Kelvin Benger has always been passionate about helping people find their spark. With a background in STEM education, he began his career teaching in classrooms but realized he also had an entrepreneurial drive he wanted to weave into his work. This led him to pursue the UBC Master of Management (MM) program, where he built a strong foundation in business strategy and leadership. Now, as a Curriculum Coach at the Yongsan International School of Seoul in South Korea, Kelvin shapes learning experiences and systems through innovative ideas. He reflects on how his time at UBC Sauder empowered him to continue his work in education through a broader, business-oriented lens.
Where are you from, and where are you currently based?
I am Canadian, but I identify more closely with the term “Third Culture Kid” (TCK), as I have spent most of my life in countries outside of my “home” country. I grew up in rural Indonesia and South Korea.
What are you passionate about—personally or professionally?
I am passionate about growth, particularly helping people and systems improve. As an educator and a leader, I want to help people grow and learn in holistic ways. I strive to support individuals in discovering their spark and acting on it, as I believe education is about empowering students to become who they could be.
I like to think that I hold myself to the same standards, whether that’s learning to code, completing my doctorate, or reading books on parenting. I structure my day with an understanding that I only have so many minutes here on Earth, and that I want to make the most of them. I do this by serving others, loving my family, pursuing excellence in my craft, and following a deeper calling through my faith.
Can you walk us through your career journey since graduating from UBC Sauder?
After graduating from the UBC MM program, I continued my entrepreneurial work while serving in Human Resources at Trinity Western University in B.C.
I later moved to Jakarta, Indonesia to work as a business and computer science teacher at an international school. During my time there, I started an education technology and internship program, became an Assistant Principal, and then pursued the role of Director of Growth and Innovation. In this role, I partnered with the Head of School to find innovative ways to improve the school environment, expand enrolment, and fulfill our mission.
Following that, I moved to South Korea to become an upper-level math teacher at the Yongsan International School of Seoul. Today, I work as a Curriculum Coach at the school, supporting teachers, systems, and leaders.
What is one highlight of your career that you’re especially proud of?
One of my proudest achievements was redesigning the middle school educational model at my school in Jakarta. Recognizing the need to better support students transitioning from elementary to senior school, I drew on the skills I gained in the UBC MM program to develop a business proposal and successfully lead the transformation.
The new middle school model emphasized social-emotional learning, service learning, passion projects, robust teacher support, and project-based learning. After the proposal was approved, I had one year to assemble a task force and bring the vision to life.
We successfully launched on time, achieving all our goals. The student experience improved significantly, and retention rates rose as a result. Seeing the tangible impact of that project was incredibly fulfilling.
Why did you choose UBC Sauder and your specific program?
UBC Sauder has a strong reputation for providing excellent learning experiences and fostering meaningful connections. The UBC MM program was a great fit for me as a professional in a non-business field who could benefit from gaining business acumen.
How did your experience at UBC Sauder shape your career path or contribute to your growth?
UBC Sauder taught me more than business theory, taught me how to become a businessperson. It challenged me to start viewing myself through that lens, which has shaped how I interact with the world while opening doors that might not have existed otherwise.
Since graduating, as an entrepreneur, I now see opportunities that I didn’t before. As an educator, I regularly create innovative proposals and pitches that offer fresh perspectives. If I had not gone to UBC Sauder, I’m confident that I would not be able to think in the ways that I do today.
Is there a standout memory or moment from your time at UBC Sauder that you often reflect on?
I loved my negotiation class with Perry Atwal. He gave us space to practice our craft, with 30–45 minutes of peer-to-peer negotiation each session. This hands-on experience allowed me to apply what I was learning immediately, something instrumental in building my confidence as a negotiator.
What advice would you give to someone considering a business education at UBC Sauder?
UBC Sauder can teach you a great deal, not just academically, but most importantly, how to think like a businessperson.
Academic knowledge can be found in many places, but a school that shapes you as a person and shifts your mindset is not easy to find.
