The first day of the study trip began with an afternoon full of insightful meetings, offering students an opportunity to engage with leading experts from diverse industries. The first session took place at Michelin, where students learned about the company’s innovative approaches to manufacturing and sustainability.

Michelin’s team provided a deep dive into how the company balances cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly practices, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of its products. Students were particularly intrigued by the company’s commitment to innovation and how they continuously evolve in a competitive global market, which sparked discussions on corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices.

Next, the group met an expert from Ipsos, a renowned global market research firm. She explained the crucial role of consumer insights and data analytics in shaping business strategies across various sectors. Students were introduced to the methodologies used to collect and analyze data, as well as how businesses leverage this information to understand market trends and consumer behavior.

Ipsos representatives also shared examples of how market research influences product development, marketing campaigns, and strategic decisions. This session was an eye-opener for students interested in data-driven decision-making and the power of understanding consumer psychology.

The day concluded with a meeting with the Malaysia French Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Chamber’s representative provided an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities for foreign companies in Malaysia, particularly those from France. Topics included cross-cultural business practices, market entry strategies, and the role of the Chamber in facilitating business connections.

This meeting highlighted the importance of understanding local market dynamics and adapting strategies for success in an international context, giving students a deeper appreciation for global business operations.

The second day of the trip began with a visit to YTL Construction, where students had the opportunity to explore one of Malaysia’s leading construction companies. During the visit, YTL’s experts provided insights into how the company integrates cutting-edge technology and automation into its operations.

Students were introduced to the company’s state-of-the-art plants and discussed how they are using digital tools and automated processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain high-quality standards. This session gave students a clear understanding of how traditional industries like construction are embracing innovation to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

In the afternoon, the group visited Agoda, a global leader in the online travel industry. Upon arrival, students toured Agoda’s vibrant and open office spaces, which reflect the company’s inclusive and collaborative culture. The friendly atmosphere allowed students to interact with employees and get a sense of the work environment at a tech-driven company. A talent recruiter then walked the students through Agoda’s application process, offering practical advice on how to stand out when applying for roles in the competitive travel tech industry. This session provided students with valuable insights into what it takes to build a successful career in one of the world’s leading online platforms.

The visit concluded with a presentation from a senior strategic analyst at Agoda, who gave an in-depth overview of the online hotel booking platform industry. Students learned about the competitive landscape, key industry players, and how suppliers and consumers interact in the market. The analyst also discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by companies like Agoda in a constantly changing digital ecosystem. This session was particularly useful for students interested in the travel and tech sectors, providing a comprehensive view of how online platforms are shaping the future of the hospitality industry.

Day 3 began with a visit to Citibank, where students gained valuable insights into one of the world’s leading global financial institutions. During the session, Citibank representatives introduced the bank’s organizational structure, history, and its broad range of services across the world. Students learned about the bank’s role in the global financial system, its approach to innovation in banking, and how it leverages technology to stay competitive in the fast-evolving financial landscape. The session also covered the job application process, providing students with a clear understanding of the steps involved in applying for roles within such a large multinational organization.

In the afternoon, the group headed to Club Med, a global leader in the all-inclusive resort industry. Club Med’s team introduced the company’s sustainability efforts in hospitality, highlighting initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, promoting responsible tourism, and supporting local communities. Students learned how Club Med incorporates sustainable practices in its operations, from eco-friendly resort designs to waste management and energy conservation programs. The session provided a fascinating look at how hospitality businesses are aligning their strategies with sustainability goals, offering students an understanding of the growing importance of environmental responsibility in the tourism and leisure industry.

The day concluded with a networking dinner, bringing together local professionals, entrepreneurs, and ESSEC alumni in Kuala Lumpur. This informal yet valuable event allowed students to engage with industry leaders from a variety of sectors, including finance, technology, hospitality and entrepreneurship. It was a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about career paths, market trends, and potential opportunities in Southeast Asia. Students took full advantage of the event to ask questions, build connections, and gain advice on how to navigate their future careers in the region. The evening fostered meaningful interactions, helping students explore the professional landscape in Malaysia and beyond.

On Day 4, the students visited PichaEats, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering refugees in Malaysia through culinary entrepreneurship. Founded with the mission to provide refugees with a platform to share their culinary talents, PichaEats collaborates with displaced individuals—many from countries such as Syria, Myanmar, and Afghanistan—through contractual agreements. The organization’s goal is to not only offer economic opportunities but also to foster social integration by promoting the diverse cultural heritage of refugees through food. Students learned how PichaEats uses food as a tool for social change, creating a sustainable business model that supports refugee communities.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to engage with the chefs behind PichaEats, many of whom are refugees themselves. The chefs shared their personal stories, discussing the challenges they faced while seeking safety and a new life in Malaysia. They also spoke about their experiences in the culinary field and how cooking has provided them with a sense of dignity, financial independence, and the opportunity to reconnect with their cultural identity. Through these conversations, students gained a deeper understanding of the difficulties refugees face in Malaysia, as well as the country’s policies on refugee status and integration.

The day’s experience was further enriched by a hands-on activity, where students participated in a team-building exercise that simulated some of the physical and mental challenges refugees may experience in their daily lives. This exercise aimed to help students empathize with the barriers that refugees face in a world filled with obstacles, providing a powerful lesson in understanding and compassion. This immersive experience served as a reminder of the resilience of displaced individuals and the significant role of social enterprises in driving positive social change.

On the final day of the study trip, students visited Cycle & Carriage, one of the leading automotive dealers in Malaysia. The visit provided a comprehensive overview of the company’s business model, which spans sales, services, and distribution for a variety of vehicle brands. Cycle & Carriage representatives introduced students to the company’s approach to customer relationships, its role in the local automotive market, and how it adapts to changing consumer demands. This session helped students understand how a large-scale dealership operates across multiple departments, including sales, marketing, mechanics, and accounting, giving them a well-rounded perspective on business functions in the automotive industry.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to interact with managers from different departments, gaining insights into the various aspects of the business. The sales team discussed strategies for customer engagement and building long-term relationships, while the marketing department shared insights on branding and advertising in a competitive market. Students also spoke with mechanics who highlighted the challenges and innovations in maintaining and repairing modern vehicles. Additionally, the accounting team explained the financial processes behind managing a multi-faceted dealership. These conversations gave students a deeper understanding of the diverse roles and how each department contributes to the overall success of the business.

The visit concluded with a tour of the maintenance workshop, where students learned about the technology and tools used, and the importance of quality control and safety standards in the automotive service industry. As a highlight of the day, two ESSEC student representatives presented their research on sustainability opportunities within the automotive industry. Their findings shed light on how companies like Cycle & Carriage can integrate sustainable practices, from eco-friendly vehicles to reducing carbon footprints in operations. The presentation sparked engaging discussions on the future of sustainability in the industry and how businesses can balance growth with environmental responsibility.