《113-1 SA Event》From Taiwan to Germany: NSYSU Alumnus Gary Yuan Shares Keys to Global Career Success with IBMBA Students

October 28, 2024— The Student Association of NSYSU International Programs recently hosted an engaging alumni sharing event, welcoming Gary Yuan, an IBMBA graduate, to discuss his career path, challenges, and experiences studying and working in Germany. Twenty-eight attendees gathered to hear Gary's insights on his career path after NSYSU, his exchange program at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, and his work experience in Germany.

Gary began by reflecting on his time at NSYSU, where he identified as a “hardworking student” who sought challenging courses to foster his professional growth. He highlighted his internships, starting with Air Liquide, where he served as a summer intern in the President’s Office. This experience, he noted, was pivotal in shaping his goal of working in Europe. He then moved on to an internship at Deloitte, secured with the help of NSYSU’s College of Management Career Development Office. Here, he maximized the resources available to him and advised students to seize every opportunity around them.

Discussing his exchange experience at HHL Leipzig, Gary described it as both “super tough” and “super competitive,” adding that exchange students at HHL often face skepticism from local students. This challenge pushed him to put extra effort into proving his capabilities, teaching him valuable skills in consultancy and interview preparation.

After graduation, Gary’s determination to work in Germany took him to the Intersolar Munich exhibition, where he proactively networked, eventually landing a job through self-recommendation. His role as a Graduate Trainee at E.ON SE has provided him with diverse experiences, including sustainability projects in preparation for COP28, hands-on involvement in a construction project in London, and contributing to Group M&A.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A, covering a wide range of topics, from industry preferences to tips for job hunting in Europe. When asked about the differences between working in Taiwan and Europe, Gary emphasized the importance of direct communication in Europe, noting that in Taiwan, employees are often expected to be humble and reserved, a style that could be misinterpreted in a European setting. On work-life balance, Gary compared the cultures, noting that Europeans value personal time, with Sundays often dedicated entirely to rest.

Gary also shared insights on using LinkedIn for networking, suggesting students reach out for informal “coffee chats.” He highlighted the importance of resilience in the job search, advising students to adjust their CVs if initial attempts are unsuccessful.

Gary’s parting advice to students was to engage actively with NSYSU alumni, emphasizing that alumni networks can open doors in unexpected ways. He also encouraged students to take challenging courses, especially in finance, to build essential skills for global business roles.

This event, organized by the SA, provided attendees with an inspiring view of the global opportunities available to NSYSU graduates and practical steps for building a successful international career.

Water Sustainability Leader Dr. Aleksandra Drizo Delivers Lecture at NSYSU

On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Sustainable Leadership Forum, led by Professor Timo Eccarius from the GHRM MBA and IBMBA programs at NSYSU, welcomed Dr. Aleksandra Drizo, Professor in Sustainability Science and Management, to deliver a lecture on her pioneering work in phosphorus management and sustainable water quality practices.

Although 70% of the Earth is covered by water, only 1% is accessible for human use. Despite improvements in water access, over 2.2 billion people still lack clean drinking water. Dr. Drizo highlighted how phosphorus pollution, primarily from agriculture and waste, leads to eutrophication, damaging ecosystems by promoting harmful algae blooms. Dr. Drizo introduced her innovative solution, PhosphoReduc, which uses steel slag to effectively filter phosphorus from wastewater, offering a sustainable approach to water management.

While the lecture focused in part on the technical aspects of phosphorus removal, it also provided valuable lessons on the intersection of sustainability and business. Students were inspired by Dr. Drizo’s entrepreneurial journey and her determination to overcome obstacles in bringing her technology to market. The lecture encouraged students to reflect on the importance of sustainable practices in their future careers, highlighting the impact that business leaders can have on environmental issues.

Toward the end of the lecture, students were encouraged to consider the practical steps involved in launching businesses focused on environmental issues. In groups, they had a dynamic discussion on how to bring environmental solutions from concept to market, reflecting on potential challenges and barriers. Their insights were shared with Dr. Drizo, who provided valuable feedback and guidance. This interactive session left a lasting impression, expanding students' understanding of sustainable water management while inspiring them to think critically about the real-world challenges of launching environmentally focused businesses and addressing global environmental issues through innovative solutions.

Written by: Yang, Peiying (Ailee)

Professor Gideon Loewy Inspires with Lecture on Business Leadership and Sustainability at NSYSU

On the evening of Friday, September 20, 2024, the Sustainable Leadership Forum class, led by Professor Timo Eccarius from the GHRM MBA and IBMBA programs at NSYSU, had the honor of inviting Adjunct Professor Gideon Loewy, CEO of Scandinavian Design Consultant Co. Ltd., to deliver an insightful lecture on business leadership, global governance, and environmental stewardship. The lecture left a lasting impact on the students.

The lecture began with Professor Loewy’s teaching motto: "The challenges of tomorrow are the opportunities of today." He emphasized that by anticipating future needs, businesses can create solutions today to ensure their success and sustainability tomorrow. Professor Loewy explained the critical role businesses play in addressing global challenges, as governments alone cannot drive the necessary changes. He also pointed out that, while these problems have been evident for years, many corporations have failed to act, leaving the current generation to deal with the consequences. He considered it important to educate students—the future business leaders—about the seriousness of these challenges by presenting key facts on their impact, encouraging them to take action for a more sustainable environment.

Professor Loewy also introduced the Five Whys root cause analysis method, developed by Sakichi Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Motor Company. He explained how this method—asking "why" at least five times—can be applied to uncover the root causes of problems, rather than merely addressing symptoms. Additionally, he discussed the concept of problem levels, from tame to super-wicked, which helped students think more deeply about future business solutions.

With decades of teaching experience, Professor Loewy captivated the audience through an interactive and dynamic presentation. Students shared positive feedback, expressing how much they had learned from the lecture.

Written by Ailee Yang

《112-2 GHRM509》Decoding Qualitative Papers

On May 6, 2024, Dr. Joyce Lee from NCCU conducted a lecture titled “Decoding Qualitative Paper” in Dr. Chen’s research methodology class. The focus was on the qualitative research process with Dr. Lee’s research papers as examples, which were related to Dr. Lee’s interests in digital innovation, digital inclusion, and the social media community.

Dr. Lee started the session by discussing the benefits and challenges of qualitative papers. The benefits of qualitative papers were mainly about developing an in-depth understanding of a research phenomenon, but the challenges were that the research process was very time consuming. Dr. Lee then continued the lecture by explaining qualitative research design. She used her paper titled “Building digital resilience against crises: The case of Taiwan’s COVID-19 pandemic management” to illustrate the process. Her approach of conducting a qualitative study was to first develop an intriguing research question, which should begin by reading many research papers to identify research gaps. It was also critical to make sure that the topic and research questions were relevant from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

Dr. Lee then went on to discuss the topical importance of digital resilience and illustrate the significance of justifying research phenomenon. She then discussed how to identify research gaps that had not been examined in the literature, a research process that might require deeper justification in qualitative research than in quantitative ones.

As she explained how she proceeded with her research, she showed how to select suitable cases, negotiate research access, and carry out data collection. Her data collection included interviews, direct observation, and archival data. She advised that interview questions be related to research questions. Upon data collection, data analysis began, which was very time consuming and might be the hardest part in qualitative research. It included detailed coding process that sought to develop novel theoretical perspectives as she did. The fact that her paper was eventually published in Information Systems Journal, one of the top ranked journals in her field, illustrated excellent hands-on qualitative endeavor after which future researchers could model.

《112-2 GHRM591》Collaboration Excellence - Experiencing Collaboration and Understand Team Excellence Criterias

On 4th May 2024, Michael Eckolt as a managing director from Kyona Academy came to deliver a workshop for GHRM’s Production and Operations Management course by Professor Timo Eccarius. Michael Eckolt has vast experience in the industry within various functions (marketing, sales, consulting, project management, etc) and currently focuses on coaching and consulting for several companies worldwide, especially in Germany and Taiwan. Michael brought up the topic of collaboration in team setting to improve efficiency of a team in a production lineup.

The workshop started with an early lecture about collaboration. The lecture went in an interactive way by including discussion and active participation from the students. Collaboration needs to have good communication, common goals, and effective knowledge sharing. Collaboration evolved through the years; it started from the social relationship network to directive line organization, process-oriented matrix organization, and these days become agile team organization. This evolution also includes an exponential increase in productivity. This evolution also changed how organizations work. Agile team organization is important in facing recent problems because we are entering the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) world. This raises the importance of organizational adaptability and collaborative work culture. As time goes on, the recent job portion will change from a daily routine type of job to a more project type.

There are several stages of team performance: Working Group, Pseudo Team, Potential Team, Real Team, and High Performance Team. The team will grow as time goes on and as team members share their identity, goals, commitment, trust, and start to depend on each other more. A high-performance team also needs to be right-sized, a team can’t be too big or too small to work effectively. In addition, a high performance team needs to have autonomy, looking on the organization angle, being agile is needed but teams need to pay attention with their alignment, a high autonomy team but with low alignment can create chaos and messed the effectiveness, but a high autonomy combined with high alignment can make the agile team work effectively. This does not mean that an agile team has no rules, but they are ready to face a complex working environment with clear goals, commitment, and discipline. The session ended with an activity to test different types of teams and train teamwork as the activity went on.

The second session continued with learning about organizational performance. Michael introduced the MOPTI-model (Mindset, Organization, Process, Technology, Information) for strategic governance. Each of the sections of MOPTI can minimize the weaknesses in group work. Growth mindset is also important in the collaboration process in this VUCA environment to face new challenges and uncertainty. We have many little things we can do to support developing a growth mindset by trying new things, accepting mistakes but keeping on improving, and even in our daily conversation by changing from I can’t to I will try. The Scrum values in collaboration and team empowerment which are Courage, Focus, Commitment, Respect and Openness. Students did a domino activity to practice agile collaboration in a multi-team setting. Michael gave a summary on a better team collaboration that can be achieved by ensuring a growth mindset, treating others with respect, having transparent information or discussion, and empowering each other to grow and work together. Today’s session ended with questions and answers that talked about the fixed and growth mindset. The key takeaway is that a fixed mindset is useful when doing a task which needs a clear and rigid standard that does not change within time and a growth mindset suits the task variety and more complex problem. That is why a growth mindset is getting more important compared to a fixed mindset, while also knowing that a fixed mindset is not all bad but has different contributions instead.

《111-2 GHRM608》 Inside Look: HRBP Functions and HR Life Cycle

In week 12 of the Human Resources Competency Development class (GHRM MBA), led by Professor Shyh-Jer Chen and Professor Heidi Chang, the class had the privilege of hosting distinguished guest speakers Jerry Tsai from Mars Incorporated Taiwan and Jerry Huang from Texas Instruments Taiwan. Mars is renowned as the world's leading manufacturer of chocolate, chewing gum, mints, and fruity confections. Texas Instruments, a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, designs, manufactures, tests, and sells analog and embedded processing chips.

Mr. Tsai, currently the People & Organization Business Partner at Mars Taiwan, brings approximately seven years of HR experience from esteemed organizations such as Google Taiwan, Medtronic, and Texas Instruments. His expertise spans talent acquisition, development, and engagement, employee communication, and collaborating with leadership teams to deliver people solutions. Mr. Huang serves as the Talent Management Manager at Texas Instruments Taiwan, overseeing HR management across Korea, Taiwan, and South Asia. With over nine years at Texas Instruments, starting as a recruiter and progressing to his current managerial role, Mr. Huang has amassed significant experience across various enterprises. Notably, both Mr. Tsai and Mr. Huang are esteemed alumni of the Institute of Human Resource Management at National Sun Yat-sen University.

The session commenced with Mr. Tsai and Mr. Huang providing insights into their academic and professional journeys. They then delved into an overview of the HR life cycle and the role of an HR Business Partner (HRBP) within a corporate environment. They underscored the "70-20-10 learning concept" for effective skill-building, which advocates that 70% of learning should occur on the job, 20% through informal learning, and 10% via formal training. Emphasizing the development of common skills, they discussed strategies for team management, including how to "Know it, Grow it, Inspire it, Involve it, and Reward it," and the importance of succession planning.

The speakers elucidated the distinctions between an HR Generalist and an HRBP, highlighting their overlapping roles in employee care and leadership while differentiating their responsibilities. HR Generalists typically handle functional tasks and possess expertise across various departments. In contrast, HRBPs focus on specific business units, acting as strategic partners who assist unit supervisors with manpower promotion and scheduling. The HRBP's role is multifaceted, encompassing three core functions: strategic business partner, operational expert, and employee advocate. HRBPs are pivotal in integrating company goals with business unit objectives and employee needs, thereby achieving organizational synergy.

To provide practical insights, Mr. Tsai and Mr. Huang presented a case study involving a managerial-employee conflict. Students were divided into groups and tasked with devising HRBP-led solutions for resolving the disagreement. This interactive session elicited innovative and thoughtful responses from the groups, who successfully navigated conflict resolution without bias.

The class was highly engaged throughout the lecture, benefiting from practical advice and lively discussions. The session concluded with an appreciation for Mr. Tsai and Mr. Huang's valuable contributions and their willingness to travel to Kaohsiung to share their experiences.

《111-2 GHRM608》 Be Brave to Embrace Loss: Insights from Charley Hu, SVP and Head of People Capability at TW

In the tenth week of the Human Resources Competency Development class (GHRM MBA) taught by Professors Shyh-Jer Chen and Heidi Chang, students were treated to an intriguing session by guest speaker Charley Hu, Senior Vice President and Head of People Capability at Standard Chartered Bank Taiwan. Charley Hu, who holds a Master's degree in Psychology from National Taiwan University, shared valuable insights into facing loss and making brave decisions in life and career.

With a career spanning various esteemed positions, including roles as a Senior Consultant at DDI in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, Senior Manager for Learning and Development (Regional) at PWC, Manager for Learning and Development (Taiwan) at PWC, and Associate Manager for Learning and Development at Mediatek, Charley Hu brought a wealth of experience in HR fields to the table.

Charley began the session by challenging the traditional definition of success, highlighting that every perceived achievement comes with sacrifices and intentional losses. He encouraged students to reflect on their past choices, emphasizing that their current selves are shaped by these decisions. Charley highlighted the inherent uncertainty in decision-making. He emphasized that while there is no foolproof method for making the right choice, individuals can look back at their past decisions to find direction and belief. Introducing the "BRAVE" method as a decision-making framework, Charley emphasized its components: "B"acktrack Choices, "R"eview Key Word, "A"nalyze the Pattern, "V"isualize the Belief, and "E" xecute in Discipline.

The BRAVE method encourages individuals to reflect on their past decisions, identify key themes or keywords that define their decisions, analyze patterns in their decision-making process, visualize their core beliefs, and execute their decisions with discipline. By applying this method, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their decision-making process and align their choices with their core values and beliefs.

Charley stressed the importance of being brave in embracing loss in life and career, urging students to never fear loss. He shared a quote from NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang: “Run, don’t walk. Remember, either you’re running for food or you are running from becoming food. And oftentimes, you can’t tell which. Either way, run. You will endure the pain and suffering needed to realize your dreams. And you will make sacrifices to dedicate yourself to a life of purpose and doing your life's work.” This quote highlighted the significance of running towards challenges and enduring pain and suffering to realize one's dreams. Charley concluded his session with three tips for making choices: choosing growth, choosing to take action, and choosing to help others

In conclusion, the class found Charley Hu's lecture both enlightening and engaging. His insights on embracing loss and making courageous decisions resonated with many students, inspiring them to reflect on their own decision-making processes. The class deeply appreciated Charley Hu's effort in sharing his expertise and insights, which provided valuable guidance for their personal and professional development. Overall, the students expressed positive feedback after the course, highlighting the practicality and relevance of the BRAVE method in navigating life and career challenges."

《112-2 GHRM608》 "The Power of Personal Branding: Alexis Lin's Career Insights"

Human Resource Competency Development class at GHRM MBA, instructed by Professors Chen Shyh-Jer and Heidi Chang, recently welcomed Alexis Lin, an accomplished HR professional with a wealth of experience spanning Financial, Tech, and Leadership development consulting firms. With a Master's in Human Resource Management from National Sun Yat-sen University and an MBA in International Business from ESSCA, France, Alexis Lin shared profound insights on personal branding and its impact on career development.

Alexis Lin offered insights gained from over 11 years of experience, beginning with his work as HR Director at Cathay Life Insurance, where he focused on learning and development and employee relations before transferring to an overseas HR Business Partner. He then moved into the technology industry as an Overseas company Manager at TPIsoftware, where he oversaw overseas company operations. His most recent position as a Solution Account Manager at Development Dimensions International (DDI) provided him with experience in B2B solution sales and business development. This diversified career path provided him with a thorough awareness of the complexities of human resources across businesses and locations, which served as a solid foundation for his discussion of personal branding.

Addressing the changing character of the modern job, Alexis Lin highlighted the growing prominence of freelancers, who account for roughly 46.7% of the worldwide workforce. This trend, which was previously limited to low- and middle-income gig workers, has now spread to a wide range of professions, owing to the disruptive impact of digital technologies such as AI, blockchain, cloud computing, and data analytics. These advancements have catalyzed disruptions across traditional industries, necessitating agile and customer-centric approaches to work.

Alexis used the notion of the VUCA era (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) to highlight the issues created by change's rapid pace and unexpected nature of changes. He contextualized these ideas within the context of Taiwan's work market, pointing out a significant job scarcity despite a 24% increase in job vacancies in 2022 over the previous year. Furthermore, Taiwan is dealing with a talent supply-demand mismatch, as indicated by the net outflow of its labor force and a considerable disparity in talent supply and demand when compared to other countries.

Alexis also discussed the concept of "Quiet Quitting," citing a 2022 Gallup survey indicating that at least half of the U.S. workforce comprises disengaged employees likely to leave their jobs. This phenomenon underscores the critical importance of personal branding in navigating today's fiercely competitive job market. He outlined a comprehensive 7-step process for building a personal brand and aligning it with one's career aspirations. This process includes defining one's purpose, conducting an audit of personal brand equity, constructing a compelling personal narrative, embodying the brand, effectively communicating the brand story during interviews, socializing the brand, and continuously reevaluating and adjusting the brand to ensure its relevance and resonance.

In conclusion, Alexis emphasized that the dynamics between talents and organizations have evolved, necessitating individuals to proactively enhance their personal value through effective personal branding. He pointed out that personal branding is a dynamic and continuing activity, necessary for thriving in the ever-changing environment of work. The session concluded with engaging discussions and interactive exercises, empowering students to apply these insights to their own career development journeys. Alexis's enlightening session left a profound impact on the students, equipping them with invaluable tools to navigate and excel in their future careers.

《111-2 GHRM608》 Recruitment and Retention of an Aging Society: Strategies from Swire Coca-Cola Taiwan's HR Director

On Week 8 of the Human Resources Competency Development class (GHRM MBA) instructed by Professors Shyh-Jer Chen and Heidi Chang, Rodney Huang and Jimmy Chen from Swire Coca-Cola Taiwan were welcomed as guest speakers. Swire Coca-Cola Taiwan is responsible for manufacturing and distributing The Coca-Cola Company's goods, offering over 30 distinct beverage options across 14 different brands, including sparkling drinks, water, tea, juice, and sports drinks. Mr. Huang currently serves as the Human Resource Director at Swire Coca-Cola Taiwan, bringing extensive HR experience from his previous roles at Nike, L’Oreal, Diageo, and Unilever. He holds a Master's degree in Human Resource Management from National Sun Yat-sen University and a Master of Science from the University of Exeter.

Mr. Huang began his lecture with a brief introduction to his academic and career background, followed by an overview of the company. He emphasized the importance, as an HR Director, of aligning aspirations with the company’s goals. This alignment aids in retaining top talent and enhancing employee engagement, thereby facilitating the growth and success of both individuals and the company as a whole. Mr. Huang also highlighted the talent war in Taiwan, driven by negative population growth and the projection that Taiwan will become a super-aged society by 2025, with 20% of the population aged 65 or older. This demographic shift has resulted in a shortage of candidates since 2020, leading to a record high number of vacancies and making it difficult for employers to find suitable candidates.

Moreover, Mr. Huang emphasized the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the context of aligning company goals with employee aspirations. He mentioned that a diverse and inclusive workplace not only reflects societal values but also drives innovation and performance. Mr. Huang also discussed the concept of re-hiring, highlighting the benefits of retaining and retraining existing employees to meet evolving business needs. He emphasized the need to ensure that plans are carefully crafted to achieve their intended purposes, indicating the importance of strategic planning in human resource management. Additionally, in the context of recruitment, he referred to the concept of "Talent's persona," suggesting that organizations should consider not only the skills and qualifications of candidates but also their values, motivations, and cultural fit when making hiring decisions.

Additionally, Mr. Huang presented real-life case studies to the class for critical thinking practices. Each group was asked to serve as HR leaders and develop strategies, such as an appealing campus recruitment strategy to attract younger generations of talent or a plan to promote an online learning platform. These case studies aimed to emphasize that there is no definitive right or wrong answer for each decision. Instead, the key is to consider how to address the risks associated with each decision, generating unique solutions before finalizing the outcome. This approach can benefit the company by enabling informed choices, reducing costs, and ultimately improving long-term performance.

In conclusion, the guest lecture by Rodney Huang provided valuable insights into the importance of aligning aspirations with company goals and the six core competencies for success in their organization. The lecture shed light on the challenges posed by the talent war in Taiwan due to negative population growth and an aging society. The real-life case studies prompted critical thinking and emphasized the importance of considering risks when making decisions. The class found the lecture beneficial and loved how interactive the course was. The class deeply appreciated Mr. Huang and Ms. Chen’s effort, which came all the way to Kaohsiung, and participants overall gave positive feedback after the course.

Research Methodology (GHRM509) Guest Lecture

Dr. Sungjun (Steven) Park –National Chengchi University (NCCU)

On April 1, 2024, Dr. Park from NCCU presented a guest lecture in GHRM’s research methodology class. This lecture was intended to strengthen students’ ability in understanding research methodology. Dr. Park first introduced his research specialty in marketing, including high-tech marketing (human computer interaction and AI), digital marketing (mobile advertising and virtual influencers), and service marketing. Dr. Park will also share some tips for Masters’ students who might consider pursuing their PhDs.

Dr. Park presented his first paper titled, “It’s All about Timing: Captive Targeting through Mobile Ads,” where he investigated advertising effects in a captive environment like in cinemas, trains, or on YouTube, etc. This paper opened up more about advertising on mobile apps but within a captivated environment. Dr. Park guided students through the paper from the research background until the conclusion. Dr. Park started his lecture by showing how to conduct a literature review, find knowledge gaps, and determine a research methodology, i.e., a quantitative, qualitative, or a mixed study. Dr. Park also highlighted the importance of mediating and moderating factors and demonstrated how to design research and establish hypotheses. He then emphasized the multi-mode methods, in his example, a combination of lab experiments and field study. Dr. Park then discussed the importance of managerial and theoretical implications and stressed the significance of reflecting on limitations and paving revenues for future research.

In the second half of the lecture, Dr. Park shared his tips for those who would pursue further research endeavors like completing a master thesis. The first step is finding an interesting research idea that is close to daily life, but many people hadn’t thought of. At the same time, we need to consider the implications of the paper. The second step is to conduct literature review in credible sources like Google Scholar and find a key paper from a top journal that will serve fundamental reference for further endeavors. Next step is to establish clear and succinct hypotheses, which should be logically convincing and linguistically relatable. Dr. Park also stressed that it is essential to have a pilot study (pre-test) and receive feedback from colleagues to help further develop research ideas.

《112-2 SA Event》NSYSU MONKEY TOUR: Exploring and Learning Together with NSYSU’s Management Department Students

It is impossible to ignore the importance of monkeys in the lives of NSYSU students. Everywhere on campus—from parking lots to the canteen to dorms and classrooms—students frequently come into contact with them on a regular basis. Many students have been victims of food-snatching incidents by these monkeys. Therefore, the student association of the international program of the College of Management (IBMBA, GHRM-MBA, and IBBA) organized a Monkey tour to provide an opportunity for students to learn more about these sometimes not-so-easy-to-live-with "neighbors". The student association expects that after visiting the monkeys' habitat and observing them closely in their natural living environment, students will gain more understanding of the habits of the monkeys living on the NSYSU mountain and learn how to avoid unpleasant experiences with them in the future.

So, on a hot summer day, a golden opportunity came for an exceptional adventure: the Monkey Tour. However, as we began our journey, some of the tourists were confused by the warnings and recommendations displayed on the notice board concerning encounters with the resident primates. These monkeys, part of the AP Monkey Group, have a reputation for territorial aggression, which made some tourists nervous.

Thankfully, our experienced tour guide swiftly stepped in, soothing the nerves of the worried tourists and providing a thorough explanation of the situation. With reassurance and guidance from our knowledgeable guide, we proceeded with caution, paying close attention to the instructions laid out before us. Despite their initial concerns, the students retained remarkable composure and actively followed our tour guide's instructions. They made it through the AP Monkey Group uninjured thanks to the combined efforts, clearing any misunderstandings and calming any tensions that had erupted.

Led by an experienced guide, we ventured deeper into the heart of Shoushan Mountain, where an enchanting scene awaits. Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, the resident monkeys gathered for their afternoon rituals of napping and grooming. As we settled in, the guide shared a wealth of knowledge about the various species of monkeys inhabiting the mountain. With keen eyes, she pointed out different individuals, detailing their ages, genders, and social groups in a single glance, captivating the attention of all.

The monkeys approached the students cautiously as they were used to human presence and developed a curious nature. Before long, they started investigating, softly caressing and inhaling the scent of our clothing. This behavior, according to our guide, indicated their interest and need for interaction—especially with the younger, less mature people. The monkeys were very friendly once they were sure of our good intentions, jumping up and down on our heads and shoulders. Some even started styling our hair, which made everyone on the tour laugh and foster happy companionship.

The students of NSYSU were familiar with monkeys in the school garden, but there was still much they didn't understand about them. Incidents during lunchtime prompted the need for an educational activity to deepen students' knowledge of monkeys, their habitat, behavior, and triggers, such as loud noises, sudden movements, or attempts to take food from them. The activity aims to equip students with strategies for handling various situations involving monkeys and to foster a greater understanding of coexisting with wildlife in the school environment.

Our trip's success went beyond simply observing and interacting with wildlife. It provided a unique opportunity for the students to forge connections not only with each other but also with the natural world around them. Despite hailing from diverse backgrounds and corners of the globe, the shared experience of communing with these wild creatures fostered bonds of friendship and camaraderie among us. As the day drew to a close, we exchanged memories captured in photographs, a tangible reminder of the newfound friendships and cherished moments shared on our unforgettable journey.

Tran Anh Loan

GHRM Program

College of Management - NSYSU

Vice President of the 112-2 International Student Association

《112-2 GHRM591》Intro EJOT/Subsidiary Set Up/SCM EJOT TW (Lean Mgt.): “Disruption free/Flow/Rhythm/Pull”

Written by Mandy Lin and DARYL ANDRIAN

On 21/03/2024, Ingo Thiel from EJOT Taiwan came to a combination class of GHRM

and IBBA’s Production and Operations Management course by Professor Timo Eccarius to give a

guest lecture. Ingo Thiel is the director of supply chain management in Asia and the brand

manager of EJOT Taiwan.

The lecture started by introducing EJOT’s history which started as a screw production

factory in the fastening industry. EJOT proceeded to become the leading screw manufacturing

factory in the German Federation. As time went on EJOT added new production sites in Mexico

and China, maintaining their status as one of the leading screw production companies in the

world. Currently EJOT has 4581 employees in the whole world. EJOT is considered as a “hidden

champion” in some of its niche products. EJOT highlighted their patented products which

currently stand at 2127 patents. EJOT is the biggest screw manufacturer in Europe by producing

51 million screws per day.

EJOT opened the Taiwan branch (in Kaohsiung) in September 2007, becoming the hub

for other EJOT subsidiaries in Asia markets in November 2008 and starting their full operation.

They refocused the supply chain by doing quality control and allocation of goods at the point of

purchase, which Ingo strongly emphasized the importance of quality. Thus, EJOT achieved a

significant 92% reduction of quality claim rate within a year. When you’re managing a supply

chain you need to solve any possible problem as early as possible. At first, EJOT’s products

received a high level of rejection which is 6% out of the 0.8% target, but within a short time the

rejections got lower and lower which averaged around 0.5%. Ingo highlights the importance of

having buffer stocks in managing the demand and supply to provide flexibility in the market.

Continuing the lecture in supply chain, Ingo shared the basic principles of supply chain

management in EJOT which are disturbance free, flow, rhythm, and pull. He mentioned that

everything needs to be free from disturbance, especially in the production flow. All divisions

need to keep moving to produce the best result. In order to achieve this, it requires the company

to possess a certain rhythm to avoid randomness in production quantity through a regular

checking mechanism. Furthermore, Ingo also stated the significance of the pull system in modern

society instead of the push system.

From the practical implementation perspective, disturbance free is implemented by

avoiding mistakes such as minimizing single source, which EJOT has put a lot of effort into

keeping quality control at a high level. Implementing flow and rhythm is done by constantly

moving internal and external supply chains, it is done by scheduling, producing in lower volume

but higher order frequency. This will help to create better inbound and outbound rhythm to

suppliers. The last principle, pull is implemented by reducing stocks in the warehouse and

continuing by replenishing it, but at the same time we need to make sure that the shipment comes

in time rather than too early or late.

Applying the principles is not easy, there are some challenges faced in implementing the

principles. One of the main problems is the difference in departments’ targets. Some departments

focus on making as much as possible meanwhile the other departments focus on the production

process and minimizing risk which sometimes differs to each other than bring some challenges to

mediate both targets.

To conclude the session, Ingo restated the importance of the four principles in managing

the supply chain. Lastly, the session continued with interesting questions raised by students.

Because a smooth flow is the most essential process of doing production and operations

management, we need to ensure that no groups work too fast or slow, because even quick work

by a group can slow down others’ processes. This is an endless struggle in handling production

and operations management, we need to constantly change or adapt the processes so we can find

the perfect flow that can operate smoothly. Moreover, students also curious about 3D printing,

particularly metal 3D printing, could have what applications or impacts for the company. Ingo

mentioned that it could primarily be used for prototyping purposes. However, Ingo also pointed

out that, like CNC machining, 3D printing has significantly lower production capacity, making it

unable to replace their current manufacturing methods entirely.

《112-1 SA Event》Exploring Heritage: IBMBA and GHRM-MBA Students Delve into Hakka Culture in Meinong

On a recent culture trip, students from the IBMBA and GHRM-MBA programs at NSYSU's College of Management embarked on an enlightening journey to explore the rich Hakka heritage in Meinong. The adventure began at 2 pm, with students gathering at the corner coffee shop, eagerly awaiting the shuttle bus that would take them into the heart of Hakka culture.

As they traveled, the students were gradually fascinated by the unique charm of Meinong, a town well known for its preservation of Hakka traditions. A key feature of this trip was the interactive experiences in traditional Hakka crafts and activities, allowing the students to engage directly with the culture.

There were several engaging activities, especially the crafting of traditional Hakka umbrellas. Guided by experienced artisans, the students embraced the art of umbrella making, putting their own creativity into each piece of work. The resulting umbrellas were vibrant and richly patterned, expressing both artistic designs and the connection with Hakka ethos.

In another immersive session, students learned the process of making traditional Hakka green tea in detail. They learned the journey of tea leaves, from cultivation, and thriving, all the way to the grinding process, turning them into a fine, aromatic powder. This process provided a tangible link to the historical and cultural importance of tea in Hakka culture.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere was vibrant with laughter and the forging of new bonds, highlighting the unity and diversity among the students, as everyone got different perspectives and learnings from the trip, yet they were happy to share and communicate with each other. This excursion was more than a cultural visit; it was a dynamic space for cross-cultural interaction and learning.

In summary, the cultural trip to Meinong offered the IBMBA and GHRM-MBA students at NSYSU a profound experience beyond conventional education in classrooms. Engaging in hands-on cultural activities, not only deepened their understanding of Hakka heritage but also created enduring memories and friendships. This journey emphasizes the College's dedication to fostering well-rounded, culturally aware students.

《112-1 SA Event》Inspirational Afternoon: NSYSU Alumni Share Stories at Career Networking Event

On Friday, November 10, 2023, National Sun Yat-sen University's (NSYSU) student association of the international program hosted a career networking event for MBA in International Business (IBMBA) and Global Human Resource Management (GHRM) students. The event featured three distinguished alumni who offered insights into international careers, providing valuable advice and tips for globally-minded students.

The event started with an opening speech by Professor Timo, who welcomed the guest speakers and the students and set the mood for the rest of the afternoon. He also thanked the student association for their efforts in organizing the event and creating a platform for learning and networking. Additionally, two very important individuals, namely Cindy and Scarlett, from the IB office attended the event, whose constant support and guidance made it possible for the Student Association to carry out such meaningful events for the students.

The speakers included:

● Ms. Hkawn, a GHRM alumna from Myanmar and marketing specialist at Asus. She discussed her career journey post-graduation, her experiences in a multicultural work environment, and her work-life balance in Taiwan.

● Mr. Jetsin, an IBMBA alumnus from Thailand and a software configuration engineer at SUSS MicroTec, a German company headquartered in Hsinchu. He shared his passion for software engineering, applying IBMBA skills in his role, and his experiences in a cross-cultural team.

● Mr. Vigor, an IBMBA alumnus from Indonesia and assistant product manager at FUNPODIUM, a Taiwanese company based in Taipei. He offered key insights from his professional journey.

Following the presentations, a group photo was taken in traditional Taiwanese fashion. An afternoon tea session with pastries and beverages facilitated informal interactions between alumni and students in a round table setting. This allowed for personal questions and idea exchanges.

The event was a great success, as it provided a valuable and enjoyable experience for both the guest speakers and the students. The students gained a lot of insights and inspiration from the alumni and made some new connections and friends. The guest speakers expressed their gratitude and satisfaction for being invited to the event and offered their continued support and mentorship to the students.

The student association of the international program thanked the guest speakers, the students, and the faculty for their participation and contribution to the event. They also announced that they will be organizing more events and activities in the future and encouraged the students to join and benefit from them.

《112-1_SA Event》Spooktacular Halloween Extravaganza Unites IBMBA and GHRM MBA Programs at NSYSU

The College of Management at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) witnessed a thrilling convergence of students from the International Business Master of Business Administration (IBMBA) and the Global Human Resource Management (GHRM) programs on the eerie night of October 29th. Held at the atmospheric Madker Live House Bar, the Halloween party was nothing short of a spectacular and spine-tingling affair.

The party, hosted by the charismatic GHRM MBA student Ronnie, who wore the iconic costume of The Mandalorian and his pint-sized companion, Baby Yoda, set the perfect tone for the night. The venue was decorated with eerie ornaments, cobwebs, and flickering candles, creating an aura of Halloween mystery.

With over 30 enthusiastic participants, the energy was electric. Ronnie kicked off the night with two thrilling games: the mummy game, where teams raced to wrap a member in toilet paper to create the spookiest mummy, and the cup-flipping game, which challenged their skills and had everyone in stitches. Music filled the air as students took to the stage for some spine-tingling karaoke performances. The participants showcased their vocal prowess, belting out Halloween classics and their favorite tunes.

The highlight of the night was the costume contest, where students flaunted their creativity with outfits ranging from classic monsters to pop culture icons. The competition was fierce, with everyone casting their votes to determine the spookiest, most creative, and funniest costumes. As the night wore on, the dance floor came alive, and students let loose, showing off their dance moves. The partygoers enjoyed the friendship and the chance to relax, connect, and have a memorable Halloween celebration.

The Halloween party at Madker Live House Bar was an unforgettable night of fun and frights, building deeper connections among students from the IBMBA and GHRM programs at NSYSU. It showcased the vibrant and diverse community that the College of Management fosters, bringing students from different backgrounds together in the spirit of Halloween. It's safe to say that this spooky soirée will be talked about for many Halloweens to come.

《International Program_SA Event》Catching Waves & Making Memories: An Exciting Water Sports Event

On the 15th of October, 2023, the Student Association of International Programs at NSYSU hosted a thrilling activity for IBMBA and GHRM students. The primary aim of this event was to promote physical activity, which the Student Association deems crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Watersports events like this offer students not only relaxation but also an enjoyable way to connect with classmates.

However, there was an unexpected twist.

The initial plan was to have everyone try SUP and Kayaking, but due to strong waves, the organizers had to switch to plan B: body surfing.

Despite the shift, the experience remained memorable. The NSYSU Marine Sports Center supplied all body surfing equipment, and experienced instructors guided the students. Many were eager to try an activity they hadn't tried before.

The event buzzed with energy as students cheered their peers facing the waves. Captivating photos captured students reveling in the thrill of the surf. This gathering also fostered new friendships and deepened existing ones through shared experiences.

The day concluded with delicious sandwiches for everyone. Many expressed appreciation to the organizers for such an engaging event.

"I had an incredible time," remarked a student. "Body surfing was a first for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll surely return for more." The event's success was evident, with many students already anticipating similar future activities.

The event underscored the significance of balancing physical endeavors with academic responsibilities. In our fast-paced era, it's vital to allocate time for pursuits that bolster physical and mental health. Such events allow students to unwind and release pressure, enhancing their academic performance.

Engaging in activities that foster physical and mental health can elevate students' efficiency, innovation, and overall academic output. This watersports event emphasized the synergy of physical activities and academic studies, offering students a platform to socialize and discover shared passions.

In summary, IBMBA and GHRM MBA students at NSYSU relished the watersports event on October 15. Even with the change in activities, the event resonated with success, leaving students with cherished memories and strengthened bonds. The gathering highlighted the value of mixing academic work with health-promoting activities. The NSYSU Marine Sports Center has undoubtedly become a favored spot for students seeking exhilaration and adventure. Furthermore, this event has motivated the SA team to continue designing events that foster enduring connections.

(Photographor: Morgan Yan)

《International Program_SA Event》International Lounge Event: A Chill Afternoon of Connection

On September 27th, 2023, the Student Association of the International Programs at the College of Management, NSYSU hosted yet another memorable event called the International Lounge event, which was mainly aimed at the new IBMBA and GHRM students. The event was a time for students to come together, relax, and enjoy each other's company over delicious pizza and drinks.

The event took place in a classroom within the College of Management building. The ambiance was lively and welcoming, with students mingling and chatting with one another as they enjoyed their refreshments.

It was a chill afternoon of connection. The International Lounge event provided a perfect opportunity for international students to connect with each other. The Student Association achieved this goal by creating a space, where students could interact and build connections with each other beyond casual chats. Students spent the afternoon mingling, sharing stories about their home countries, and forming bonds that will last long after the event. Unlike typical gatherings, this event skipped games and other activities, believing that a more laid-back setting encourages interactions and natural bonding.

Such gatherings are important in providing a platform for international students to connect with one another. Studying abroad comes with its own set of challenges, including language barriers and getting used to new cultures. The International Lounge event aimed to help with these challenges by offering a space where students could have a sense of relatedness over shared experiences.

The Student Association's emphasis on inclusivity ensured that students from all backgrounds felt embraced, and fulfilling in terms of building relationships. The success of this gathering has motivated them to organize more events like this, in the hope of bridging the gap between international and local students, and providing sources of learning, sharing, bonding

Building a sense of community among students is key to their overall development. University plays a major role in ensuring a supportive environment, especially for those who've traveled from different corners of the world.

We encourage international students studying abroad to seek out events like the International Lounge event. These events provide an excellent opportunity to connect with others, learn about new cultures, and have fun in a relaxed and friendly environment.

《International Program_SA Event》Catching Waves & Making Memories: An Exciting Water Sports Event

On the 15th of October, 2023, the Student Association of International Programs at NSYSU hosted a thrilling activity for IBMBA and GHRM students. The primary aim of this event was to promote physical activity, which the Student Association deems crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Watersports events like this offer students not only relaxation but also an enjoyable way to connect with classmates.

However, there was an unexpected twist.

The initial plan was to have everyone try SUP and Kayaking, but due to strong waves, the organizers had to switch to plan B: body surfing.

Despite the shift, the experience remained memorable. The NSYSU Marine Sports Center supplied all body surfing equipment, and experienced instructors guided the students. Many were eager to try an activity they hadn't tried before.

The event buzzed with energy as students cheered their peers facing the waves. Captivating photos captured students reveling in the thrill of the surf. This gathering also fostered new friendships and deepened existing ones through shared experiences.

The day concluded with delicious sandwiches for everyone. Many expressed appreciation to the organizers for such an engaging event.

"I had an incredible time," remarked a student. "Body surfing was a first for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll surely return for more." The event's success was evident, with many students already anticipating similar future activities.

The event underscored the significance of balancing physical endeavors with academic responsibilities. In our fast-paced era, it's vital to allocate time for pursuits that bolster physical and mental health. Such events allow students to unwind and release pressure, enhancing their academic performance.

Engaging in activities that foster physical and mental health can elevate students' efficiency, innovation, and overall academic output. This watersports event emphasized the synergy of physical activities and academic studies, offering students a platform to socialize and discover shared passions.

In summary, IBMBA and GHRM MBA students at NSYSU relished the watersports event on October 15. Even with the change in activities, the event resonated with success, leaving students with cherished memories and strengthened bonds. The gathering highlighted the value of mixing academic work with health-promoting activities. The NSYSU Marine Sports Center has undoubtedly become a favored spot for students seeking exhilaration and adventure. Furthermore, this event has motivated the SA team to continue designing events that foster enduring connections.

(Photographor: Morgan Yan)

《International Program_SA Event》International Lounge Event: A Chill Afternoon of Connection

On September 27th, 2023, the Student Association of the International Programs at the College of Management, NSYSU hosted yet another memorable event called the International Lounge event, which was mainly aimed at the new IBMBA and GHRM students. The event was a time for students to come together, relax, and enjoy each other's company over delicious pizza and drinks.

The event took place in a classroom within the College of Management building. The ambiance was lively and welcoming, with students mingling and chatting with one another as they enjoyed their refreshments.

It was a chill afternoon of connection. The International Lounge event provided a perfect opportunity for international students to connect with each other. The Student Association achieved this goal by creating a space, where students could interact and build connections with each other beyond casual chats. Students spent the afternoon mingling, sharing stories about their home countries, and forming bonds that will last long after the event. Unlike typical gatherings, this event skipped games and other activities, believing that a more laid-back setting encourages interactions and natural bonding.

Such gatherings are important in providing a platform for international students to connect with one another. Studying abroad comes with its own set of challenges, including language barriers and getting used to new cultures. The International Lounge event aimed to help with these challenges by offering a space where students could have a sense of relatedness over shared experiences.

The Student Association's emphasis on inclusivity ensured that students from all backgrounds felt embraced, and fulfilling in terms of building relationships. The success of this gathering has motivated them to organize more events like this, in the hope of bridging the gap between international and local students, and providing sources of learning, sharing, bonding

Building a sense of community among students is key to their overall development. University plays a major role in ensuring a supportive environment, especially for those who've traveled from different corners of the world.

We encourage international students studying abroad to seek out events like the International Lounge event. These events provide an excellent opportunity to connect with others, learn about new cultures, and have fun in a relaxed and friendly environment.

2023International Programs Alumni Gathering Event

16th September 2023 (Saturday), the IBMBA and GHRM MBA Alumni Gathering was held on September 16th at BUNA CAF'E in Taipei Neihu District. This is Taipei's first alumni gathering event that we can chow down after three years of the pandemic. The IBMBA and GHRM MBA programs prioritize the program's academic excellence and strengthen the alumni network. This event was an excellent opportunity to bring together the distinguished alumni, faculty, and staff of our programs' close-knit community. There were 70 alumni working around Taiwan gathered together to enjoy lunch with the professors of the College of Management. The professors representing our programs were Program Director Prof. Chieh Lee, Prof. François Bouchetoux, Prof. Ryan Brading, Prof. Wil Martens, and Prof. Wen-Shin Chen. The event's success would not have been possible without Cindy Lin and Yvonne Huang's organization.

The event started with the opening speech of the President of the Alumni Association of International Programs, Justin Tang, and followed up with the passionate welcome of our program director, Prof. Chieh Lee, to all alumni. After a brief introduction to our coming professor, follow with the event's highlight, Kahoot Games! Simple games simple questions, are precisely the right ways to break the ice and splash back everyone's memories in NSYSU. Melody Hsueh, Kevin Yeh, and Ysanne Chen, three lucky alumni winners who earned the highest score, bagged prizes home successfully.

After these warm-up activities, the event goes straight to the main point: gathering! The delicious buffet-style lunch was served at the same moment. The room was full of excitement and good vibes. Alumni were excited to reunite with old friends and make new connections. The alumni event brought back cherished memories from their time at NSYSU while creating new ones and strengthening their relationships and friendships. The event was filled with smiles, hugs, amusing conversations, positive emotions, and delicious food. It was heartwarming to witness the strong bond between our alumni and how easily they reconnected with the faculty and staff.

Could it be imagined that the most amazing things in the world you are with the right people at the right time and with great food！ It was truly a day with lots of fun, positive vibes, entertainment, and beautiful memories. The alumni gathering event is always highly anticipated and brings so much fun, positive energy, joy, happiness, and precious memories. It's definitely one of the best occasions that everyone cherishes and enjoys to the fullest.

(Reported by IBMBA Rossie Lim)