Univ399 Asia 2010

UNIV399 Asia 2010: The Next Generation

2010-05-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

This blog continues as the next group of students prepares to take to the skies for the next Asian adventure. Eight students and myself will soon find ourselves in China, home to one of the most ancient civilizations in the world. We will explore the people, the culture, the food, and how businesses are operating in one of the strongest economies on the planet. Our destinations are: Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. You are welcome to follow our adventures.

Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong wrapup

2010-05-27T08:12:00.001-07:00

It is time to close the book on this trip. I want to thank the students, their families, the companies, the countries, Kim, Tim, and anyone else I've forgotten for making this trip possible and successful. We gained valuable knowledge, formed lasting friendships, ate weird food, and have stories to tell for years to come. Below, I leave you with some student quotes regarding the trip.

"Had a blast and learned a lot.
Like not to eat Durian.....ever again.
Plus all that academic stuff.
Thank you Professor MacKinnon"

Tim Nevin

"What an awesome experience with an even more amazing group. Everyone found ways to create fun options for the group. Whether it was baking in the Sentosa sun, the durian challenge, or F1 racing at the KL tower, the group always had fun. This trip was my most valuable learning experience yet. Knowledge attained through coursework finally pays off as you see the practical applications."

John Greenwood

"Reading through the blog again and again puts an ever-growing grin on my face and fills me with a sense of pride for being part of this amazing group of people that I'll never forget. This blog provided more than just detailed information about our travels for our families and friends, it also allowed them to share in our excitement, laughter, and get a glimpse into the world we got to experience. This program showed me how much Asia has to offer as an emerging, influential market in the world and in order to truly have a global perspective of our world, it is essential to go out and learn the values, goals, and motivators of other cultures. I would most definitely encourage others to leave their comfort zones and previous assumptions behind and enjoy these beautiful nations for themselves."

Deniz Harland

"the Asia 2010 trip taught me not just the difference about doing business in Asia, rather than the US, but also taught me a lot about myself. I would recommend this trip to anyone, and think that all of the experiences learned could never be captured in a textbook."

Brian Dennehy

"Traveling throughout Asia allowed me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the people, business practices, and particularly, culture. The firsthand experience ingrained a new found appreciation for a culture so different from the Western world. I am very appreciative that I had the opportunity to experience new things with a new circle of friends. Learning about foreign cultures at Clarkson has been educational but the real life experience is far more enlightening and satisfying. I feel like I will always remember what I have learned in Asia and they are memories that could not have been formed in a classroom setting. I am grateful to have had the chance to participate in an educational program that has truly been personally rewarding and enriching. Thanks Prof!"

Nikolai Marquis

The Long Way Home

2010-05-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

The group leaves Hong Kong with mixed feelings. One of wanting to stay and explore Asia further, and one anxious to get home to friends and family, and forks.

Below, the gang as they file out of the YMCA in the wee hours of the morning, to board the bus to the airport.

At the airport, where most of us learn that our bags are overweight. Russ is so excited he can barely remain conscious.

Below: Dried squid at a gift shop in Tokyo. Gifts for the last minute souvenir shopper.

Nik, Mel, and Yely on the long, long flight from Tokyo to JFK.

And lastly, a bad picture of the group going on from JFK to Syracuse. We said goodbye to Brandon, Shannon, Mel, Nik, and Yely in JFK.

Final Day

2010-05-19T01:55:00.000-07:00

Today was our final full day in Hong Kong. We visited the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The HKMA is responsible for all things currency related in Hong Kong. The tour was quite interesting (unexpectedly) and informative. A good way to end the educational portion of our trip. The gang split up to squeeze a little more enjoyment from HK before we take off early tomorrow morning.

The view from the 55th floor of the HK International Finance Center number 2. IFC2 is home to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

The gang at the HKMA, our last organization visit.

Chris and Deniz, bravely about to dig into a chicken gristle skewer. Yes, that is its name.

The dymanic duo, providing proof that they finished the unusual delicacy. They appear happier than they are.

HKEX and Stanley Market

2010-05-18T03:18:00.001-07:00

Today we visited the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The HKEX is one of the largest exchanges in Asia and the world. Afterwards, several of us went out to Stanley Market, a popular shopping and beach area in southeastern Hong Kong.

Above: A fountain and sculpture type object, outside the exchange building.

Sweet water buffalo statue. I want one for my lawn.

The gang outside the exchange building, waiting for our appointment.

One of our hosts, explaining the use of the exchange terminals.

Russ, Tim, Brandon and Alfredo, seeing how they would look on the trading floor. Rather frightening.

Yely, about the ring the bell to start the trading day.

Chris and Brandon, practicing having real jobs.

Deniz with an all day sucker, perfecting her little girl persona. One shoe stall owner chastised her for wandering around the mall without supervision. She could order off the kids menu with no questions asked.

Stanley Market

The gang, or at least their heads, at Stanley Market.

Courtney showing off her mini-burgers.

A dog in one of the shops at Stanley Market. So homely it's cute.

Brian, Shannon, and Deniz at one of the Stanley beaches.

The financial district of Hong Kong, as seen from our ferry.

Tomorrow is our last full day in Hong Kong.

The Land Between

2010-05-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

Today we all went on The Land Between Tour, which is a tour of the region between Hong Kong and mainland China. Here are some of the highlights.

Above: Pics from the Yuen Yuen Institute: a temple complex dedicated to the three major religions of China: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

Mel and Antionnette at the Institute.

If this guy gets tired of being a Taoist deity, he can get a job dealing blackjack in Macau.

This is known as a "squatter". You can see why.

This is the gang on the bus. Looking good. Well, as good as they ever do.

This is our little "jook-sing"'

This is John. John is addicted to riding buses. No doubt this crept up on him slowly, but now he is hooked. He says to himself that he can quit at any time, but we know better.

The view of Hong Kong from the Tai Mo Shan lookout point.

Deniz at the point, looking spiffy in her new boots.

The extremely narrow streets of Fanling Village.

The doors of the old villages are often decorated with these stern looking fellows. Contrary to their forbidding appearance, they represent protection and prosperity. Or something. I can't quite remember.

This is a Banyan tree in Fanling village. Sitting under a banyan tree is supposed to give you good health. Or good luck. Or something. I forget.

The kitchen of a tiny little apartment in Fanling village. These houses can't be more than a few hundred square feet each, if that.

Some of the folks in Fanling drive cars bigger than their houses. Cars are the main status symbols for Hong Kongers. (Hong Kongians?)

Brian at the Luk Keng Road lookout point. The area is known for its rare egrets.

An ancestor worship hall in a Hakka village. The Hakkas are mainly farmers, although this village is sparsely populated, mainly with very old Hakka.

The red, feirce looking peppers John picked at the Hakka village.

If you think Americans are crazy about grilling / barbecuing, you haven't seen anything. There are these kinds of grilling stations all over the rural areas of Hong Kong.

Bride's Pool Falls. Legend has it that some woman or other got dumped in the water and drowned here. Learn to swim folks.

Just past Bride's pool falls, we saw one of these big fellows right up beside the road.

One of the coolest places on our tour. This is Sam Mun Tsai Fishing Village. The fisher folk live out on the water in floating houses, and breed fish in nets under their houses.

Some of the gang at the fishing village.

Some fish at the restaurant where we had our lunch.

Free day today

2010-05-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

Not much to report today. Today and tomorrow are free days for the group. We had intended to go to Lantau Island today, but the weather was uncertain, so we decided to stick close to the city and the gang scattered. A small group of us went out to buy some souvenirs, lunch at a Japanese ramen shop, and then went our separate ways.

Chris, Brandon, and Brian at a tea party. We were trying to find out which tea to buy so the stall owner brewed us up several types to try. On another positive note, Chris was not hit by a bus today.

Only in China can you shake hands with your ham.

Hong Kong: Day Two

2010-05-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

A busy day today. After breakfast, we went out the the Jade Market to buy jade souvenirs. Luckily Sheldon is a trained gemologist, so he knew how to tell good jade from bad. I don't think the stall vendors were happy to see him. Next door to the Jade Market is a wet market, which we also visited. A wet market is where the locals go in the morning to buy their fresh food for the day. Then we went to the Hong Kong Museum of Natural History so Sheldon could give us a quick primer on HK history. After lunch, we had a visit at the Hong Kong Productivity Council. The HKPC is an organization that helps businesses establish themselves and grow in the HK market.

After getting back from the HKPC, we sadly bid farewell to Sheldon, who had to catch a plane to Shanghai. We only had him with us for a day and a half and as was the case last year, the students fell in love with him.

After Sheldon left us, some of us went out to view the Symphony of Lights, the Avenue of Stars, and then to dinner.

Some pictures from the wet market.

The Jade Market

A cat on the counter of a Hong Kong shop. There seemed to be cats everywhere today.

These three guys were on display at the Hong Kong history museum. Someone asked if they were the 3 Wise Men. I won't say who.

A rather frightening closeup of Chris attacking an innocent piece of greenery at lunch time. Chris was hit by a bus earlier in the day. The bus was not injured.

Our farewell to Sheldon Poon. He loves Hong Kong and loves showing it to visitors. We were very fortunate to have him with us.

Hong Kong

2010-05-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Well, our flight from Kuala Lumpur was uneventful (other than a somewhat bumpy landing) and we are in beautiful Hong Kong! It is noticeably and mercifully cooler here. Also it is much, much more fast paced than the region we just left. Our friend Sheldon Poon was waiting for us at our hotel and ran us ragged, literally, for the next 8 hours, showing us as much of Hong Kong as he can in the short time he can be with us. We changed money, bought Octopus Cards, and headed up to Victoria Peak. Afterwards, we had a traditional Chinese meal, graciously hosted by Sheldon, and then hit the Night Market.

Some of the gang, waiting to board the plane in KL.

On the bus from the airport to our hotel in Hong Kong.

Shawn, taking in the fresh sea air on the Star Ferry.

Ditto for Courtney.

Yely and Sheldon, on the bus to the Victoria Peak tram.

On the peak tram.

View from the peak.

Not so easy to eat when your food is staring back at you. You can't easily see it, but there's a little tear coming out of the corner of his eye.

Sheldon and the gang at dinner. Our food needed an interpreter.

The ice cream vendor didn't want to sell this ice-cream to Deniz until Mel got all up in his grill. (hood-speak)

Farewell to Malaysia

2010-05-12T05:48:00.002-07:00

Today was our last day in Malaysia. We had a company visit to Tyco sales, and their distribution company, DB Schenker. As always, we benefited greatly from our time with Tyco. As a bonus, Tyco graciously provided a bus to tour us around Kuala Lumpur for the afternoon. Many thanks to Mr. Lim for being such a gracious and generous host.

We leave early tomorrow for the final leg of our adventure: Hong Kong.

The gang with our hosts from Tyco and DB Schenker, at the Schenker facilities.

Yely in front of a fountain at the Malaysian King's palace.

Mel, Antionette, and Brian hanging with a mounted guard in front of the palace.

Malaysian War Memorial

The old government buildings from when Malaysia was still under British rule.

A replica of Big Ben in London.

C, S, and D in front of a Malaysian fruit display at a Malaysian chocolate distributor.

That's all for now. Next entry will be from Hong Kong. Stay tuned.

I love this country!!

2010-05-11T06:58:00.001-07:00

There are many reasons to come to Malaysia. Some of which you have already seen. But here's another:

Mango Tic Tacs!!

Batu Caves

2010-05-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

Today we visited the Batu Caves, a Hindu shrine cut into the limestone cliffs outside of Kuala Lumpur. The caves are dedicated to the Hindu deity Murugan.

The gang at the entrance to the caves.

It's a long, long way up. Over 200 steps. Very steep. Thank goodness it was really hot and humid.

There are monkeys everywhere. I mean everywhere.

Some of the gang inside the caves.

She's the one to call if you need an extra hand.

More of our little primate friends.

And another.

It goes without saying that these are the famous Batu Cave chickens.

No ancient holy shrine is complete without a gift shop.

This is Murugan himself, looking pretty sweet all decked out in gold.

Russ and Tim, getting in touch with their feminine side. They're looking fabulous.

And last but not least, a video about..... you guessed it: Monkeys.

We Love Pewter

2010-05-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Today was a company visit to Royal Selangor. RS is a Malaysian, family owned company based in Kuala Lumpur and the largest manufacturer of pewter products in the world. We had lunch, a tour, a briefing on Royal Selangor marketing practices, and then the School of Hard Knocks, where we all tried our hand at making our own pewter bowls. As with last year's group, this visit is a highlight of our trip.

After the trip, the group went our separate ways. A few of us went to Aquaria, KLCC, and aquarium in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.

Above: The girls on a giant pewter scale. I won't say what they weighed, but that thing was creaking!

Tim, trying his hand at hammering even dimples into a pewter cylinder. He didn't succeed. RS crafts-people train for a year to be able to do it.

The gang at the School of Hard Knocks, where we all made our own pewter bowls.

Brian, with his head in a bubble at the otter tank, at the KL Aquarium. He's never looked better. Seriously.

Fish

Turtle. This big guy is actually swimming over our head. The aquarium has a long underwater tunnel that you can walk through and be surrounded by the sea life.

This is either a big shark or a picture of Mel at breakfast time.

Destination Two: Kuala Lumpur

2010-05-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it to our second destination; Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. We had an enjoyable coach ride from Singapore and arrived in KL about 2pm, local time. After check-in, we walked over to the amazing Petronas Towers and had something to eat. There are numerous shops and restaurants in the area below the towers. Later a few of us went out for dinner and then to the Central Market for a little souvenir shopping. We have a company visit with Royal Selangor tomorrow.

Rather than fly to KL, we took an Aeroline coach. We got to see some beautiful countryside and ride in comfort.

Deniz hones her coloring skills on the bus. She mostly stayed within the lines. This is a resume item for sure.

The view from my hotel room balcony. The tall building in the middle is one of the Petronas Towers, some of the highest buildings in the world.

We stopped at a pastry shop. I asked Shannon to snap a picture of an odd, pizza type pastry with hot dogs on it. As a bonus I got got Shannon and Courtney as well. Frankly they look a little scary in this photo. Kinda crazed. Maybe it's the heat.

This is a temple of some type that is directly across from our hotel.

This is part of the gang eating at a Taiwanese restaurant for dinner. With Chris along, a group of 9 makes enough noise for a group of 23.

Chris, Brian, and Brandon have their feet cleaned by hungry fish at a little booth in the Central Market. With Chris' feet, the fish met their match.

These are the fish. I feel sorry for them I've been living with these feet for a week. I know what they are up against.

Nightime view of one of the Petronas towers.

That's all for tonight.

Final Day in Singapore

2010-05-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well, all good things must come to an end. Today was our final day in Singapore. Since everyone went their separate ways, there isn't much to report. Many of the group went to Sentosa Island, which is a very popular beach resort here in Singapore. Tomorrow morning we leave on a coach for Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.

Lots-O-stuff

2010-05-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

A busy day today. Brian Dennehy's birthday, visits to Globalfoundries and the Port of Singapore, and finally the moment everyone has been waiting for:

The Durian Challenge !!

Globalfoundries is one of the world's leading manufacturers of silicon semiconductors used in computing devices. After an interesting company briefing, we were given a tour of their cleanroom facilities. In the photo below, we are all decked out in our clean room garb. We look like cast members of a made-for-TV scifi movie.

And now for something a bit less dignified.

After Globalfoundries, Khoo, our bus driver, agreed to drop us off at a fruit vendor near our hotel so we could take the durian challenge. For the uninitiated, the durian is a local fruit with an intense unpleasant smell, like rotting onions or a skunk that has died under your porch. The fruit is banned from hotels, taxis, trains and buses.

This is what it looks like, out of its skin.

And this is what people look like who eat it for the first time.

Below, Yely is very happy. She loves durian. Beside her, Shawn is having a very different experience.

After we got back, we turned around and went to our next company visit, to the Port of Singapore. The port is the busiest in the world, and is Singapore's only natural resource.

The photos below are a view of the port from the 40th floor of the PSA building.

And, just to make sure we don't suffer from excessive dignity, Karen from the Port took a picture of all of us jammed into their elevator.

Last but not least, we celebrated Brian's birthday on the top floor of the YMCA.

Tomorrow is a free day. Most of the group will be going to Sentosa Island and perhaps Universal Studios. We leave Sunday morning for Kuala Lumpur.

Man It's Hot!!

2010-05-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Another good day, if you don't count the life-sucking heat and humidity. We had a free morning and visited the US Consulate in the afternoon. It was very interesting to learn about the partnership between the US and Singapore and many of the issues involved in that relationship.

In the evening we visited the Night Safari.

In the picture above, Russ enthusiastically jumps into the spirit of embracing Asian culture, by eating Mexican food. You can't make this stuff up. In the foreground, Chris looks on with disapproval.

The picture isn't great, but this is John and Melony at the Night Safari. Melony is holding a big snake. You can't really see it, but the snake looks nervous.

Singapore; Day 2 Hot, tired, but happy to be here

2010-05-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

After a very abbreviated night's sleep, we were off this morning to Tyco Electronics for our first company visit. As always, Tyco was gracious and informative. We always benefit from our time there.

After our return from Tyco we walked around Little India for awhile. Above is a picture of a typical wet market in Asia. Lots of fresh fish. You can smell it a long way off in the afternoon. In the back of the picture, you can see lots of large fish heads for sale. Fish head curry is a popular dish in Singapore.

Late last night a few of us visited Lau Pa Sat, one of the largest and oldest food courts in the city. Many of the stalls were closed, but we found enough to eat. As you can see, after eating some crunchy fried squid, Melony took a quick nap while the rest of us finished our food. Brian is being helpful in the background.

And we're off !!!

2010-05-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

At 6am on Monday, 14 of us took off from Hancock airport in Syracuse. Don't they look fresh and excited?

Long layover at JFK airport, where we picked up Nik, Yely, and Melony.

Yes, this is Mel. Yes, this is just what she's like. It may be a long, long trip.

Approximately 32 hours later, we're on the bus to the YMCA in hot, steamy Singapore. They still look pretty good, all things considered. It is about 2am, and we have a company visit at 8:30 am the same morning.

More later. Stay tuned.

Here we go!

2010-04-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

In early May, 2010, a group of intrepid explorers left the friendly confines of a small campus in upstate NY and traveled halfway around the globe to discover the wonder and mystery of the Orient. Their travels would take them to Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

These are their stories.