On Saturday, 2nd March,Leonardo Vincenzo, Regina Felicia, Ryan Tanadi, Tevya Artanto and I participated in the inaugural Shangri-la’s Den Business Competition, which was hosted by Shangri-la, Surabaya in collaboration with Singapore National Academy (SNA).

Having received a fact-based case study related to the hotel’s Health Club a week and a half prior to the event, we prepared ourselves to present a ten-minute presentation on improving the Health Club. A week’s worth of research and planning led us to propose what we called the ‘Saturday Society’ and ‘Holistic Living Package’.

Unsure of what to expect, we walked into the judges’ den and delivered our presentation, which was promptly followed by a question and answer session. Time ticked by faster than usual and, before long, we were left to undergo the most exciting part of the competition… waiting for the results.

As we awaited the competition results, I reflected on how valuable the entire experience was. Preparing and pitching our proposal to members of the Shangri-la Surabaya management team was certainly something else, something that cannot be taught or learned within classroom walls.

Despite the fact that none of us had previously participated in business competitions, we managed to get everything done just in time (ha ha) and to a reasonable degree of success, being placed 2nd in the competition.

On behalf of the team, I would like to thank the Shangri-la, Surabaya and SNA for organising such a memorable event, Sekolah Ciputra for supporting our endeavors, our parents for their endless encouragement, Ms. Ria for chaperoning and Mr. Justin for his time, expertise and beautiful name.

– Christy Lorentz 11DP-2