A Cut Above

During a sitdown with Tatler, Asian Institute of Management's president and dean, Jikyeong Kang, opens up about her academic and professional journey and what exactly inspires her today 

- Dorynna Untivero.

"I cannot change the world just so it's convenient for me," President and Dean of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Jikyeong Kang said when asked about facing adversities. "I'm a person who focuses on the positive-on what I have rather than what I don't."

Kang emigrated from South Korea to pursue a master's degree in the United States in 1984. There, she was not only on foreign soil but suddenly thrust into a culture far from hers. "It was daunting, scary, I felt like I wasn't good enough," she shared. On top of the challenges of graduate studies, she dealt with the language barrier, being far from home, and many bouts of self-doubt. But all that was quelled by going through the process and finding mentors who gave her immeasurable support. The same was the case when she pursued a doctorate in another state. "It taught me to be kind to learners," Kang expressed. "You never know your impact on that person's future. You might have a splitting-moment encounter [and may not even remember what you talked about or who this person was), but I think we all can influence and inspire younger people."