KUCHING – Eighteen Master of Business Administration (International) students from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ Faculty of Business, Design and Arts recently embarked on an immersive visit to Reka Jaya Plantation Sdn Bhd as part of the innovative SwinSPINE initiative.
Hailing from diverse countries, including Denmark, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Malaysia and China, the students are gearing up for a rigorous six-week project. The project entails dissecting the complexities of the Chinese market, pinpointing potential challenges and meticulously developing a strategic action plan for Reka Jaya’s successful entry into this dynamic arena.
The heart of their study is the unique Liberica coffee variety, a venture undertaken by Mr Edward Yong, the visionary behind Reka Jaya Plantation. Mr Yong’s dedication to reviving the Liberica coffee strain, once nearly forgotten, is nothing short of commendable. His passion for coffee and rural community empowerment, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, has led to the birth of Sarawak Rainforest Excelsa Coffee, which is now gearing up to make its mark in the bustling Chinese market.
The SwinSPINE initiative is designed to infuse industry project content into academic units, emphasising real-world experience.
This trip was not just an educational tour but also an endeavour to blend theory with the practical world, bringing students closer to understanding global business dynamics. On top of being introduced to the intricacies of Liberica coffee cultivation, they also had the privilege to savour the plantation’s signature Liberica coffee and house blend. Tasting these signature products provided students with a palpable sense of the unique offerings and quality that Reka Jaya brings to the table.
Mr Edward Yong (right) speaks with the students.
“Understanding a product first-hand, especially something as sensory as coffee, truly deepens our insights and will undoubtedly influence our strategic recommendations for the Chinese market,” commented one student.
Dr Gabriel Wee, Unit Convenor, said, “This visit is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the learning experience of our students. By incorporating real-world case studies and first-hand experiences like this, we are bridging the gap between theoretical learning and its practical application.”
In essence, the Reka Jaya Plantation visit, facilitated under the SwinSPINE initiative, promises a future where academic learning is intricately woven with industry insights – providing students with a holistic education.
Swinburne Sarawak’s Master of Business Administration (International) course provides integrated business management education to pre-experience graduates qualified in either business or non-business academic disciplines as well as post-experience graduates preparing for strategic leadership roles and responsibilities. For further details on the course, visit /courses/master-of-business-administration-international.php.
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