[ALUMNI-INFO TEXT="Combining private sector experience with top public policy education, Abhesh Kumar has the rare benefit of insight. Now a mentor at his alma mater LKYSPP, he shares that insight with current students."][/ALUMNI-INFO]
It was on a study trip to Chiang Mai during his time at LKYSPP that Kumar realised the “deep and diverse talent” of whom he was rubbing shoulders with. “Those same classmates are running important portfolios in governments and businesses around the world.”
Of course, the best begets the best, and Kumar is aware that the school’s quality is not just restricted to its students. “Pick any area of governance and you will find multiple experts in their field. Not to mention the level of access we had to world leaders – Kofi Annan, Lee Kuan Yew, Rajiv Gandhi.”
[ALUMNI-QUOTES TEXT="Abhesh first entered the school to better understand the influence of government on the private sector. “Not only did I learn that in great detail but I learnt as much about how private sector actions can influence public policy.” In similar fashion, just as his experience at LKYSPP has influenced him, he is now an influence to students at the school.
His understanding of the interplay between government, private sector and civil society has proven useful not just in him becoming a “more responsible business leader”, but also to the students he mentors. “Helping them (mentees) construct a framework to understand the business and geo-political context so that they can apply what they have learnt is something I have been able to do regularly.”
However, true to the “diverse set of viewpoints, culture, professional and academic strengths” of LKYSPP students, sometimes it is the mentor who learns from the mentee.
Abhesh shares an experience when he conducted a mock interview for a mentee with a background in the healthcare industry: “I ended up learning way more than anything I could have possibly taught!”"][/ALUMNI-QUOTES]
But Abhesh knows that learning is a cycle, and one that he gladly contributes to: “One cannot help but want to give back and support the future generations of leaders.”