What was the goal of the retreat?
To connect 45 employees from Singapore and the Philippines to strengthen team bonding across remote and on-site employees.
Where was the retreat held?
Khao Yai in Thailand was chosen for its beautiful surrounding and calming environment, ideal for events aiming to improve connections.
Who organized it?
Our Midstay retreat experts planned and executed the retreat, handling every part of the logistics. Midstay is a leader in organizing corporate retreats in 100+ locations for teams globally.
What results did it bring?
Stronger internal relationships, improved cross-country connection, and renewed alignment among team members.
How did Midstay ensure success?
Our expert planners and on-ground concierge made sure the logistics ran seamlessly from start to finish, with curated team-building activities and a venue that aligned with the team’s bonding goal.
“Spending time together in Khao Yai helped us understand each other better, work together more efficiently and feel closer as one AGrader team”
How Midstay helped AGrader bring employees in two countries together through a transformative retreat
AGrader Learning Centre is one of Singapore’s most trusted tuition chains with 19 locations and more than 30,000 students supported. They approached us with a common challenge among global companies:
How can we connect team members who work across two different countries?
With both on-side and remote employees from Singapore and the Philippines, AGrader was looking for a retreat that could bring everyone together and strengthen team relationships while enhancing company-wide cohesion.
Midstay’s experts designed and organized a 4-day team retreat in Khao Yai for 45 employees, ensuring every piece supported AGrader’s core goal: in-person connection through team building activities.
Why AGrader chose Midstay
AGrader Chose Midstay as their retreat organizer for the team’s expertise, experience, authority & trustworthiness:
- Dedicated retreat planners with deep corporate retreat experience.
- Tailored retreat frameworks aligned with AGrader’s goal of cross-country bonding.
- Activity curation based on team dynamics and desired outcomes.
- On-the-ground operational support in Thailand to ensure smooth execution.
- Long-standing relationships with venue and activity partners.
- Proven track record: Midstay’s retreats improve team alignment, communication and motivation.
- Trusted by global teams in industries such as education, tech, finance, SaaS, and consulting.
- Processes are backed by continuous feedback loops and post-event improvement cycles.
- Tailored itineraries and end-to-end support.
- Safety-first planning and contingency procedures for international travel.
Khao Yai in Thailand was the ultimate destination
Khao Yai is known for green hills, vineyards, cool mountain breezes and Thailand’s first national park.
It was chosen for AGrader because it offered:
- A calm, scenic environment ideal for resetting and bonding
- Plenty of space for movement-focused team activities
- Beautiful landscapes perfect for shared experiences and exploration
- A refreshing climate that makes outdoor activities enjoyable
It was the perfect match for the retreat’s goal of connecting employees. The atmosphere provided a place where people naturally slow down, talk more, and share experiences away from daily routine.
AGrader stayed at our venue partner Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai – a European-inspired countryside resort surrounded by mountains which offer an ideal blend of comfort, nature, and privacy.
Why this venue fit perfectly:
- 2-5 bedroom villas
- Private pools and lounges that encourage bonding
- Reliable Wi-Fi for any work needs
- Garden and golf course views to relax and connect
- Short distance to Khao Yai National Park and activities
Venue features provided:
- Living & dining areas
- Quiet outdoor spaces
- On-site restaurants
- Seamless check-in and hospitality
- Fresh air and panoramic views that inspire clarity and connection
Midstay’s extensive network of handpicked venue partners ensures every retreat space is matched to the client’s goals – in this case, an environment that supported AGrader’s objective of uniting and bonding.
How the retreat was designed
Midstay’s retreat experts crafted a dynamic itinerary blending structured team-building with downtime, ensuring participants had the space to talk, laugh, collaborate, and build real relationships.
Below is the retreat breakdown:
Day 1: Arrival & welcome
- Airport pickups
- Check-in & welcome drink at Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai
- SWAG handover
- Ice-breaking session (fun, not cringe)
- Welcome dinner at The River Curve
Impact: Immediate comfort, warm energy, and early cross-country mingling.
Day 2: Team-building day
- Team breakfast
- Indoor Olympics team-building challenge
- High-energy activities
- Friendly competition
- Collaboration & Communication
- Lunch at Salasa Restaurant
- Amazing Race team-building activity in Pak Chong City
- Problem-solving
- Real-time teamwork & bonding
- Free time at the hotel
- Team dinner
Impact: Stronger communication, shared wins, teamwork under light pressure – a breakthrough day for bonding.
Day 3: Exploration day in Khao Yai
- Breakfast
- Full-day trip of Khao Yai
- Team lunch & dinner
Impact: Shared awe, storytelling moments, company unity & alignment, and natural relationship building.
Day 4: Closing & departure
- Breakfast
- Closing speech from leadership
- Check-out
- Departure transfers
Impact: Reflections, gratitude, team unity, and renewed energy for the year ahead.
How Midstay Contributed to the Success of AGrader’s Retreat
Strategic Retreat Planning
Midstay’s corporate retreat framework aligned every activity with AGrader’s goals. From organizing the right location, venue and transportation, to curating the itinerary and finally supporting the on-site execution – the entire experience was intentionally designed.
Seamless Logistics
With on-ground support in Thailand, Midstay’s team took care of:
- Airport coordination
- Venue check-ins
- Local transport
- Timing of activities
- Vendor communication
- Meal arrangements
- Risk management
This allowed AGrader’s leadership to fully participate without worrying about operations.
Curated Activities that Drive Connection
Both the Indoor Olympics and the Amazing Race were selected because they:
- Encourage team collaboration
- Put teamwork before individual success
- Improve communication and problem solving
- Encourage natural bonding
Retreat outcomes
This retreat brought measurable impact:
Stronger Cross-Country Unity
Employees who work in different countries became comfortable collaborators and friends.
Improved Communication
Activities and team moments improved smoother communication and more clarity in cross-border teams.
Renewed Motivation
The nature activities, shared challenges, and bonding rejuvenated morale across departments.
Better Cultural Understanding
Interaction between staff from two countries created empathy, trust, and shared perspective.
Long-term Collaboration Benefits
Following the retreat, teams find it easier to work together on new projects – a result of relationship-building facilitated by Midstay.
Retreat wrap-up
AGrader’s 4-day retreat in Khao Yai marks a clear example of how thoughtfully curated retreats can transform global teams. By blending nature, structured activities, cultural exploration, and a supportive environment, Midstay helped AGrader achieve exactly what they set out to do: build genuine connection across borders.
This retreat created memories, strengthened bonds, and set the foundation for better teamwork across Singapore and the Philippines.
Let us help you build a more connected team!
Midstay helps companies globally create retreats that drive genuine human connection, improve collaboration, and uplift team culture.
If you want a retreat that brings your people together, we’re ready to help!
