At UWC ISAK Japan, we empower young leaders to explore new frontiers and make a positive impact. Ken (Class of 24 / Panama) embodies this mission. As the school’s first Panamanian student, he embraced transformational leadership during his time at ISAK. Now, less than a year after graduation, he’s applying those lessons on a global scale. His journey from Karuizawa to the Ship for World Youth program—where he served as the youngest national leader of Panama’s delegation—illustrates the power of initiative, adaptability, and international collaboration.
Seizing Unexpected Opportunities
Ken’s path to the Ship for World Youth was anything but conventional. After graduating, he took a gap semester that evolved into a year of exploration. While tutoring English as a part-time job, he met a student’s mother who worked at Panama’s Ministry of Social Development. She introduced him to the program, and before he knew it, Ken was leading Panama’s delegation aboard a ship fostering cross-cultural exchange and leadership development.
“I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world,” Ken recalls. “I was also excited about representing my country and learning more about international relations.”
Navigating the Ship for World Youth Experience
The Ship for World Youth, initiated by Japan’s Cabinet Office, is designed to cultivate leadership and social entrepreneurship through global exchange. Over the course of the voyage, Ken engaged in discussions on sustainability, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment alongside government officials, entrepreneurs, and fellow young leaders.
As the youngest national leader among delegates—many of whom were in their thirties or forties—Ken faced the challenge of proving himself in a role of significant responsibility. “It was challenging to have the same responsibilities as people fifteen years older than me, but they were all very supportive,” he reflects. His role included organizing a presentation on Panamanian culture, liaising with other delegation leaders, and ensuring smooth program operations.
A Meeting of Worlds: Leadership Lessons from High Places
One of the defining moments of Ken’s experience was meeting Japanese dignitaries, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Princess Kako, at the Imperial Castle. The encounters were surreal—especially for someone who, just a year earlier, had been chatting with friends at UWC ISAK’s campus.
However, it was a lesson in leadership from a fellow Panamanian delegate that left the strongest impression. “One of my team members reminded me that as a leader, I should always have an attitude of service. Instead of pointing out mistakes, I should offer my support to build a harmonious team.” This insight reshaped Ken’s approach to leadership, reinforcing the value of empathy and collaboration—one of the core leadership practices cultivated at UWC ISAK Japan.
Reconnecting with Panama and Looking Forward
Beyond the program’s international scope, Ken found a renewed connection to his own country. “After coming back from UWC ISAK, I struggled with feeling out of place. But through this experience, I learned more about Panama than I ever did while living there.” Now, he envisions playing a role in his country’s future, helping to shape programs that make a tangible impact.
Ken and his fellow delegates are currently working to establish an association for Ship for World Youth alumni in Panama. In collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, they are developing initiatives focused on education and youth rehabilitation. By taking action in the face of uncertainty, Ken is demonstrating the same leadership skills that UWC ISAK Japan instills in its students.
Advice for Future ISAK Students
For current UWC ISAK Japan students looking to engage in similar opportunities, Ken’s advice is twofold. “On the formal side, embassies and government ministries are great resources—they’re often eager to help. Informally, just do what you find fun. If you put your best effort into whatever interests you, people will notice, and doors you never expected will open.”
Ken’s journey exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning and leadership that UWC ISAK Japan strives to cultivate. As he continues to explore new horizons, one thing is certain—this is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey that will shape the future, both for himself and for the communities he serves.
