There were so many instances where it was very tangible that living in Singapore, and conducting business there is very different from the United States. I think the most obvious way was understanding the depth of wealth in the country. The first time I really put that into perspective was at the company visit our group had with Mandarin Oriental Hotel. When we walked into the hotel we were guided into a very luxurious space and offered refreshments as we listened to the interworkings of the business of hospitality. Something particular to this hotel group is the importance placed on the differentiation of wealth and spending. In booking a room, the view and location of where you are staying alone are dependent on the level of spending expected from each visitor. Maybe you will be facing Marina Bay Sands, the F1 track, or just the oceanfront if you were to stay there. More relevant is the access you may have as a guest to certain lounges and dining areas. The distinction I saw between this representation and that of hospitality in the United States is that you see American hotels giving priority to customers with bound contracts, relationships built in business or membership whereas, in Singapore, you’re getting ?to the top? is a matter of how much money you drop in that singular instance. This realization to me was so interesting. This is just one example of what made visiting Singapore so unique. I think that in coming to the country with very few expectations I was continuously positively surprised with the way things worked there. Most every experience was sustainable, whether that be reusing dishes in food centers, a very well-established public transportation system, or literal buildings and businesses dedicated to the continuous improvement of life to make the best, most considerate use of the small country of Singapore. What I gained most through this trip was the sense that I am capable of representing myself well internationally, conducting business in new environments, enjoying new cultures, and having a new awareness of the opportunities available to me in my future adventures.
