendar was the Latino party. The energy present in the Latin dance forms amazed me. During my time in Australia, I travelled extensively from Melbourne to Sydney to the Gold Coast. There were two magical sights which I can never forget. One was sitting in the majestic main concert hall of the Opera House and watching the rendering of Didgeridoo (an Australian aboriginal instrument) Meets Orchestra. The second was watching 8 beautiful rock formations across the Pacific Ocean which our tour guide described as, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the Twelve Apostles, all 8 of them!” My travels were also blessed with a touch of Australian Cuisine, defined by the Barbecue dinner. Being a vegetarian, I had to resort to Vegetarian Sausages (which were awful!) while my friends savored meat of all shapes and forms.

The spirit of Australia and Australians can be best summarized by the phrase I heard most often during my stay there. It was also the last phrase I heard from the cabin crew when I left the aircraft, having thanked them for their wonderful service.

“No Worries, Mate!”

- R.Suraj

MBA Class of 2009

Chinese New Year @NUS - Feb, 2008

Spring Festival, the first day of Jan on lunar Calendar, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. In tradition, before new-year eve the young and the old all return home to celebrate lunar new-year with their folks. Ordinarily, the spectacular celebration can last for 15 days till lantern Festival.

For most of our Chinese students, it is the first time to be far away from home during new-year period. Rather than spend a peaceful new-year overseas, Chinese students decided to host a carnival and celebrate with international friends from MBA program. The organizing procedure involved much contribution from Chinese students and financial and technical assistance from supportive MBA office. On 2 Feb 2007, in Munchie Monkey Café, the unforgettable night started.

“ It is so glad to see so many international friends attend our party and enjoy the celebration of Chinese new year”, said by Liu Yuhao, co-organizer, who is also the singer performed during the party. During the party, guests tasted Chinese food, learned the tricks of making dumpling, and watched performances prepared by Chinese students. “I had great time. “The party is amazing, I am intrigued by Chinese culture. Hope I can go to China some time in the future,” commented by Adarsh, president of MBA club. Cathy Mei, the co-organizer and performer of the event said that “It is an honor for us to organize the party and help our friends know more about Chinese culture. The success of the party is attributable to devotion of everyone in our team. They really deserve a large applause. Meanwhile, I feel grateful to the MBA office for support.”

The event is a successful cultural interaction for MBA students. The party ended, but the happiness and good wishes lasts through the whole 2008. I would like to wish you “ Gong Xi Fa Cai, Wan Shi Ru YI”( Wish you good fortune and a prosperous new-year).





-By Gao Xiang (Coleen)
MBA Class of 2009

Berkshire Hathaway AGM – The American Dream

My flight to Omaha was delayed. I was stuck indefinitely at Denver airport. A long-winding chain of angry passengers stood in front of the United Airlines customer service counter. In front of me was a smartly suited man in his 30’s, busily typing into his Blackberry. He asked where I was heading.

“I am going to an AGM in Omaha. It’s a company called Berkshire Hathaway,” I said, hoping he would know the company.
“They call it the Woodstock,” he said.
“What?” I gave him a quizzical look.
“It is not any AGM. It is the Woodstock of Capitalism,” he reminded me. I nodded in acceptance.

He was a serial entrepreneur who was going to meet some Venture Capitalists in the sides of the AGM. He represented a microcosm of the diverse set of 30000 people who were to descend upon Omaha.

The BH road show started on May 2nd with the cocktail dinner party. There was a carnival atmosphere with millionaires and billionaires coming from across the globe. It amazed me that these people were down to earth and wanted to converse with us. Each snippet of conversation was a pearl of wisdom. A live band added to the extravaganza.

May 3rd was the day of the AGM. Our group of seven left for Qwest center (where the AGM was held) at 6.30 am. We were surprised to find a spiraling line nearly ½ km long. The earliest folks had arrived at 1 am. Considering how cold Omaha was, it was a miracle that these people hadn’t become statues!

The gates were opened at 8 and the main arena was filled to capacity in half an hour. I was awestruck by the size and grandeur of the arena. It transported me to the Roman ages and made me believe that I was in the Great Colosseum waiting for my hero to arrive.

A charming video presenting a snapshot of the BH companies was the curtain raiser. Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger (his partner) made a muted entrance to the stage. A six hour Q & A ensued. Warren Buffet was asked about every topic possible, ranging from sub-prime, investment tips, Chinese Olympics and a little girl asking what she had to do to become the next Warren Buffet. To which he answered, “Read the newspaper everyday.”

There were many lessons I learnt that day. The biggest of which was seeing a couple of 77 and 82 year olds, gulping their Cokes (which they happen to own!) and enjoying what they do after so many years. That was the secret to their success.

The curtains closed on the following day. Before which we attended another social gathering wherein my friends Neha and Colleen, conversed with the ex-CEO of Penguin without realizing who he was.

It was a weekend I will remember all my life. The lessons I learnt will follow me like a shadow. I thank everyone at NUS, from students to the people at the MBA office, for facilitating the trip. I conclude with Warren Buffet’s two famous rules in life.
“Rule no 1: Never lose money. Rule no 2: Never forget rule no. 1”

- R.Suraj
MBA Class of 2009