MBA Study Trip in Vietnam: From Factory Floors to Cross-Cultural Leadership
The exchange programs between Hamburg and Saigon enable KLU students to gain insight into different academic settings, business landscapes, and international cultures. This May, KLU’s MBA participants spent one week in Vietnam, combining workshops, industry discussions, and a factory visit. The study trip focused on the economic environment and workplace culture of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Insights into Sustainable Manufacturing
As part of the program, the MBA participants visited Dan On Foods Corporation’s production facility. Operating across six countries, with more than 700 employees and exports to over 30 markets, Dan On Foods has developed its production concept around a green design philosophy and sustainable manufacturing practices.
The participants had the opportunity to observe a cross-border supply chain in action, and examine an ESG-oriented business model up close. By engaging directly with the company’s leadership, the MBA cohort got first-hand insights of the local perspective on sustainability and supply chain operations.
Cross-Cultural Leadership in Vietnam
KLU’s Asia Campus also welcomed the participants for an interactive workshop on cross-cultural leadership.
The session led by Andree Mangels – Partner at FES Partners Southeast Asia, who has more than 20 years of experience in executive search and business development – explored how leadership styles translate across cultures, with a particular focus on the Vietnamese business context. Through case-based activities, participants also reflected on communication, trust-building, feedback culture, and the practical adaptation of leadership approaches in Vietnam.
Supply Chain Sustainability in ASEAN
The program continued with a roundtable discussion on supply chain sustainability in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), organized together with VCCI Vung Tau (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Participants met with business representatives, industry experts, and logistics partners to discuss the trends shaping the future of supply chains in Southeast Asia.
The study trip highlighted the value of cooperation between Germany and Vietnam while reflecting KLU’s international approach to management education: connecting academic learning with global perspectives.
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