Future Ready - Business Immersion across Asia
INNOVATOR
6
Weeks
WHO
18-24
WHAT
Explore how business and technology are shaping the future through hands-on projects in Asia’s most exciting cities.
WHERE
Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo
WHEN
Fall
COST
WHat YOU'LL BE DOING
This program takes you behind the scenes of leading companies across Asia to uncover how they innovate, connect with customers, and tackle real-world challenges. You’ll explore how they are shaping the future, with leading edge technologies, novel approaches to sustainability, and rapid innovation.
Through real-world projects and expert guidance, you’ll gain essential skills such as creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and teamwork. Whether analysing customer experiences, diving into innovative tech, or learning how luxury brands are adapting to changing markets, you’ll be inspired and ready to make your mark on the world.
During the program, you’ll learn about business, and you’ll also learn about yourself. Through workshops and guided activities, you’ll uncover what makes you unique—your strengths, personal style, and the experiences that shape you. You’ll have the chance to reflect on what you’re great at, where you can grow, and how to confidently share your story with others.
Whether it’s preparing for an interview, filling out an application, or just making a great first impression, you’ll practice ways to present yourself that feel authentic and impactful. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of who you are and how to use that to stand out and succeed.
Sample Itinerary
Week 1: Foundations in Hong Kong
Explore one of Asia’s most vibrant cities while building thecore skills you will need to succeed on this program
- Building new Products and Services with Design Thinking
- Seeing through the Eyes of the Customer
- Business that Matter: The Triple Bottom Line.
- Shaping Your Projects: Project Management and Presentation Skills.
- Developing your Personal Brand
Week 2: Shenzhen’s Innovation Hub
Explore how technology is impacting business and society in China’s most dynamic and innovative city, home to many of the world’s fastest-growing companies. This week will include a project on bringing an innovative business idea to reality
- Explore how leading tech companies based in Shenzhen innovate (such as TenCent, Huawei, BYD and DJI)
- Look at how smart city solutions are transforming the way people live and work
- Analyze the role of data and AI in shaping consumer behaviour
- See how a leading-edge manufacturer brings products from concept to full-scale production for global brands
Week 3: Shanghai: the Future of Luxury Retail
This week focuses on Shanghai, one of China's most vibrant cities that blends a rich history with spectacular recent developments.
Your project this week will focus on luxury retail and how the world's leading global brands are evolving their retail experience to meet the needs and expectations of today's customers.
- Research the needs and expectations of different customer groups
- Explore trends in retail (and related industries)
- Examine the desires that underpin consumer behavior and how these need to balanced with younger generation's expectations around sustainability
- Translate these different perspectives into tangible consumer retail experiences. Identify opportunities and challenges for brands
- Present findings and recommendations to industry mentors
Week 4: Singapore - A Strategic Approach to the Future
Next you move to Singapore, a leading example in Asia of economic development over the past 30 years. You will learn about how Singapore has shaped and evolved it's development policies to become one of Asia's leading hubs for finance, technology and innovation. Your project this week will focus on a specific industry such as finance to explore the key opportunities and challenges that are shaping its future development
Week 5: Tokyo - How Service Shapes Business
In Japanese culture, the philosophy of service, often referred to as omotenashi, is rooted in the idea of selfless hospitality and attention to detail. It goes beyond fulfilling customer needs—it’s about anticipating them and delivering an experience that feels thoughtful, seamless, and sincere. This mindset is deeply ingrained in Japanese businesses, from local shops to global corporations, where customer satisfaction is not just a goal but a reflection of pride and respect. Whether it’s a flawlessly executed tea ceremony or the personalized care at a five-star hotel, omotenashi inspires businesses to create meaningful connections with their customers. By focusing on empathy, precision, and continuous improvement, Japanese companies have set a global standard for exceptional service. Your project this week will focus on service in different industries, and how these concepts can be translated into specific activities.
Week 6: Hong Kong - Shaping Your Future
In the final week, it’s time to bring everything together—to reflect on what you’ve learned about business and, just as importantly, about yourself. You’ll compare the economic models, strategic focuses, and consumer profiles of the cities you’ve explored, drawing connections between industries and cultures.
Through interactive workshops, you’ll uncover your unique strengths, refine your personal brand, and practice interview techniques to confidently share your story in future opportunities.
The week culminates in a final project showcase where you’ll present the different insights and ideas that you've uncovered to mentors and peers, celebrating how far you’ve come. It’s a chance to tie together the skills, knowledge, and confidence you’ve gained, leaving you ready to take on your next big challenge
Where You'll STay
Accommodations include shared apartments, dormitories and hotel rooms. Each site features communal spaces to foster networking and group activities. During free time, participants will get to explore these fantastic cities, and spend time relaxing with their new friends.
Why Choose This Program?
For Students:
- Get hands-on business experience in technology, luxury retail, and finance
- Learn how businesses innovate and adopt sustainable practices
- Develop problem-solving, teamwork, and professional communication skills that make you stand out
- Build your personal brand, and learn how to position your strengths in interviews and applications
For Parents:
- Watch your child gain independence, confidence, and a powerful sense of direction and purpose
- Enable them to gain a unique perspective on the future of business and technology
- Set them up for future success with real-world experience while giving them a differentiating edge in their college applications and future careers
For Counselors:
- A unique program combining business education, practical project experience, and exposure to leading-edge business practices in five different Asian economies
- Built on APA’s 20+ years in experiential learning. supported by mentors with experience working with leading global corporations
- Tailored for students seeking impactful, resume-building experiences
WHat YOU'LL Learn
Understand how businesses work in different cultures and industries
Develop skills to communicate and present ideas confidently
Build a portfolio of real-world projects
Learn how to work effectively in a team
Discover your unique strengths
Safety First: Your Well-Being Matters
APA ensures your safety and preparedness as you travel across Asia:
- Pre-program preparation - extensive briefings, cultural training and local orientation in each city
- Carefully selected accommodations, projects, and travel routes
- Expert guidance and 24/7 support throughout your journey
PHOTO GALLERY
Destinations
Discover the beauty of Asia's diverse landscapes.
"This program transformed my perspective on the world and helped me discover my true potential! The experiences I gained were invaluable and will stay with me forever."
You May Also Like
Discover transformative adventures in Asia.
FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our programs
We’re looking for students who are curious, open-minded, and excited to learn. A positive attitude and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone are the most important things.
Depending on the particular program, you may be staying in twin rooms, shared dormitories, homestays, tents or cabins. We vet every accommodation to make sure you are safe and comfortable.
We make sure that meals are healthy and tailored to the needs of the group. Our programs are about experiencing real Asia so we include the dishes that Asia is famous for while also making sure that there is variety and a sense of familiar as well. We accommodate dietary restrictions and will ask for your preferences before the program begins.
No problem! We accommodate dietary needs, including allergies, vegetarians, and more. Be sure to let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
We encourage a healthy balance between spending time fully engaged in your surroundings and staying connected. Many of our programs include a "storytelling" element where we teach and encourage people to capture and share their experiences digitally. Most locations have phone and internet access. In remote areas, connectivity may be limited, so we will provide updates to your family through our team if you are out of coverage.
THE APA DIFFERENCE
APPLY NOW