Day One: Bringing the World into the Classroom | Faculty from Germany, the UK, France, Canada, and Singapore Gathering for the IBMBA x GHRM MBA Orientation

The annual international program orientation day for the new students of IBMBA and GHRM MBA took place to officially welcome the incoming cohort to National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU). The International Program Office organizers ensured a smooth arrival by guiding students through venue navigation and a short, simple registration process. The cozy and engaging venue setup immediately put students at ease as they embarked on their new academic journey.

A major highlight of this year’s orientation was a dedicated faculty introduction session, designed to help new students become familiar with the professors early on and lay a clear foundation for choosing future thesis advisors. Students had the opportunity to meet and hear from Director Chung-Lin Tsai, Prof. Wil Martens, Prof. Timo Eccarius, Prof. Ryan Brading, Prof. François Bouchetoux, and Professor Wee Kheng Tan , gaining valuable insights into their academic backgrounds and research fields.

Following the introductions, beloved host and GHRM MBA alumnus Ryan Fernandez returned to lead an energetic team-building session. Designed to simulate real classroom and workplace environments, the task-oriented activities encouraged students to interact with as many classmates as possible. Students formed "Home Teams," establishing distinct team names and appointing team leaders. They then participated in a series of dynamic icebreakers and challenges, including the Circle of Names, Towers of Shoes, and Candy Committee. Through these exercises, Ryan reinforced key values essential for team success, such as communication, leadership, active listening, supporting role players, trust, adaptability, and strong accountability/ownership.

After the energetic activities, the International Program Office provided delicious Korean kimbap with diverse dietary options, offering a well-deserved energy boost. The event concluded with a cheerful group photo session, followed by time in the main hall where students enjoyed their meals and connected with peers and faculty over shared experiences.

Warmest welcome to all our newcomers! The International Program Office remains fully committed to supporting your success and personal growth at NSYSU. Embrace the diverse cultures, step out of your comfort zone, and enjoy the exciting journey ahead.