My CEMS Journey: Experiencing Rotterdam, Growth, and New Horizons 

For Lee Ching-Chun, the MSc in Management + CEMS MIM programme meant more than just academics, it was an invitation to step beyond familiar borders and discover new versions of himself. 

Currently preparing for his final exchange in Cologne, he reflects on how two exchanges across continents have shaped his perspective, expanded his network, and taught him to embrace the unfamiliar with open arms. 

Juggling Life in Rotterdam 

The best part of being an NUS CEMS MIM student is the two exchanges that allow me to explore different countries beyond Singapore. During my time in Rotterdam, I was juggling cooking, coursework, job search, and traveling to make the best use of my time in Europe.  

Balancing multiple tasks wasn’t easy, especially when overseas, but I took the opportunity to refine time management skills. I gradually realised the importance of prioritising and dedicated the time to it for maximum focus and efficiency.

Growing Through Discomfort

I also took the opportunity to understand, then embrace,the differences between Europe and Asia. 

At the beginning of my CEMS exchange at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), I found myself experiencing culture shocks because of different cultural practices and norms. 

The learnings from these struggles were also the most valuable assets that I will carry forward in the rest of my CEMS journey.

 For instance, I noticed that people in Europe often engage in small talk, so I worked on casual conversation skills to connect with the CEMS cohort in Rotterdam. Even after my exchange, I’ve found myself more open-minded when having conversations with others, and I believe these skills will help me continuously expand my network. 

An Unforgettable Win 

Winning the best presentation award at RSM’s CEMS block seminar was an unforgettable achievement during my CEMS journey. 

I took the CEMS block seminar as an opportunity to explore Rotterdam, and mingle with local students at events after the intense workshops. 

At the end of the week, I collaborated with 3 other CEMS students on an Entrepreneurship Challenge, turning the idea of a mobile port into an actionable business plan for disaster rescue and relief. 

We were thrilled to win the best presentation award as voted by the representatives from RSM, Port of Rotterdam, and European Space Agency. There couldn’t be a better way to wrap up the first week of my CEMS exchange! 

Access to Industries and Opportunities 

CEMS has consistently provided access to the industries. For instance, I attended several skills seminars at NUS and RSM to interact with representatives from Henkel, AlphSights, and H&M and learn more about the industry practices. The topics covered were negotiation skills, industry insights, and outlook for sustainability, all of which were key to the current business trends. 

Reunited with NUS CEMS friends during CEMS Career Forum 2025 

I also attended the CEMS Career Forum 2025 in Barcelona to explore career options in Europe. During the 2-day event, I not only reunited with my NUS CEMS friends but also built connections with representatives from companies such as zeb, Beiersdorf, Salesforce, and Henkel. The industry insights and recruitment information I learned during the career fair were exclusive and useful for CEMS students who are interested in an international career. 

The Power of Connection 

I think the greatest thing about the CEMS MIM program is the connections I built with my peers and alumni. 

Before, I thought building connections was just a cliché, but with the exposure to a highly international CEMS cohort, I’ve found myself capable of navigating multicultural environments. 

When I was at school, the exchange of different cultures made me appreciate the diverse perspectives from my peers and enriched my own scope of knowledge. I was also more fearless in expanding my boundaries and taking on new challenges. When I was in Singapore, I stepped out of my comfort zone to mingle with students from more than 20 countries and fell in love with the local food. 

I unlocked my first visit to Europe and immersed myself in the European culture. As one of the few Asian students, I didn’t let fear stop me from trying new experiences in Europe. Beyond travelling to 5 countries, I unlocked many first experiences in my life.  

Memories of these invaluable experiences will stay with me for a lifetime.