Hello! This is my draft for my academic and future plans essay for PEARL's 2025 admission. Will appreciate any comments or suggestions
Every journey starts from curiosity-the engine behind my goals. Picture this: an 18-year-old Korean, born in a developed country yet raised in a still-developing nation, armed with a backpack full of questions about why things happen the way they do. I have been uniquely positioned to witness the significant contrasts between these two realities. This dynamic background has fueled my determination and clarified my vision for the future.
Throughout my life, I have moved from city to city and traveled around Asia. In my early years living in South Korea, I experienced the benefits of advanced infrastructure, quality education, and a wealth of opportunities. However, moving to a developing nation opened my eyes to different challenges-economic disparities, limited resources, and the resilience of communities striving for progress. These experiences ignited my curiosity about how trade and economics can bridge these gaps and create equitable opportunities for all.
My father works in international trading, supplying bulk raw materials for cement manufacturing to companies in the Philippines. He competes against traders from various nationalities. What intrigues me most is the noticeable absence of Filipino traders in this vital industry. I often question why there are so few local participants, especially when foreign-owned companies consistently prefer to work with non-Filipino traders, even for materials sourced locally. This raises further questions: What drives these preferences? Is it trust, established relationships, or cultural connections?
I also lived in a city where the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is located, which deepened my understanding of international trade dynamics. Witnessing how foreign companies, particularly Japanese ones, thrive there has been enlightening. These companies bring not only capital but also advanced technology and management practices, significantly impacting local industries. I have seen how these foreign investments create jobs, enhance skills, and contribute to community development. They represent opportunities for growth and collaboration. Through these experiences, I have observed how fluctuations in supply and demand dictate pricing and availability, sparking my interest in the broader implications of trade and how businesses can adapt to shifting market conditions.
This exposure has solidified my aspiration to pursue a career as an entrepreneur in global trade. I want to establish businesses that not only succeed economically but also foster positive change. My goal is to create a platform that bridges the gap between developed and developing markets, leveraging the lessons I've learned. I'm particularly interested in how technology can enhance global trade. Rapid advancements in digital platforms, logistics, and communication present incredible opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and efficiency. I aim to leverage these tools to create innovative solutions that connect markets and foster collaboration across borders. By investing in initiatives that promote fair trade, ethical sourcing, and community development, I hope to build a company that reflects my values and makes a difference.
To achieve these goals, I know that a solid academic foundation in economics is crucial. This is where Keio University's PEARL program becomes the ideal stepping stone for me. I see this program as a unique opportunity to grow my knowledge in economics within an international context. The dynamic curriculum at Keio truly attracts me. Its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application offers a comprehensive approach to learning economics. I plan to participate in Keio's Professional Career Program (PCP) to gain valuable insights into the intersection of business and economics. This will be instrumental in honing my entrepreneurial mindset to collaborate with industry leaders and tackle real-world problems. The emphasis on innovation and critical thinking aligns perfectly with my academic goals. Additionally, the opportunity to engage with experienced faculty and collaborate with diverse peers will enrich my educational experience.
Acquiring foundational knowledge in economics also depends on the environment in which I wish to grow academically. I particularly intend to live among proactive, innovative, and success-driven individuals who have consistently proven to be leaders in economics, particularly in Asia. And Keio University is ideally located in Tokyo, a city known for having one of the largest economies in the world. I have always been fascinated by how Japan maintains its position in the global economy and how the Japanese engage in the development of nearby countries, including the Philippines. I want to learn from the Japanese approach and adopt the same mindset so that when I become an entrepreneur, I can emulate their success while positively impacting communities. Over the years of living in the Philippines, I have observed the Philippine government partnering with Japan on public-private projects (PPPs) aimed at developing infrastructure and enhancing the overall economy. This collaboration provides a model of how effective partnerships can drive growth and innovation, and I aspire to contribute to such initiatives in the future. By studying at Keio University, I hope to gain the skills and insights necessary to facilitate similar successful collaborations, ultimately fostering sustainable development in my home country and beyond.
In the future, I envision using the knowledge gained at Keio University to create innovative businesses that address pressing economic and social challenges. Whether through developing sustainable technologies, improving access to education, or fostering growth in underdeveloped regions, I want my entrepreneurial ventures to make a meaningful impact. The skills I acquire at Keio will allow me to identify trends and understand market dynamics, enabling informed decisions that drive success. By combining economic theory with real-world experience, I hope to build businesses that thrive in the marketplace while contributing positively to society.
In conclusion, Keio University's PEARL program provides the perfect environment for me to cultivate my entrepreneurial aspirations. With its world-class faculty, international community, and robust academic framework, I am confident that the program will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and perspective necessary to achieve my goals. I look forward to immersing myself in the academic challenges and opportunities at Keio, and I am excited about the prospects of using what I learn to make a lasting impact as an entrepreneur.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to join Keio University and to embark on this transformative journey. I look forward to contributing to and growing within the Keio community, and I am eager to make a positive impact through my work in economics.
Every journey starts from curiosity-the engine behind my goals. Picture this: an 18-year-old Korean, born in a developed country yet raised in a still-developing nation, armed with a backpack full of questions about why things happen the way they do. I have been uniquely positioned to witness the significant contrasts between these two realities. This dynamic background has fueled my determination and clarified my vision for the future.
Throughout my life, I have moved from city to city and traveled around Asia. In my early years living in South Korea, I experienced the benefits of advanced infrastructure, quality education, and a wealth of opportunities. However, moving to a developing nation opened my eyes to different challenges-economic disparities, limited resources, and the resilience of communities striving for progress. These experiences ignited my curiosity about how trade and economics can bridge these gaps and create equitable opportunities for all.
My father works in international trading, supplying bulk raw materials for cement manufacturing to companies in the Philippines. He competes against traders from various nationalities. What intrigues me most is the noticeable absence of Filipino traders in this vital industry. I often question why there are so few local participants, especially when foreign-owned companies consistently prefer to work with non-Filipino traders, even for materials sourced locally. This raises further questions: What drives these preferences? Is it trust, established relationships, or cultural connections?
I also lived in a city where the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is located, which deepened my understanding of international trade dynamics. Witnessing how foreign companies, particularly Japanese ones, thrive there has been enlightening. These companies bring not only capital but also advanced technology and management practices, significantly impacting local industries. I have seen how these foreign investments create jobs, enhance skills, and contribute to community development. They represent opportunities for growth and collaboration. Through these experiences, I have observed how fluctuations in supply and demand dictate pricing and availability, sparking my interest in the broader implications of trade and how businesses can adapt to shifting market conditions.
This exposure has solidified my aspiration to pursue a career as an entrepreneur in global trade. I want to establish businesses that not only succeed economically but also foster positive change. My goal is to create a platform that bridges the gap between developed and developing markets, leveraging the lessons I've learned. I'm particularly interested in how technology can enhance global trade. Rapid advancements in digital platforms, logistics, and communication present incredible opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and efficiency. I aim to leverage these tools to create innovative solutions that connect markets and foster collaboration across borders. By investing in initiatives that promote fair trade, ethical sourcing, and community development, I hope to build a company that reflects my values and makes a difference.
To achieve these goals, I know that a solid academic foundation in economics is crucial. This is where Keio University's PEARL program becomes the ideal stepping stone for me. I see this program as a unique opportunity to grow my knowledge in economics within an international context. The dynamic curriculum at Keio truly attracts me. Its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application offers a comprehensive approach to learning economics. I plan to participate in Keio's Professional Career Program (PCP) to gain valuable insights into the intersection of business and economics. This will be instrumental in honing my entrepreneurial mindset to collaborate with industry leaders and tackle real-world problems. The emphasis on innovation and critical thinking aligns perfectly with my academic goals. Additionally, the opportunity to engage with experienced faculty and collaborate with diverse peers will enrich my educational experience.
Acquiring foundational knowledge in economics also depends on the environment in which I wish to grow academically. I particularly intend to live among proactive, innovative, and success-driven individuals who have consistently proven to be leaders in economics, particularly in Asia. And Keio University is ideally located in Tokyo, a city known for having one of the largest economies in the world. I have always been fascinated by how Japan maintains its position in the global economy and how the Japanese engage in the development of nearby countries, including the Philippines. I want to learn from the Japanese approach and adopt the same mindset so that when I become an entrepreneur, I can emulate their success while positively impacting communities. Over the years of living in the Philippines, I have observed the Philippine government partnering with Japan on public-private projects (PPPs) aimed at developing infrastructure and enhancing the overall economy. This collaboration provides a model of how effective partnerships can drive growth and innovation, and I aspire to contribute to such initiatives in the future. By studying at Keio University, I hope to gain the skills and insights necessary to facilitate similar successful collaborations, ultimately fostering sustainable development in my home country and beyond.
In the future, I envision using the knowledge gained at Keio University to create innovative businesses that address pressing economic and social challenges. Whether through developing sustainable technologies, improving access to education, or fostering growth in underdeveloped regions, I want my entrepreneurial ventures to make a meaningful impact. The skills I acquire at Keio will allow me to identify trends and understand market dynamics, enabling informed decisions that drive success. By combining economic theory with real-world experience, I hope to build businesses that thrive in the marketplace while contributing positively to society.
In conclusion, Keio University's PEARL program provides the perfect environment for me to cultivate my entrepreneurial aspirations. With its world-class faculty, international community, and robust academic framework, I am confident that the program will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and perspective necessary to achieve my goals. I look forward to immersing myself in the academic challenges and opportunities at Keio, and I am excited about the prospects of using what I learn to make a lasting impact as an entrepreneur.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to join Keio University and to embark on this transformative journey. I look forward to contributing to and growing within the Keio community, and I am eager to make a positive impact through my work in economics.