Lee Junxian(S³ Asia MBA, Batch 5)

 

 

It is with half a heart of gratefulness, half of humbleness and a tinge of pride that I thank my beloved alma mater, Korea University Business School (KUBS) for awarding me with this top honor. I have worked hard to do our school proud, but at the same time, I am humbled, for I know of so many who deserve this more than I do; Our academic professors in KUBS, who have worked tirelessly to not only impart us with knowledge, but also to help familiarize us with the Korean culture; my unforgettable classmates with whom we together strove to both work and play hard; and most importantly Professor Yoo Yeung Koon, Sang Hyun and Lyla who have made our stay in Seoul an absolute delight. The S³ Asia MBA has developed and taught me how to not only be a better corporate leader, but also how to lead a better life, as I believe many of my classmates will attest to.

 

 

 

 

There was once an earnest and sincere Zen student, that asked his master, if he focused hard and studied, how long would it take him to find Zen. The master replied that it would take him ten years, if he tried harder, twenty years, and if he tried even harder, thirty. Disappointed with the answer, the student asked why. The master replied, saying: "When you have one eye on the goal, you only have one on the path"

 

 

 

 

Oftentimes, we find ourselves focusing so much on the destination, that we forget that what truly matters is the journey. This is the dilemma I faced throughout my student life, and what ultimately made me give up admission to a top American Ivy league college for the S³ Asia MBA program instead. The S³ program sets itself apart in that the value it espouses is that of life experience, living and breathing, firsthand what it means to be a global citizen, centered in Asia.

 

 

 

 

Pioneer astronaut Lance Armstrong once mused: It is one thing know what space is, it is another to experience it. The S³ program is uniquely structured to expose its students to not just the cultural aspects of life in different leading cities in Asia, but more importantly the economic and business ramifications of which. The Asian Business Insights modules, which exposed us to numerous local top level executives and businesses is a shining example of the S³ Asia MBA mantra. These experiences are unique and invaluable and allows S³ students to distinguish ourselves in the corporate and business worlds.

 

 

 

 

I will always look back with bitter fondness on my time in the S³ Asia MBA program. Our program is special in that the curriculum moves us as a class unit through the various cities. I will forever hold dear the relationships I have forged with this wonderful group of people, and it is with a heavy heart that I bid them farewell, now that we have graduated, wishing them the very best for their future endeavors. 

 

 

 

 

To my S³ Asia MBA juniors from the 6th and 7th batches: You still have the opportunity to stand up, ask questions, be critical, and create your own perspective. Demand a setting that will provide you with intellectual capabilities that allow you to expand your mind instead of direct it. Demand that you be interested in class. Demand that the excuse, “You have to learn this for the test” is not good enough for you. Education is an excellent tool, if used properly, but focus more on the learning rather than getting good grades.