SHERAB SAMTEN｜Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Hello everyone. My name is Sherab Samten, and I come from the Kingdom of Bhutan—a small nation in the Himalayas guided by the belief that true progress is measured not by wealth, but by happiness and balance with nature. Growing up in a country where mountains touch the sky, I often dreamed of the world that lay beyond them. I never imagined that one day I would stand in Japan, on the shores of a vast ocean I had only seen in books.

I am currently studying Business Administration at APU, and I hope to specialize in Operational Entrepreneurship. My dream is to become a global social entrepreneur—someone who uses business not only to generate profit, but to protect culture, uplift communities, and respect the environment. I want to create enterprises that serve people first, because I truly believe that “success means little if it does not help someone else rise.” Coming from a developing country where opportunities were limited, I grew up knowing the value of even the smallest chance. And now that I have been given this opportunity, I am determined to build something meaningful with it.

My experience in Japan has been equally transformative. The kindness of the people, the harmony in daily life, and the blend of tradition and innovation inspire me every day. Even the simple act of standing by the sea—a sight I had never witnessed before coming here—reminds me of how far I have come and how far I still hope to go.

To the donors of the Global Leadership Scholarship, I offer my heartfelt gratitude. Your support is not simply financial assistance; it is a gift of possibility. You have allowed someone from a small Himalayan valley to step into a world of global learning and endless horizons. You gave wings to a dream that was once too big for its environment.

I promise to honor your belief in me—by giving back, by leading with kindness, and by carrying the spirit of APU wherever life takes me. Thank you, from the depths of my heart.