Setting the Stage for a Transformative Experience
The camp began with an opening session led by Professor Yenn Ru Chen, Associate Dean of the College of Commerce. She warmly welcomed the new IMBA students and set the tone for the camp, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, creativity, and leadership. This introduction helped students understand what to expect and how they could maximize the learning experience over the next three days.
The camp served as a launchpad for the students’ journey through the IMBA program, offering both personal and professional development opportunities.
Building Connections and Understanding Your Team
Teamwork was a major focus from the start. Under the guidance of Professor Weichieh Su, students were engaged in a series of interactive exercises designed to help them learn more about themselves and their peers. For many participants, it was their first time meeting classmates from different parts of the world. Through icebreaker activities like “Draw Your Mascot” and “Find a Person,” students quickly discovered shared traits, interests, and strengths within their groups. This laid the foundation for cross-cultural collaboration and teamwork, which would be central throughout the camp.
Over the following days, the students took part in more structured team-building exercises, including the "Spaghetti Tower Challenge" and "Paper Crane Factory," led by Professor Dennis Hsu. These activities required teams to collaborate under time pressure and practice effective management in order to achieve specific goals. The real-world lessons learned in these challenges—such as how to divide tasks, lead under pressure, and support one another—are skills that students will carry with them into their future careers.
One of the standout features of these exercises was how they showcased the diversity of the student body. Participants were encouraged to share their unique perspectives and approaches, creating a richer and more dynamic environment for learning.
Fostering Creativity and Innovation
Creativity was another key theme of the camp, with Professor Arthur Wang taking the lead in helping students stretch their problem-solving abilities. His session was built around the question, “Why not?” - encouraging participants to think outside the box and push beyond conventional solutions.
Students were challenged to take part in a variety of problem-solving exercises that required them to work together to solve puzzles, complete scavenger hunts, and approach problems with fresh perspectives. These activities were designed to stimulate creative thinking and allow students to tap into their imaginations when faced with complex situations.
One of the most inspiring moments came during a session with NCCU IMBA alumna An-Nung Chen, the Global Winner of the 2015 Hult Prize. An-Nung shared her personal journey of building IMPCT, a team that developed PlayCare, a micro-equity platform designed to invest in sustainable education businesses. Her talk resonated deeply with the students, as she discussed how her team’s creativity and determination led them to success. Following her talk, An-Nung led a design thinking workshop that challenged students to use innovative methods to develop solutions to real-world problems.
Reflecting on the experience, participant Joey Yao shared:
"This camp was an incredible experience for connecting with my future classmates. The Hult Prize workshop was a major highlight. Our group was so inspired by Ms. Chen's story that we came together and ended up winning first place for the best innovation idea by class vote. Working with such a diverse group was exciting—everyone brought different perspectives, which made the activities dynamic and enjoyable."
Experiencing Cultural Immersion
One of the camp's most enriching elements was the opportunity for cultural exchange. With students representing different parts of the world, the camp provided an ideal platform for them to learn about and celebrate one another’s cultural backgrounds.
As part of the cultural immersion experience, the group visited the National Center for Traditional Arts, where they were treated to a live performance of Taiwanese opera. This unique experience offered them a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. Students also took part in hands-on activities, such as stamping stickers on traditional Taiwanese items like cup holders and small bags, providing them with a tangible connection to local culture.
Student Ludnear Augustin was especially enthusiastic about this experience:
"I'm deeply connected to my Haitian culture, which is vibrant and full of life, but I’m also open to learning about others. The Taiwanese opera was amazing! It showed how different people in society are portrayed with respect and dignity, and even though the performance was in Chinese, we could understand the story through facial expressions and body language. It reminded me that no matter how different we may be, there’s always something that brings us together.”
This cultural exploration not only helped students appreciate Taiwan’s traditions but also reinforced the camp’s broader message: that diversity and inclusivity are strengths in both personal and professional contexts.
Leadership in Action
Leadership development was at the heart of the camp’s mission, and throughout the three days, students had multiple opportunities to practice and refine their leadership skills. The activities encouraged students to take turns leading their teams, fostering a deeper understanding of how leadership influences team dynamics and success.
One of the final activities—a thought-provoking exercise—required students to rank patients for a kidney transplant. This challenging scenario put students’ leadership, ethical decision-making, and empathy to the test, as they had to make tough choices while under pressure. The discussions that followed provided invaluable lessons on how to lead with compassion and make decisions that consider the well-being of all involved.
The camp concluded with students leading their own group activities, allowing them to apply what they had learned over the course of the three days. By the end, they had not only strengthened their leadership skills but also formed strong bonds with their peers.
Group leader Luisa Lackner, from Austria, reflected on her experience:
"Being a leader in such a diverse and talented group was an amazing experience. Everyone was eager to contribute and step up for the team, which made my role easier. The camp gave me the opportunity to grow my leadership skills in an intercultural setting—a valuable experience that will serve me well in my future career."
A Path to Future Success
The NCCU IMBA Leadership and Team Building Camp provided students with a unique opportunity to build essential skills that will serve them in both their personal and professional lives. From creative problem-solving and cultural immersion to leadership development, the camp offered a well-rounded experience designed to prepare participants for the challenges of a globalized world.
As they continue their IMBA journey, students now have a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in diverse, fast-paced environments. They’ve not only built valuable skills but also established lifelong connections with their peers, creating a global network of future leaders ready to make an impact.
For international students looking for a transformative experience that goes beyond the classroom, the NCCU IMBA program and its dynamic course—like the Leadership and Team Building Camp—provide an ideal platform to grow as leaders and global citizens.
United by Diversity: Over 40 aspiring leaders from around the globe gathered in our Leadership and Team Building Camp to learn, link, and lead together.
Our IMBA students kicked off their journey with rich traditions, proudly celebrating Taiwan’s heritage through activities like stamping traditional crafts and enjoying a captivating Taiwanese opera performance.
Grateful hearts and bright futures! Our NCCU IMBA students wrapped up the Leadership Camp with thank you notes, celebrating the skills and connections that will guide them in their global journeys.
Victory looks good on us! After solving the puzzle challenge at the National Centre for Traditional Arts, our IMBA team showcased their problem-solving skills and cultural spirit.
