‘Be ready to learn new things and step out of our comfort zone’

Sapna Saikia, a PGDM student specialising in HR and Marketing at Apeejay School of Management, Dwarka, shares how the Global Immersion Programme in Malaysia broadened her understanding of Asian business markets, cultural diversity and consumer behaviour. From gaining global perspectives to strengthening adaptability, teamwork and communication, the experience encouraged her to step beyond her comfort zone and embrace inclusive leadership, cross-cultural collaboration and continuous learning. Read edited excerpt:

Why did you decide to go for the Global Immersion Programme?

I wanted to be a part of this programme because I wanted to experience a different country, culture, and way of learning. I believe that learning is not limited to classrooms. Visiting Malaysia gave me an opportunity to understand things from a global perspective, meet new people, and gain experiences that I could not get from books alone.

How did the academic modules, university visits, or corporate interactions in Malaysia broaden your understanding of Asian business markets?

The programme helped me understand that every country has its own way of doing business. In our classrooms, we learn many theories and concepts, but this experience helped me understand how they can be applied in real life. I also got a better understanding of the importance of culture, consumer behaviour, and local market preferences. It helped me see how businesses need to understand people and their needs to succeed in different markets.

What was the most surprising cultural nuance or business etiquette you observed during your trip? How did it change your perspective on managing cross-cultural teams?

One thing I found interesting was the mix of different cultures and traditions in Malaysia. It made me realise how important it is to respect other people’s beliefs, habits, and ways of working. As I am studying HR and Marketing, I feel this understanding is very important. In the future, when I work with people from different backgrounds, I want to be open-minded, listen to their opinions, and make sure everyone feels respected and included.

What key takeaway did you bring back from the programme?

My biggest takeaway was that we should always be ready to learn new things and step out of our comfort zone. This trip gave me a different perspective and helped me understand the importance of being adaptable and confident. I also realised that understanding different cultures and people is important for both personal growth and professional success.

How did this trip help you grow in terms of adaptability, networking, or leadership?

This trip helped me become more comfortable in a new environment. I got the opportunity to interact with different people, spend time with my classmates, and learn from new experiences. It also helped me understand the importance of teamwork and communication. I feel that such experiences make us more confident, independent, and ready to face new challenges in our professional lives.

How did collaborating with your ASM peers and local Malaysian students or professionals influence your problem-solving approach?

Working with my ASM peers and interacting with people in Malaysia helped me understand that everyone has a different way of thinking. Sometimes, we may look at the same problem differently, and that is what makes teamwork interesting. I learned that instead of focusing only on my own ideas, I should also listen to others and understand their point of view. Different ideas can help us find better solutions.

Looking back, what are one or two of your most memorable or fun experiences from the trip?

For me, the whole experience of visiting Malaysia was memorable because it was a chance to explore a new country and experience a different culture. Spending time with my classmates, learning together, and making memories outside the classroom made the trip special. I came back with new experiences, good memories, and a better understanding of the world beyond my regular academic life.