EMME/EMPA International Study Trip Successfully Concludes with Immersive experiences in Malaysia and Indonesia
On 24–31 October 2025, the Nanyang Centre for Public Administration (NCPA) successfully organised an eight-day international study trip for participants of the Master of Science in Managerial Economics (EMME) and Master of Science in Public Administration (EMPA) programmes. The delegation, led by Dr Wang Hang, Deputy Director, NCPA, and accompanied by Ms Shelly Lu, Senior Assistant Manager, embarked on an immersive journey through Malaysia and Indonesia, focusing on the local implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The overseas study trip began in the historic city of Malacca, Malaysia, where participants visited the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum to explore the legacy of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and its enduring regional connections.
In Putrajaya, Malaysia’s federal administrative centre, the delegation analysed the city’s planning as a smart, garden city designed to alleviate congestion in Kuala Lumpur. A visit to the city’s key administration provided insights into its efficient administration and eco-centric urban governance model. The students further engaged with one of the local financial enterprises to better understand the new opportunities arising from regional economic growth.
The delegation also participated in the symposium on "The Belt and Road and Malaysia", where Dato Zhao Guangming, President of the China-Malaysia Cooperation Committee of the China-Asia Economic Development Association (CAEDA-CMCC) and Vice President of NTU’s Malaysian Alumni Association, provided a thorough analysis of the opportunities and challenges of China-Malaysia collaboration, from policy frameworks to industrial applications. They were joined by Mr Jensen Tan, Deputy Director, NTU Alumni Affairs Office, who took time to meet with the group.
The itinerary continued in George Town, Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where participants appreciated its multicultural heritage and architectural conservation efforts. A visit to the Penang Technology Park and Shenzhen’s Xingyuan Material Technology Holdings Co., Ltd, Malaysia’s branch, provided a first-hand understanding of innovation in lithium battery separator technology. An immersive experience at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion further deepened the delegates’ awareness of the historical contributions of overseas Chinese and the region’s multi-ethnic society.
In Jakarta, Indonesia, the group attended a lecture at President University by Mr Virdika Rizky Utama, Executive Director, PARA Syndicate in Jakarta. Themed “Connecting the Future: Infrastructure, Interdependence, and Development Narratives in China–Indonesia Relations,” the lecture analysed the logic of mutual development between China and Indonesia, citing key projects such as the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway and nickel industry development.
A highlight of the trip was the ride on the “Whoosh high-speed rail (HSR)”, a flagship BRI project. Upon arriving in Bandung, the group visited the Museum of Asian–African Conference, reflecting on the Bandung Spirit and its contemporary relevance to the BRI.
The final stop was a visit to Telkomsel, Indonesia’s largest mobile telecommunications operator, where delegates exchanged views on Indonesia’s telco market and digital future. A tour of its advanced labs and training facilities gave participants an understanding of how telecommunications technology drives industrial upgrading, while showcasing the company’s strong commitment to developing talent. This underscored its role as a telecom provider and a national enabler of digital inclusion.
By integrating classroom theory with field observations, the EMME/EMPA International Study Trip broadened the participants’ global perspectives and decoded the abstract concept of the Belt and Road Initiative into tangible, relatable case studies. This initiative exemplifies NTU’s unwavering commitment to cultivating globally competitive leaders through immersive, interdisciplinary learning experiences.
