Buzzing with anticipation and excitement, our AFM 334 International Study Course class took off for Singapore, ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Famous for its skyline and diverse cultures, the “Garden City” offered us a perfect blend of exploration and unexpected discoveries. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we were struck by how efficiently this tiny island nation balances innovation and tradition.
First impressions
Singapore welcomed us with lush greenery, modern architecture, and a level of order that felt almost surreal. Everything ran like clockwork —the MRT trains were so clean, fast, and surprisingly fun that it became a running joke among our group that the TTC could never compete. The streets were spotless, not a single piece of litter in sight. Even in the intense summer heat, the city’s calm efficiency stood out. On our very first day, we explored the Pinnacle@Duxton, one of Singapore’s most iconic public housing projects, and climbing up to the skybridge gave us incredible panoramic views that made us realize just how special this trip was going to be.
Sights and culture
Our weekends were packed with experiences that showcased Singapore’s impressive diversity. We wandered through the colourful shophouses of Little India, admired the lantern-lined streets of Chinatown, and paused for reflection at the Sultan Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. One of the most magical moments for us was the Gardens by the Bay light show. Standing under the glowing Supertrees as they lit up to the music felt surreal, like being transported into the future.
Business visits
We also had the chance to meet with a variety of organizations that gave us a glimpse into Singapore's business and economic landscape:
- Bain & Company
- Boston Consulting Group
- High Commission of Canada
- Urban Redevelopment Authority
- Development Bank of Singapore
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Port of Singapore Authority
- Asian Development Bank
- Monk's Hill Ventures
- Housing Development Board
- Toronto Dominion Bank
- International SOS
- SparkSystems Pte Ltd.
Marina Bay Sands, an iconic luxury resort located on the waterfront of Singapore
These visits helped us understand how Singapore blends global business, finance and government planning with innovation and entrepreneurship to stay competitive on the world stage. Each stop offered a new perspective — sometimes on strategy, sometimes on policy and sometimes on the challenges of doing business in a diverse region. Beyond the lessons and professional experience, we have to admit it was also refreshing to step into the air conditioning after walking in the humid Singapore heat. Those cool meeting rooms quickly became some of our favourite classrooms abroad!
Lasting memories
Whether we were strolling along the Singapore River at night, peering at the skyline during a corporate meeting or cooling off in a 7/11, every experience left a lasting impression. Beyond the sights and visits with international business leaders, what meant the most to us were the friendships we formed, the lessons we learned and the memories we created together. Those will stay with us for years to come.