JAME with miss Cathy Shen
“It’s Easy to Start a Business. However, It’s Hard to Maintain It”
The School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) at the University of Baguio held a thought-provoking seminar on “Globalization and International Trade” on November 7, 2024. Organized by the Junior Association of Marketing Executives (JAME), the event saw an impressive turnout of BSBA-Marketing Management students from various year levels as well as SBAA alumni, all eager to explore how global trends impact trade and business. The guest speaker, Miss Cathy Shen, a procurement assistant from Jining University in China, shared her knowledge on topics including Global Economic Trends, Trade Disputes, and industry-specific changes in Philippine-Chinese commerce. Miss Shen’s insights provided students with actionable perspectives and real-world stories, giving life to concepts from their studies in international marketing and business.
2024 Global Economic Trends and Growth Potentials
Miss Shen began by discussing the 2024 economic landscape, emphasizing a recovery beyond pre-pandemic growth levels. She began by discussing the 2024 economic landscape, emphasizing a recovery beyond pre-pandemic growth levels. She also pointed out that, while global markets have bounced back strongly, big challenges still loom—like supply chain issues and international tensions—that could shake things up. “Global economic recovery has been impressive,” miss Shen noted, “but it remains fragile.” She stressed the importance of understanding these dynamics, especially for students poised to enter a globally interdependent economy.
Students were especially interested in miss Shen’s forecast for 2025, as she outlined the economic effects of high inflation rates in developing countries and interest rate fluctuations in major economies. Her insight emphasized the need for future marketing professionals to grasp these macroeconomic trends to better predict consumer behavior and spending. Miss Shen’s remarks encouraged students to view economic data not just as numbers but as indicators of consumer well-being and market opportunities.
Trade Tensions and the 2025 Outlook
Moving forward, miss Shen addressed the ongoing trade disputes that will likely influence the global economic landscape in 2025. She explained that unresolved trade disputes between major economies over tariffs, subsidies, and market access could impact financial stability and restrict global trade flow. “When nations battle over tariffs, subsidies, and market access, it’s not just economies that suffer,” miss Shen explained. “Trade conflicts increase prices, slow down economies, and affect everyone down to the consumer level.” This section of her presentation underscored the need for adaptable marketing strategies, as students considered how such disputes might reshape customer priorities and price sensitivities.
The room buzzed with curiosity, and several students expressed interest in how these tensions might specifically affect the Philippines, an economy highly dependent on trade. Miss Shen’s analysis made it clear that understanding international disputes is crucial for professionals who may need to pivot strategies or re-evaluate markets in response to sudden trade restrictions.
Industry-Specific Trends in Philippines-Chinese Trade
An especially eye-opening part of miss Shen’s talk focused on trends in Philippine-Chinese trade, where rapid advancements in logistics and e-commerce have transformed the import process. Shen shared an anecdote that captivated the room: when an order is placed on Alibaba before 6:00 PM, it often arrives in the Philippines by 9:00 AM the next morning. This detail sparked amazement among the attendees, highlighting how efficient logistics can reshape customer expectations and market competitiveness.
Reflecting on this, miss Shen mentioned that this “logistics revolution” may soon empower more Philippine entrepreneurs to source goods directly from China at a competitive speed. The seminar became a dynamic platform for students to discuss how such efficiencies could alter marketing and retail strategies, especially as rapid delivery becomes a competitive advantage. This point provided a powerful takeaway for students considering careers in international trade, logistics, or supply chain management.
Personal Insights on Navigating Cultural Differences in International Trade
Miss Shen’s career journey took center stage as she shared lessons learned from working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Recounting an experience with a client from the United Arab Emirates, miss Shen illustrated the importance of cultural sensitivity and patience. Despite an agreed-upon meeting time of 4 PM, the client arrived significantly later. Miss Shen used this story to emphasize flexibility and respect for different cultural norms—an invaluable lesson for students preparing for roles in global markets. The attendees could relate to miss Shen’s message, seeing how professionalism in international trade goes beyond business know-how. As she advised the students, “In international trade, understanding different cultures is as important as understanding the trade itself. Each interaction offers a chance to build stronger relationships by showing respect and empathy.” Miss Shen’s account underscored the practical value of cultural intelligence, a skill that is often as crucial as technical knowledge in business success.
Future Prospects of International Trade
Closing her presentation, miss Shen offered a vision for the future of international trade, urging students to prepare proactively for a world that continues to change at a rapid pace. “Prepare for the future. Give yourself a chance, hold onto it, and, if you challenge yourself, be successful,” she encouraged. Her words highlighted the importance of resilience and lifelong learning, especially in a field as volatile as international trade. For many students, her advice sparked reflection on their career paths and inspired them to approach future challenges with confidence and adaptability.
Educational Impact and University’s Mission
The SBAA seminar aligns closely with the University of Baguio’s mission to produce globally competent graduates, supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education. Through this event, JAME provided a valuable platform for students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, preparing them to navigate and influence the global market. The SBAA seminar was a great example of how the University of Baguio is working to develop globally skilled graduates, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education. By hosting events like this, JAME gives students a chance to take what they learn in the classroom and see how it applies in real-world situations, helping them build the skills to make an impact in the global market.
As the event wrapped up, Shen left everyone with a lasting thought: “It’s easy to start a business. However, it’s hard to maintain it.” Her words struck a chord, reminding students to face their futures with both drive and determination. To keep up with more inspiring events and opportunities, students and alumni can follow the Junior Association of Marketing Executives (JAME) and SBAA on Facebook.
These gatherings offer ongoing opportunities to learn about industry trends, network with professionals, and enrich their university experience with practical insights into the business world.
