Anne Kim & Academy Prêt: Pioneering Pathways to Success
From the bustling halls of Wall Street to the serene campuses of international schools, Anne Kim (RIS Class of 1999) has navigated an extraordinary career journey. Today, she is channeling her passion and expertise into Academy Prêt, an education company that empowers students to build confidence and skills for lifelong success. With an exciting upcoming event for RIS students, Anne’s story is about determination, community, and a commitment to unlocking potential.
The Roots of Excellence
Anne’s journey began at RIS Ruamrudee, where she spent her formative years in a nurturing environment focused on empathy, service, and academic rigor. Looking back, Anne fondly recalls spending time with friends at the canteen over a bowl of beef boat noodles and being inspired by teachers who encouraged her to aim high. “RIS taught me to aim for the stars, that anything is possible,” she shares. This foundation propelled her to earn dual degrees from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Wharton School, followed by an MBA at Harvard Business School.
Her professional career spanned investment banking and private equity, including roles at UBS, J.P. Morgan, and Quadria Capital. These experiences honed her expertise in healthcare investments and corporate finance. But it was at Harvard where Anne crystallized her philosophy on lifelong learning and personal development—ideas that inspired the creation of Academy Prêt.
Bridging Education and Real-World Opportunities
At Academy Prêt, Anne and her team offer programs designed to nurture both academic achievement and soft skills like emotional intelligence, creativity, and resilience. “Ad Astra Ruamrudee!” Anne exclaims, invoking the RIS motto. “Anything is truly possible if you put your mind and heart to it, along with a solid strategy.”
Anne credits RIS with instilling in her a spirit of service and collaboration, which she has carried into her career. “The relationships and networks I built at RIS have been pivotal,” she notes. “They enabled me to jump from finance to education, bridging global industry partners and creating opportunities for students to engage with expert mentors.”
Upcoming Event: Winter Career Pathway Bootcamp
This December 2024, Academy Prêt will host its Winter Career Pathway Bootcamp in Bangkok, offering RIS students a unique opportunity to explore fields such as healthcare, finance, and STEM. Anne’s mission is clear: to inspire students to “stay active, be curious, and go deeper into their passion areas.”
RIS students are eligible for special benefits:
30% Discount using the code “RIS” during registration.
50% Scholarship Support generously sponsored by Anne herself.
Anne emphasizes the importance of exploration, advising students to “pick something and just give it a try. Even if it’s not what you end up doing, that experience will give you depth and dimension in unexpected ways.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
Anne’s reflections on her time at RIS are filled with gratitude for the teachers and classmates who shaped her. From Ms. Dorothy’s encouragement in Grade 5 to Mr. Olivier Fernandez’s French and biology lessons, these moments were pivotal. Even decades later, Anne remains connected with her RIS classmates, meeting across continents to support one another.
Her message to the current RIS community is simple yet powerful: “Give your RIS teachers a high five and grab them for a chat and some advice—they care about you so much and want you to flourish!”
Anne Kim’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of the RIS community. To learn more about Anne and her work, visit the Academy Prêt website or join the upcoming Winter Career Pathway Bootcamp.
