DAY 05-Casandra Ong

Model of City Plan

Kimberly-Clark Vietnam @ VSIP

VSIP

I have learnt that it is important to take in consideration the convenience and safety of the people that utilize the facilities. It is not only important to invest in the main facilities but to also invest in other factors that will affect the efficiency and productivity of the facilities. A good example will be the new road that Singapore invested in to enable a smooth and safe journey for the heavy vehicles that travel everyday back and forth from VSIP. The new road replaces the rocky and disoriented ‘road’ in the past, which created danger and inconvenience to the drivers. By investing in the new road, it will bring ease to transporting the products made in VSIP to other places for business. This will increase the productivity of VSIP.

It is essential to have ‘breathing-space’ in a city. This promotes living and not just business in a city. It attracts people to stay in the city for long term as it promotes suitable lifestyle for living and not just a hectic business city. Land is reserved to build breathing-spaces, such as parks and water bodies for outdoor activities. These breathing-spaces serves as a get-away for the people from their busy lives.

It is important for countries to have close relationships with other countries as it will benefit both parties. An example would be the founding of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park. A country such as Singapore does not have sufficient land and manpower to manufacture products, as land is high-on-demand and manpower is expensive. Therefore, it is ideal to locate a local (Singapore) industrial park in another country, where land and manpower is cheaper. This is where the importance of close relationships with other countries come in. Good relationships with the country will allow Singapore to easily obtain permission to set up her business overseas. In the case of VSIP, Singapore has good relationship with Vietnam, therefore, Singapore is able to set up an industrial park in Vietnam. The setting up of the industrial park does not only benefit Singapore, but also Vietnam as the industrial park will create more jobs for the people of Vietnam.

Day 5 Reflection - Carisa Chan

On the 5th day, we visited the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park, Becamex and Eastern International University. At VSIP, we can see some similarities of the VSIP and Jurong Industrial Park such as the roads and also how the location of the factories are planned. However, a difference between the two industrial parks is that in VSIP, the factories are bigger and usually consists of only 1 or 2 levels since Vietnam has a lot more land, whereas in Singapore, there is a lack of land so factories have to build upwards.

 

Photo 1: A model of the VSIP 1

We also visited Becamex to learn more about the Binh Duong New City. There we saw a model of the Binh Duong New City and we saw how some parts of the new city, such as the Eastern International University, residential areas, the main town area and the high tech science area (similar to our Biopolis).

Photo 2: A model of the Binh Duong New City 

 

Photo 3: Model of Eastern Internation University in Binh Duong New City

We also visited the campus of the Eastern International University, but it was still in the process of completing and it will be opened next year. Over there, we saw some of the classroom blocks and there was also a briefing about the school. We learned that the EIU was different from SST in such a way that EIU builds its campus first before recruiting students while SST recruits its students before building its campus.

Photo 4: Eastern International University campus

Day 5 reflections - Pei Shan

Eastern International University

A Picture of the trees at VSIP I

VSIP 1 and VSIP 2

VSIP stands for Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park.

At VSIP 1,
The trees, flowers, and roads really reminds me of Singapore's Changi Airport.
The roads had many many bumps, which is exactly like in Singapore.
I find it pretty good as the traffic in Vietnam is pretty dangerous so the bumps would slow the vehicles down. There were different lanes like in Singapore too. However, many of the citizens there do not really care about those lines so they would drive anyway they want. They also had a kennel.

There were many companies there. Like Yakult (only for the Vietnamese), Huggies, etc.

Why do companies set up their factories there?
-Cheap Labour
-Cheap Land

VSIP I covered a total area of 500 ha

VSIP II Covered a total area of 1000 ha. It is currently expanding as it has many empty spaces.
There is a university in the Binh Duong Province which is called the Eastern International University.

It is a new university, covering 26 hectares. It has only 3 schools so far. Nursing, Business, and engineering. It would have more schools in the future when there are more students.

Day 5 Reflections (26 May 2011) -- Jurvis Tan

Today we visited VSIP (Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park) this industrial park is planned by Singapore and from what we noticed around the park, the Singapore style is localized into that industrial park's surroundings. From today I have also learned that building an urban city has to have provide all the following:

1. Providing jobs/opportunities
2. Living space/Housing Infrastructure
3. Services, such as retail & entertainment 
4. Supporting Amenities like education & healthcare

We visited Becamex - the company which is responsible for the construction of Binh Duong New City, and there we saw the whole planning model. I was initially unaware that Singapore was so involved in Vietnam, creating Industrial Parks, assisting Vietnam in planning some of their stuff. From what I've seen, it's pretty evident that Singapore is trying to extend it's reach from this island itself to many possibilities all over the world.

After that, we visited an International University which is currently building, this university is planned by Singaporean company ascendas and it has a Singapore flavor in it.

block of the university

Next, we went on to visit VSIP 2 another Industrial Park planned by Singapore, although it's not that developed yet, but we got a chance to see the model there. The planning of the VSIP dated as back as the SM Goh years, where he was then the Prime Minister who helped kick start this project together with Vietnam.

Housing is important!

Day 5 Reflections (May 26) — Benz Kew

VSIP logo (Singapore's partnership with Vietnam)



The urban planning of the future VSIP 2



The entrance of the sewage treatment plant


3 things I have learnt:

1. Vietnam is an ideal place for investors because the Vietnamese has the necessary skill sets and abilities, are more intelligent compared to other developing countries (e.g Cambodia, Laos). Ho Chi Minh City is also not an earthquake prone zone, so it will not affect the business industry because there are no disasters. The city has about 7 million people, and many of them do not have job opportunities. Because of this, many will get a job (e.g Teacher, Cleaner, etc) when the new urban area is developed.

2. VSIP 1 has a vast variety of factories--From Kimberly-Clarke to Yakult--. The surrounding area is much like Singapore, with wide pavements and roads. The road plants and trees are also very similar to Singapore plants. Many lamp posts and gates look just identical to Singapore. The buildings are also built horizontally than vertically because land is cheaper in Vietnam-unlike Singapore where limited land space costs very expensive and building vertically is very costly because of the mechanical systems and lifts. The higher the building gets, the more expensive to build the lifts.

3. VSIP 2 is the future urban area of Vietnam--There is a cultural center, river, university and residential which can hold up to 125,000 people. It is international, which gives foreign people to live there. This year during September, the university will house 1,000 students while it prepares for teachers and workers. The designs of this area are all made by Singapore companies-Surbana, NUS School of Design and Research. There is also a copycat made by Vietnam called VHIP (Viet Houng Industrial Park) where the "dirty" stuffs are manufactured here (e.g Textiles) and a new sewage treatment plant. The roads were halfway constructed to the dirt tracks. It is very small unlike Singapore's, and this industrial park will take many years to catch up. The VSIPs appears to be in-charged by the company Becamex.

Reflection : Day 5 , GuangJun , Kimberly , Grace and Lincoln .

Photo 1, a model of the university.
Photo 2, the building of the university.
Photo 3, a model of VSIP 1.
Photo 4, a entrance to VSIP 1.

Introduction of VSIP 1 and 2 :

The Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) is a world-class industrial park that was initiated by the Governments of Vietnam and Singapore. In March 1994, the VSIP project was first proposed by former Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet to his contemporary Singaporean counterpart Goh Chok Tong. Almost two years later, the project was officially launched on January 31, 1996 in Singapore. On 14 May 1996, the two Prime Ministers gathered again at the project site in Binh Duong to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the first part of the project, VSIP I, (500ha). For the past 14 years of development, VSIP I has become the leading industrial park in Vietnam, and has proven to be a very attractive investment destination, technology transfer and environment protection for many multinational companies for the domestic as well as export markets.

Essential Question :

Q1 ) Why is it important for Singapore and her citizen to venture out ?

Singapore is a small island, and has no resources. This means that if she is to develop and expand, we have to venture out of Singapore. At other countries, like how we buy water from her neighboring countries, example being Malaysia. To develop, we need materials to build, we need to improve the economy. That is why we need to venture out, and not just focus on Singapore alone, to actually be able to properly get the resources and help needed to improve Singapore. Also, due to the size of Singapore, the human population is not big enough, and the expertise needed may not be around. This will mean that she has to venture out and get help from the people of other countries, which might have the talents that Singapore needs to develop.


2) What did Singapore do to develop her local talents?

Ministry of Education opened up serval schools to cater to potential people of different fields. For example, MOE open up School of Science and Technology to developed more professionals to increase the percentage of quaternary industry, increase the number of suitable people in research work.

The increase of research will increase the amount of knowledge the Singaporeans has. Singapore exchange the information they obtain with other countries, improving the relationship between the countries. Better relationship will allow Singapore to participate in trade with other countries easier, obtaining natural resources from them which we do not have.

The school focus more on innovation and entrepreneurship so that the students can adapt to the work environment will they grow up. The school also focus on communication skills so that the students can communicative with the locals and people from other countries. Effective communication will allow better partnership with other countries.

3) How does this integrated industrial park spanning a land area of 500 hectares with full infrastructure facilities and conducive operating environment operates ?

The total area of 2,545ha in the south, since 2007, after 10 years of operation, VSIP has announced its expansion to the north with two projects: VSIP Bac Ninh Township and Industrial Park Complex of 700ha (200ha for Township and 500ha for IP); and VSIP Hai Phong Township and Industrial Park Complex of 1,600ha (1,100ha for Township and 500ha for IP). Talking about the expanding investment of VSIP into township, Ms. Low, a representative of VSIP, said, "After 10 years of success in developing infrastructure for industrial parks, we have realized the investors’ demand for township infrastructure. Therefore, VSIP has decided to develop these two infrastructure projects to create the best investment environment for investors."


4) What are the unique features, purpose and design of VSIP ?

In comparison to the VHIP, the design of the industries in the VSIP area is a reflection of the industries and factories in Singapore, whether it is the roads or the signs. The area is also well planned and the factories have enough space and are not packed closely together. The roads are wide and have enough space to let trucks and large machineries to go to and fro. The purpose of the partnership between Singapore and Vietnam is to make a foundation to develop a part of Vietnam so that Vietnam would have an idea to what she can do to become a developed country like Singapore. The partnership has a few phases and as time goes by Singapore realised that there is a need to set a more steady foundation besides the factories and made master-plans for Universities and layout for the factories, residential areas and study areas.


5) What are the difference between VSIP and SIP ?

In terms of availability of the land usage , VSIP which is located in Vietnam will be able to make good use of the huge span of land to develop and construct different infrastructures for the Industries purposes. This enable the Industries to carry out their production more efficiently. However, availability of land is very limited in Singapore. Therefore, factories and building were built vertically to maximise the usage of the land. In terms of population, VSIP has more workers since they have a larger size as compared to SIP. Therefore, the productive rate may be much more faster and efficient.

Advantages :

The advantages of VSIP 1 and 2 is the 500 hectares of land, it is a large amount of land spaces used to construct and develop infrastructure facilities. So, more factories and industries can be constructed in VSIP to allow a larger production line to reduce cost spent on various aspects. Also, it provides a full range of infrastructures which allow many industries and factories to make good use of.

Learning Objectives :

This trip to VSIP 1 and 2 is to allow us to learn about the need for Singapore to develop her human and other capital in order to ensure her survival in the future.

What we have learnt :

From this trip to the VSIP we have learnt that even though we are two different countries, we can help each other to develop and the partnership improves the relationship between Singapore and Vietnam and this also widens Singapore's network. During the short drive through the VSIP, we observed that this small area is nearly a split image of Singapore, whether it is the roads or the arrangement of factories. Even the trees at the side of the road can be found at the side of most roads in Singapore.

We also found out that Singapore is helping to set the layout for a developed country and Vietnam would improve their country based on these small changes made by Singapore. From this we learnt that even though Singapore is a small country, we are developed and is able to help other countries as they have helped us. We learnt that to become a self sustainable city, it have to be well planned. The factories will provide jobs for the citizens. However, the workers will not want to travel a long way to his or her workplace. There will be a need to have housing provided for them. When they have a job and a house, they will need some entertainment in their daily life. Thus, the government will need to include greenery and facilities for entertainment purpose. If the workers are to move to the city with their family, health facilities and school will need to be included in the design of the city. The government will have to planned the location of each facilities so that it will be convenient for all.

Lastly, the VSIP project is a very huge project, and it is the collaboration between Singapore and Vietnam, to provide jobs for people in Ho Chi Minh City. That is due to the lack of jobs that can pay sufficient money to the citizens, thus the need for factory jobs like the ones in the VSIPs, which can help to increase their pay. The university built in the new city for the rich is going to accept 1000 students in the first phase of the construction, which has 3 phases. This university is built so that the graduates from the university would be able to find a job easily in the VSIPs.

Source : http://www.vsip.com.vn/default.aspx?pid=0002&mid=0002&mdl=1&lang=end

Day 5: Reflections – Stacey Yip

The VSIP are not located in Ho Chi Minh City but in the province of Binh Duong. Singapore does the town planning but does not provide them with the resources. Singapore teaches Vietnam how to fish rather then giving the fish to them. Singapore provides them with the necessary skills they need and leave them by themselves after they are self-sufficient.

VSIP 1
- 500Ha
- International companies are present
- Looks like Singapore in terms of traffic planning and drainage system
- Used land space by constructing buildings more horizontally then vertically (rocket houses etc)

VSIP 2
- 1000Ha
- Currently expanding (empty land space)


We should grasp the overall knowledge and then applying it into the context that we are in.

Vietnam wanted to copy Singapore and thus introduced the drainage system – canal into Vietnam. This plan worked only for VSIP 1 but was not carried forward into VSIP 2. This was because it was very costly to import and rebuild this kind of drainage system and was more of a want than a need in Vietnam’s context. They realized that they had insufficient funds and thus could not introduce it into VSIP 2 too.

There should be balance between thinking and acting.

Singaporeans are generally very “safe” people, they do not often take risks and must plan carefully before doing any big decision. However, this does not mean careful planning is bad, over excessive of anything is bad. Risks without prior planning is bad, planning too much without taking any risks is also bad as the time spent thinking would be wasted while others are already taking the risk. The balance should be between planning and risks.

Day 5 Reflections – Niklaus Teo

  I learnt that Countries that help with developing infrastructure gains not just in terms of financially, but also in terms of relationship. For example vietnam government tap on Singapore's expertise on town planning and architectural knowledge. They use Singapore’s knowledge to make VSIP 1,2, expansion, bac ninih and more. It is not only the vsip that is being built. Singapore do plan the surroundings around these vsip to develop the whole infrastructure in parts of vietnam and around the vsip to aid the productivity of the vsip. For example the roads around and in the vsip are big, smooth and are well marked, similar to roads of singapore. They also make the surroundings have greenery and even plan the drainage system. All of these are planned to aid the effectiveness in the industries to make it a competitive industries for companies to move to to produce their products. This shows the approach to planning must be as a whole with every consideration taken place. You cannot develop a product or system without considering every single aspect.  

  The second thing I learnt is that we must have the appropriate thinking when facing different situations. This is due to the fact that the initial mindset that you bring to decide on every situation will definitely affect the decision that you are going to make. In order for you to be a competitive in the real world and decide, for example whether to take up this business opportunity, you have to be able to take risks sometimes in order to gain. This type of entrepreneur  mindset can benefit the society in having rapid urbanization or developing new products or services for this Society. 

  Another thing I learnt was  the vsip 2 is a very good example of town planning for an industrial park. In vsip 2 they have a 1000 hectare of industrial zone that compromises of 300 hectare or industrial area(vsip 2) and 700 hectare of township. The town includes many amenities such as eastern international university, culture center, financial center and more. They will also make use of public transport to connect Ho Chi Min city from Binh Duong. The roads are also 33 metre in width to prevent traffic jams, thus making the personal transportation around town faster and also lesser air pollution due to the more efficient traffic flow. There are also schools ranging from primary schools all the way to universities so that the people living around the area are able to gain the necessary education in order to have skills to work for specific industries. This not only make it more appealing for other companies as there are a pool of labour to work in this companies. Looking back at the whole development of VSIP 2, it actually takes in consideration of all aspects of the city planning. I think overall singapore has made a very good decision to help vietnam with the urban planning as it can be a win win situation for both countries. Vietnam government will gain through the increase of job opportunities and the attraction of other companies. 

Day 5 Reflection - Davina

Picture 1 : The entrance of the Industrial Park

Picture 2 : Main building of the University in VSIP 2

Picture 3 : Monorail in VSIP 2

Picture 4 : A building in VSIP

- VSIP is a industrial park which will be built to be self sustaining and will have an
education system which is in line with the jobs that can be found in the industrial park
itself.

- The industrial park is an intertwine business of the Singapore and Vietnam government.
Thus the name Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park.

- The University was designed by Surbana, a Singapore company. Which will next time
send students from the university to the sports complex.

Day 5 Reflection - Lee Si Yuan

Picture 1: The main entrance of VSIP 1.

Picture 2: VSIP 2 being not completed.

Picture 3: One of the University's building.

What I have learnt:

VSIP - They had everything which can be found in Singapore. They use the yellow box for cars and other vehicles and the same rules applies for the vehicles. Even the railings along the canal had the same green railings that is found in Singapore but they soon found out that it was too high cost to continue importing the railings and because of that, in VSIP 2, the road was not completely done. The VSIP is something that made me very shocked as VSIP 1 was a direct copycat of Singapore not only because of the railings used were imported from Singapore, but also because of the fact that the traffic regulations were exactly the same of Singapore's.

Notice of change of programme

Just to reiterate my briefing points during dinner today, the programme for Thursday and Friday has been switched. Teams in charge of taking note of the key learning points on these 2 days please do take note. Do note too about the attire code for Thursday.