This dual-destination itinerary pairs vibrant Taipei with cosmopolitan Singapore, offering participants a rich contrast of cultures and experiences. From Taiwan's dynamic street markets and deep-rooted traditions to Singapore's sleek skyline and global economy, the journey highlights two diverse East Asian hubs.
Day 1:
Saturday, May 16
Sat May 16
Day 1:
welcome to Taiwan
intercity transfers
arrive in Taipei
Own arrangements
meet ISP representative at the airport
own arrangements
afternoon
transportation
transfer to hotel, check-in
bus transfer
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer’s recommendation: Spend your evening in Beitou, a tranquil hot spring haven just a short trip from Taipei. Start by immersing yourself in the rejuvenating waters of the Beitou Thermal Valley, renowned for its geothermal activity and picturesque surroundings. After a relaxing soak, head to the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a beautifully preserved Japanese-era public bathhouse turned museum, where you can learn about the history of hot springs in the region. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Beitou Park, a charming green space with walking trails and Japanese-style architecture.
Day 2:
Sunday, May 17
Sun May 17
Day 2:
getting to know Taipei
breakfast
meet in hotel lobby
morning
cultural event
cultural immersion - scavenger hunt
This fun activity will show you the city in a different, more interesting way, so be ready to test your language, teamwork and leadership skills. Divided into smaller teams, you will receive several tasks that will give you hands-on experience with this mosaic of a city as each task leads you deeper into the understanding of this beautiful country. Get to know the local people and try the unique tastes of the Taiwanese cuisine as you navigate through the city. More adventurous than a guided tour, this is not to be missed!
walk/public transport/taxi
meals
group lunch & scavenger hunt debrief
Wrap up your cultural immersion activity over lunch and discuss your learnings as you reflect on the experience!
restaurant
transportation
depart for tea tasting tour
afternoon
cultural event
"Taipei in a teacup" plantations & tasting tour
Take the glass-bottom gondola up to the Maokong tea plantations and witness some of Taipei's best views! Enjoy walking through tea farms, as well as traditional tea tasting at one of the tea houses. Don't miss this great opportunity to view the majestic mountains of Taipei and learn about an important part of Taiwanese culture.
bus/walk/gondola
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
bus transfer
evening
meals
welcome dinner
There is no better way to begin exploring Taiwan’s rich culture than through its incredible food. Kick off your first full day with a group dinner alongside your colleagues, where you can bond over a variety of delicious local dishes. Experience the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality in a truly welcoming atmosphere, where every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor. Get ready to indulge, connect and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience ahead!
restaurant
Day 3:
Monday, May 18
Mon May 18
Day 3:
Taiwanese business environment
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel conference room
morning
orientation talk
orientation talk by ISP Program Manager and faculty
Get familiar with the upcoming schedule and activities, uncover the secret ingredients for a successful trip, and learn some useful tips from where to find the best exchange rates to what’s happening in the city.
hotel conference room
meals
coffee break
late morning
panel discussion
Taiwan's economic outlook - key drivers and prospects for future growth
American Institute in Taiwan
Invest Taiwan
American Chamber of Commerce Taipei
Taiwan's economy is shaped by a robust blend of technological innovation, strategic international trade relationships, and a resilient manufacturing sector. However, the island nation must navigate the complexities of global supply chain disruptions and economic shifts caused by international policies and market fluctuations. To sustain its economic momentum, Taiwan is focusing on diversifying its economic drivers, investing in sustainable practices, and enhancing its innovation ecosystem. Find out what specific initiatives and policies are being implemented to foster innovation and attract investment in emerging industries, and what potential impact they might have on Taiwan's long-term economic growth prospects.
presentation, discussion
hotel conference room
meals
networking lunch with panelists
Continue this conversation over lunch! Share a meal with the panelists and discuss with them further how these tensions affect Taiwan's trade relationships and investment climate with other countries, especially key partners like the United States.
hotel restaurant
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
bus half day
Embark on a journey to one of Taiwan's leading technology giants. Discover the innovative spirit and cutting-edge advancements at the heart of this globally renowned company. Gain insights into the latest technological trends and witness firsthand the creation of high-performance laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices that have revolutionized the tech industry. Explore the interactive displays and learn about the company’s commitment to quality, design, and sustainability. The visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of technology and Taiwan's pivotal role in the global tech landscape.
management presentation, tour of facilities
evening
optional cultural event
Taipei food tour
Discover Taipei’s vibrant food scene on a guided tour, sampling iconic street foods like stinky tofu, bubble tea, and beef noodle soup. Explore bustling night markets and hidden local spots, experiencing the unique flavors that make Taipei a food lover's paradise.
sts pay individually
Day 4:
Tuesday, May 19
Tue May 19
Day 4:
sustainability as a way forward
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
Discover how vertical farming is reshaping city landscapes by using advanced technologies to grow plants efficiently in compact, urban spaces. At this site, crops are cultivated year-round with significantly less water and no pesticides, offering a cleaner and more sustainable way to produce food close to consumers. The visit provides an inside look at the systems and strategies that transform unused city corners into productive green spaces. Gain a practical understanding of how this approach contributes to healthier communities and sets new benchmarks for environmentally responsible agriculture.
management presentation, discussion, tour of facilities
meals
group lunch
Enjoy a fresh and flavorful lunch at the YesHealth iFarm restaurant, where every dish is crafted using sustainably grown, pesticide-free produce from their cutting-edge vertical farm. Savor crisp green, vibrant vegetables, and farm-to-table flavors that highlight the future of eco-friendly dining. A meal here isn’t just delicious—it’s a taste of innovation and sustainability at its finest.
at YesHealth iFarm
afternoon
flash consulting
scaling zero-waste fashion: Story Wear’s market entry & sustainable branding for the U.S. eco-conscious consumer
Story Wear
Story Wear is a pioneering social enterprise based in Taipei, transforming surplus textiles and denim scraps into stylish, sustainable clothing through innovative zero-waste practices. Founded in 2018, Story Wear stands out for its commitment to responsible consumerism, environmental impact, and community engagement.
You are invited to take on a consulting challenge focused on advancing Story Wear’s growth beyond Taiwan. The main topic will center on how to strategically position and expand their upcycled, eco-conscious fashion brand in larger international markets, especially the United States. Your task is to analyze the brand’s unique story, sustainability credentials, and business model, then offer insights on how Story Wear can appeal to a broader audience and increase its impact. The focus will be on developing creative approaches to market entry, branding, and communicating their vision of circular, zero-waste fashion in new contexts.
This project encourages you to combine your strategic thinking and fresh perspectives to help a sustainability-driven innovator navigate the complexities of global expansion.
management presentation, discussion, tour of facilities, roundtable discussions, brainstorming session
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: Visit Taipei 101’s observation deck for a breathtaking view of the city’s glittering skyline, where thousands of twinkling lights stretch as far as the eye can see. Take in the stunning panorama from one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, marveling at the beauty of Taipei illuminated under the night sky. After soaking in the views, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at one of the tower’s fine restaurants, where gourmet cuisine meets elegant ambiance.
Day 5:
Wednesday, May 20
Wed May 20
Day 5:
Singapore, The Lion City
breakfast
hotel
early morning
transportation
check-out, transfer to airport
bus transfer
morning
intercity transfers
flight to Singapore (duration approx. 4.5 hrs)
meals
lunch on board
transportation
transfer to tour
bus half day
afternoon
cultural event
Singapore’s development story
The Singapore City Gallery provides a captivating look at Singapore’s incredible evolution over the past 50 years, transforming into one of Asia’s most livable cities. Discover 40 interactive and immersive exhibits that vividly showcase the city’s dynamic growth and innovative urban planning. This experience offers a unique opportunity to understand the visionary planning behind Singapore’s success. Immerse yourself in the story of a city that has redefined urban excellence.
late afternoon
cultural event
touring the island city-state
Embark on a captivating journey through Singapore's cultural treasures, starting in the historic Colonial District. Marvel at the colonial-era architecture, including landmarks like the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, as you soak in the district's rich heritage. Your adventure continues at Merlion Park, where you'll be mesmerized by the iconic Merlion statue, offering a striking view of the Marina Bay skyline. Finally, explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown, where tradition meets modernity. Wander through bustling alleys, discover hidden temples, and savor the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine. This Singapore city tour promises a rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights, all within reach.
bus/walk
early evening
transportation
transfer to hotel, check-in
bus transfer
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: Take a stroll around Gardens by the Bay and enjoy the Light Show. The show lasts for approximately 15 minutes, during which the Supertrees come alive with a dazzling display of colorful lights synchronized to a beautiful musical soundtrack. This creates an enchanting atmosphere in the gardens.
Day 6:
Thursday, May 21
Thu May 21
Day 6:
the cornerstones of Singapore's economy
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
morning
visit
catalyst of global finance: Singapore's position as a premier financial hub
HSBC Singapore
Singapore is a leading global financial hub, recognized for its strong regulatory framework and strategic location in Asia. Learn how the city-state accelerates digital transformation in finance, with practical examples of fintech adoption and blockchain integration. Discover how Singapore’s sustainability initiatives are reshaping investment strategies, promoting environmental and social responsibility in the sector. Gain insight into global market connectivity and why multinational firms choose Singapore as their base. The presentation also highlights the importance of a skilled and diverse workforce, revealing how ongoing professional development fuels innovation in Singapore’s financial industry.
management presentation, discussion
meals
lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
Singapore is one of the very few places in the world where street food vendors earn Michelin stars! Head over to one of the Hawker centers for some delicious street food.
Gain a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s largest integrated shipping companies operates in Singapore, a key node in regional and global trade. Learn about end-to-end logistics, port operations, and the strategies behind building resilient, sustainable supply chains. The session also covers digital transformation, decarbonization efforts, and how the shipping industry is adapting to shifting global dynamics and customer expectations.
management presentation, discussion, tour of facilities
evening
optional cultural event
the Singaporean cooking experience
Discover Singapore's rich cultural history through its cuisine and cook some of the famous local dishes on your own. You'll get an authentic and intimate look at the Singaporean way of life via its culinary specialties. Do you want to try to cook the all the time favorite Hokkien Mee or Chicken Rice? Then come to join us and indulge in some cooking fun with a local chef.
sts pay individually
Day 7:
Friday, May 22
Fri May 22
Day 7:
disruption and flow
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
morning
visit
creativity without border: trends and visions for Singapore's advertising ecosystem
TBWA
Explore the cutting-edge trends shaping the future of advertising in Singapore. Dive into the latest innovations in digital marketing, creative strategies, and cross-cultural storytelling that define the city’s vibrant advertising landscape. Industry experts will share insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead, highlighting how Singapore continues to be a global hub for creative excellence. This event offers a unique perspective on how advertising is evolving in the region and the transformative role of creativity in breaking boundaries.
management presentation, discussion, tour of facilities
meals
group lunch
restaurant
What is it like to be a start-up? What does the road to success look like? Which resources are available? What is the importance of the ecosystem and incubators? As Singapore looks ahead to thriving in a post-pandemic world, the local startup ecosystem is set to figure prominently in spurring and sustaining economic growth for the city-state. After the introduction split into groups, interact with local start-ups from the industry that is closest to your expertise and give them some valuable feedback on their unique ideas!
presentation, discussion, networking, brainstorming session
co-working space
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for farewell dinner
bus transfer
evening
meals
farewell dinner
Say goodbye to Singapore and your whole study trip with a delicious dinner with your friends and classmates as you share pictures, stories and final reflections on the overall inspiring experience!
restaurant
Day 8:
Saturday, May 23
Sat May 23
Day 8:
depart for USA
breakfast
hotel
morning
transportation
check-out, transfer to airport
bus transfer
intercity transfers
depart for USA
Own arrangements
own arrangements