INT’L OUTBOUND TRAINING PROGRAMME REPORT 2023-2025

To foster global exposure and enhance managerial skills through experiential learning, Thiagarajar School of Business organized the International Outbound Training Programme to Malaysia for its Batch 2023–2025, comprising 178 students and 5 faculty members during July 20 – August 3, 2024. This initiative aimed to seamlessly integrate classroom education with international academic engagements, industry insights, and cultural experiences, offering students a comprehensive view of global business practices and cross-cultural management.

During the programme, students had the opportunity to collaborate with UNITAR International University, Malaysia. This engagement focused on exploring potential collaborations and understanding the nuances of international higher education. Students gained valuable insights into global curriculum design, outcome-based education, and the industry-centric pedagogies adopted by leading international institutions. Additionally, they participated in enriching exchanges with international faculty, which exposed them to diverse teaching methodologies and enriched their perspectives on management education. They visited other universities including technical academic institutes under the umbrella of University of Malaysia, Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia, Multimedia University, Taylor’s University, Saito University etc.

The academic framework of the programme included a variety of expert lectures and interactive sessions led by distinguished professors and industry professionals. Topics covered were diverse and relevant, including strategic management, digital transformation and Industry 4.0, international marketing, global supply chain and operations management, leadership and cross-cultural management, innovation and entrepreneurship, corporate governance, business ethics, and financial decision-making. These sessions enhanced students’ understanding, analytical abilities, and pragmatic insights into modern management practices.

Furthermore, the programme featured visits to industrial sites, offering students firsthand experience of organizational operations, quality management systems, workflows, and the application of technology in business contexts. These excursions allowed participants to relate theoretical frameworks to practical realities, deepening their comprehension of how organizations function in competitive, globalized markets. Some of the noteworthy insights were gained from their visits to Royal Selangor, Petronas Twin Towers, Putrajaya, Bomba, Malaysia, etc.

As part of the experiential learning component, students engaged in team activities that fostered collaboration, problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication. Cultural exposure activities provided a deeper appreciation of Malaysia’s social, historical, and economic landscape, enhancing their cross-cultural sensitivity and global awareness.

In summary, the International Outbound Training Programme represented a vital educational experience for the Batch 2023–2025. It significantly contributed to the participants' development of global business acumen, managerial proficiency, teamwork, leadership capabilities, and personal growth. The experiences and knowledge gained from this initiative will empower students to confidently face the challenges of an ever evolving and competitive international business environment.