Heeju Kang arrived at Leysin American School in 2007 and left with something that is invaluable in today's world: the confidence to connect cultures, disciplines, and ideas. She now channels that spirit as an Adjunct Professor at the Busan Institute of Science and Technology in Korea, where she teaches design and AI, and will soon lead robotics research at the Hide Lab at Hongik University. We caught up with Heeju to hear how LAS shaped her remarkable journey.



Q: What are you up to today?

A: I am an Adjunct Professor at the Busan Institute of Science and Technology in Korea, where I teach courses on design and AI. Starting next year, I will also be conducting robotics research at the Hide Lab at Hongik University, focusing on machine and system design.

Q: Your career has taken some fascinating turns—UX design, banking, crypto, and now academia. How would you describe your professional identity?

A: I think of myself as a Global UX Strategist at the intersection of AI, UX, and education. In the past I worked as a UX designer at IBM and at KB Kookmin Bank in the financial sector, then as Head of Marketing at Korbit, one of Korea's major cryptocurrency exchanges. Each role looked different on the surface, but the thread running through all of them has been my passion for understanding people and designing better experiences, and now increasingly with AI and robotics at the centre of that work.


Q: What is your fondest memory from your time at LAS?

A: One of my best memories is the Sorrento school trip. We rented a yacht and spent the day on the water with friends. It was such a special and joyful experience that I will never forget! Another unforgettable memory is International Day, where I wore a hanbok and sold Korean noodles. It was such a meaningful way to share my culture with the whole school community, and it still makes me smile whenever I think about it.


Q: How did your time at LAS influence the career you have built?

A: LAS really taught me to see the world from multiple perspectives. In my career as a UX designer, that mindset has been invaluable—for defining user targets, creating inclusive experiences, or collaborating across borders. In my roles at IBM, KB Bank, Korbit, and now as a professor and researcher, I have consistently relied on that LAS foundation to work effectively across cultures and industries. The multicultural and international environment gave me the confidence to explore diverse fields and taught me how to bridge disciplines. This is a perspective that continues to shape how I approach design, education, and innovation today.


Q: What advice would you give to our current LAS students?

A: Embrace the diversity around you and do not be afraid to connect different disciplines. In my own career, combining design, AI, and education gave me a unique identity and opened doors to global opportunities. Your experiences at LAS are already preparing you to forge your own path—even if that path is not a traditional one.

Q: Any final thoughts, especially for students thinking about entrepreneurship?

A: You can already be an entrepreneur as a student! Do not wait until graduation to start something meaningful. Many of the most exciting ideas are born early. Today you also have access to powerful tools like AI, which can accelerate your creativity, help you test ideas faster, and connect you with global opportunities. Be bold, experiment, and use AI as a tool to shape your own unique path.