What does it take to build modern leaders? Hear from AIM president and dean, Jikyeong Kang

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

“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.

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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.”

Such is the passion she’s brought to AIM as its current president, dean and MVP chair in marketing. When Kang joined in 2015, AIM had three degree programmes; now, they have 13. One of the most significant accomplishments she wanted to highlight was their burgeoning undergraduate programme. Kang related that this focus was drawn from the desire to hone students academically and through instilling values during their formative years. When asked what AIM graduates want to be known for, she shared a quick list: a focus on ethics, sustainability, harnessing technology and data visualisation.

Above Jikyeong Kang (Photo by: Jay Santos)

Ethics, first and foremost, to create conscientious students and professionals. Sustainability is to employ ethical decision-making when preserving our natural resources. Harnessing technology responsibly is a topic Kang was quite passionate about, as well as developing a mindful approach to advancement. And lastly, data visualisation. Kang pointed out that in a world brimming with data, what we need more of are people who can condense and interpret these in ways that are useful to the workplace or wherever it is required; otherwise, such a surplus becomes just that: an overdrawn pile of numbers and figures.

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.

- Jikyeong Kang -

Above Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

Speaking of the rapid growth of AI and ChatGPT, Kang opined: “I don’t think it’s a tide you can stop, and it all starts with policy; Then, understanding these new technologies should follow.” She also gave her two cents on imbibing soft skills to young professionals. On top of her list was critical thinking, communication and patience. She commented that Gen Z may not have as much of the latter. “You have to give your supervisor and workplace an opportunity; don’t quit because of one bad experience.”

While it’s different for each generation, younger professionals nowadays are exposed to abundant material things and opportunities, which may have contributed to an affinity towards impatience. “We want [the younger generation] to know how to listen and argue their perspectives fairly, open-mindedly, and logically.”

Above Jikyeong Kang (Photo by: Jay Santos)

Kang is also a distinguished fellow of the International Academy of Management (IAOM). She dedicated six years as a board member of the IAOM’s Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, where she made history as the first chair from an Asian business school in the consortium’s century-long existence. She also serves as an independent director for the Security Bank and is on the advisory board of many prestigious international schools. To top things off, Kang remains deeply connected to the local business community in the Philippines, participating in organisations such as the Management Association of the Philippines, the Makati Business Club, the American Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber of Commerce, among others.

She is not one to rest on her laurels, however. Asked what exactly keeps her going, she answered: “I think, first, is a shared aspiration. Make sure that your team is on board and you have right-minded, better skilled, more talented people surrounding [you] so that you’re not doing it yourself.” And when asked about where she draws inspiration from, Kang’s answer was as simple as it was poignant: “Find happiness in small things. Take pride in what you have accomplished rather than the roadblocks ahead.”

To know more about the Asian Institue of Management, visit their official website: aim.edu.

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Asian Institute of Management Graduate Studies

Tatler Asia

What does it take to build modern leaders? AIM president and dean, Jikyeong Kang, shares her thoughts