Penn Global Seminars East Meets West: Ten Days of Tech, Tradition, and Transformation

PGS: Wharton International Program: Exploring the Business Environment in China

Fresh off an exhilarating and exhausting 10-day journey through China, I'm back at Penn, possibly still jet-lagged, yet filled with a renewed perspective that's reshaping my career path. This trip, where business acumen and cultural heritage intertwine, has opened my eyes to new possibilities and redefined what I seek in my future.

Starting with an inspiring session at Tsinghua University's X-Lab for Entrepreneurship, my vision for the future began to shift. Witnessing firsthand the vibrant startup ecosystem and engaging with numerous groundbreaking presentations, I felt an undeniable pull toward entrepreneurship. Currently, I'm collaborating with an MBA student at Venture Lab on his startup, which I find immensely rewarding. However, this experience has sparked a deeper ambition in me to potentially start my own company. The concept of blending innovative technology with impactful business practices is something I believe I want to pursue in the future, and this steered my interests more firmly toward entrepreneurship and consulting.

This trip also expanded my understanding of global business dynamics. Observing China's advanced technological landscape and experiencing its unique political, economic, and social environment was like stepping into the future. Everything from the rapid development of digital technologies to the intricate complexities of international business operations showcased China as a leader on the global stage. I've told everyone here that "China lives 100 years in the future. You just had to be there and see it with your own eyes," AI is leveraged as a powerful tool, not just in business but in daily life. It was incredible to see how different technologies are used for the most basic transactions, like using Alipay to buy food since China is transitioning to a cashless society.

Our visits to leading Chinese companies were very informational and enriching. Some of my favorites were JD.com and Tencent, some of China's most prominent companies in their various fields. At JD.com, I was in awe of their innovative business models and the insightful tour led by Wharton alumni. They had a room covered in different backgrounds that changed at the touch of an iPad. Next, Tencent’s finance division showcased cutting-edge fintech solutions that are shaping the future of financial services. Their company tour left me speechless. Another standout was Ecoflow, whose advanced power solutions support global sustainability, and I learned that I’ve been affected by their product offering. They powered some of Texas' power grids during the winter storms a few years ago, and this made me realize the interconnectedness of our global community.

Besides the company visits, cultural excursions added layers of richness to our experience. Climbing the Great Wall of China, I described it as "Pottruck Stairmaster level final boss," because it was physically challenging and mentally rewarding. We took many pictures, and for many, that was our first Wonder of the World we visited. After that, we visited the National Olympic Center, something I liked because I am a huge Olympics fan. I wish I made this my fun fact for the class but when I was younger, I wanted to be an Olympic athlete one day. Inside the Olympic Center, I was amazed at China's sporting legacy and architectural prowess.

Cultural adaptation was a significant part of my journey, mainly due to the language barrier, as I’ve never been in a country where I wasn’t proficient in the dominant language. Despite my Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, many locals and even our tour guides assumed I was Chinese. I also know very basic Mandarin, and I tried to use it as much as possible. I realized that this created a perception that I was a Chinese-American who didn't know how to speak Mandarin well. Unfortunately, there's a cultural stigma in many Asian societies about not being fluent in one's "native" language, leading some of the locals to view my Mandarin as "broken." Still, I didn't let that affect my experience, and if anything, my limited Mandarin skills presented many humorous moments. For example, I used Google images of ice, boba pearls, and the US dollar and Google Translate to navigate menus and converse with locals. These proved to be some of the many core memories I made on the trip. As I sit here at Penn reflecting on how my classmates and I transformed everyday interactions into memorable adventures, I realize our experiences underscore the importance of language and cultural nuances in international settings.

Networking with Penn and Wharton alumni was another highlight. Their guidance and support reinforced the strength of our community, extending from Philadelphia to the far reaches of the globe. I talked to a Penn Law alum who gave me her phone number to help me with my application, which was very helpful and encouraging. She wished me luck with my application process and to contact her with any questions. This connection reminded me and made me open my eyes at the power of the Penn and Wharton alumni network. I believe that this is what truly sets Penn apart from other schools.

The camaraderie among my classmates grew significantly as we shared experiences ranging from getting lost in a shopping mall while hunting for boba to using currency images to request bills at restaurants to creating class superlatives where I won "most big back," which I don't believe to be true at all. These shared moments, filled with laughter and discovery, have forged bonds that will extend beyond our academic journeys in this class.

This trip was not just about learning international business practices but about discovering new facets of myself and the world and making new friends. The fusion of academic learning with real-world exposure has influenced my aspirations and opened new avenues for exploration. As I continue my studies at Wharton, I know that I'm more equipped than ever to integrate these experiences into my future endeavors, whatever they may be. Thank you, WIP China, for the lessons, the memories, and the inspiration to dream bigger. Number 21 signing out.