Zach (Soh Zhihong), a senior undergraduate student majoring in finance at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has wrapped up his one-year internship exchange program at Fudan University in 2024.
Speaking at one of SingCham's event with Business China Youth
The company Zach works for is a food technology enterprise founded in 2015 focusing on developing food ingredients that reduce carbohydrate content while increasing dietary fiber and probiotics, helping food companies produce healthier products.
In the year's experience as a management training intern, Zach gained a deeper understanding of China's business mode and the differences and similarities between China and Singapore's working atmosphere.
Zach didn't have a clear career direction in the beginning of university, "I chose a major that would give me more flexibility, "When he started studying finance at NUS, he gradually developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship.
"I was really excited about being part of and witnessing growth in a business, "Zach said. In his junior year, he took entrepreneurship courses, and secured an internship in Shanghai through the NUS Overseas College program and its cooperation with Fudan."I received offers from my current company and a venture capital (VC) firm, but I felt that working in an industry firm would be more dynamic and interesting."
In Zach's view, workplace cultures in China and Singapore share similarities but also have key differences, with the biggest distinction being communication styles. "In China, many things are not said outright—you need to read between the lines and pick up on subtle cues. But in Singapore, people tend to communicate more directly."
Over the past year in Shanghai, he has tried to blend both styles, developing a communication approach that works best for him.
For many Chinese businesses, every stage of the supply chain presents competitive opportunities. "In Singapore, because we rely heavily on importing raw materials, businesses tend to focus more on the consumer-facing end—optimizing products and refining them to be deeper and more comprehensive."
Posing with group mates from a course on product development last semester
Looking ahead, Zach hopes to find a career he truly enjoys. "Many people believe that academic qualifications are crucial, but through my internship, I've realized that some skills go beyond degrees and diplomas. What truly matters are the experiences we accumulate, the people who influence us, and the abilities and ways of thinking we develop along the way."
Below is the complete interview taken in last December. (FDMC stands for Fudan University Media Center.)
FDMC: What's your role in the company?
Zach: I'm a management trainee intern, which involves rotating across different departments. I've worked in marketing, R&D, sales, supply chain, and finance.
For Marketing, I've assisted with creating pitch decks and marketing materials for both internal and client use, managed some of the company's social media presence, particularly on platforms like Xiaohongshu (RedNote).
For R&D, I focus on product applications, transforming our ingredients into usable concepts for clients. My role here involved coming up with ideas for new products and preparing samples.
Posing after the farewell lunch with colleagues
FDMC: How do you think this experience relates to your finance major?
Zach: It's a bit distant from traditional finance roles, but it's valuable. Let me explain why I chose finance in the first place. Initially, I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I opted for a versatile degree that allowed me to explore various fields. Finance seemed like a good choice because it's broad and practical.
By my third year, I realized that traditional paths like investment banking weren't what I was looking for. Around that time, a close friend who had started his own business inspired me. I saw how much he'd grown through the experience, and it motivated me to explore entrepreneurship. That's why I decided to join the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) program, which focuses on entrepreneurship.
FDMC: How has the overall experience in Shanghai shaped your goals?
Zach: It's reinforced my interest in entrepreneurship and given me a deeper appreciation for the challenges of running a business. I've learned a lot about different functions within a company, and I'm eager to continue exploring this path.
FDMC: A few examples?
Zach: Sure. First, shortly after I joined the company, there was an event called the "Spring Tea Party". It was organized by China Plant-based Foods Organization, and it gave us the opportunity to pitch our company's products to an audience. I was shocked when the company gave me the chance to speak at the event.
Although my Chinese isn't great, I still took the opportunity to present the company's products. I was surprised and grateful they trusted me with such responsibility so early on.
FDMC:Were there any cultural differences you noticed working in Shanghai?
Zach: I've visited China several times before but this is my first time to work here. There're many differences. For instance, during my time in R&D, the colleague often shared insights about company strategy and his views on the industry. He was genuinely open about his experiences, which helped me understand both the technical processes and broader business strategies. This generosity showed me their intent wasn't just about work—they truly wanted me to learn and contribute.
Travelling with friends at Changbai Mountain
FDMC: What about work cultures, any difference there?
Zach: Yes, definitely. Communication is very different here. In China, for example, it's a very high-context culture, steeped in history and tradition. You have to infer a lot because people often communicate indirectly.
FDMC: Besides communication, what other differences have you noticed?
Zach: I'd say there's a difference in perspective, particularly in terms of industry breadth and depth. Let me give an example: in Singapore, businesses often focus on the later stages of the supply chain, like selling coffee in cafes. They may not know much about coffee beans, plantations, or logistics because these are outsourced.
In China, businesses often cover the entire supply chain because the country is so vast. For example, a cafe owner here might handle everything—from sourcing beans in Yunnan to managing logistics and running the store. This broader perspective means there's more competition at every level, so businesses often go deep into their niches to differentiate themselves.
FDMC: So how has your time in Shanghai been so far?
Zach: It's been eye-opening. I've been to Beijing before for two months, and Shanghai is completely different. It's fast-paced and dynamic, and I've learned so much about the business environment here.
FDMC: Are you taking any courses at Fudan while working?
Zach: Yes, I'm taking a course on entrepreneurship development taught by Professor David Martinez at the School of Management. The course focuses on the early stages of startups, like how to identify opportunities, prototype solutions, and get feedback from target audiences.
FDMC: Have you been able to apply any of it to your work?
Zach: Not directly, since my company is past the startup phase. We already have established products, a supply chain, and a customer base, so we're focused on scaling and refining strategies rather than early-stage ideation.
But one thing that stuck with me from the course is the importance of listening to your customers. At my company, for example, the HQ is based in Singapore and it is difficult to be fully in tune with the Chinese market. Some of our challenges stem from the fact that local customers in Shanghai have very different needs and preferences compared to those in Singapore.
The course reinforced how critical it is to understand and address those local concerns. You can't solve a customer's problem without first understanding it—and that really requires listening to them.For example, during a product development project, while brainstorming different ways to present the idea, I naturally gravitated toward execution-related considerations. I thought about whether the product could be mass-produced in OEM factories, whether it complied with industry standards and customer regulations, and whether the margins—factoring in both our costs and distributors' needs—would make the product economically viable.
FDMC: Any final quotes for our readers?
Zach: Stay curious and driven! The global stage is much larger, and there's always more to learn and achieve.
(END)
Presented by Fudan University Media Center
Writer: WANG Jingyang
Editor: WANG Mengqi, LI Yijie
Photos provided by Zach (Soh Zhihong)
