Sang S. Kim, Director of MU Asian Affairs Center

Sang Kim was appointed Director of the Asian Affairs Center of the University of Missouri in September 2004.  Since 1998, he has served in the Asian Affairs Center as Interim Director, Associate Director, and Assistant Director of the Center prior to accepting the Director position.  
 
Kim brings hands on experience and knowledge of international relations in the Pacific Rim countries to his position at the Asian Affairs Center.  He is fluent in Korean, English and can speak conversational Japanese. 
 
He received two Bachelor’s Degrees from Southern Illinois University in Journalism and Psychology with a minor emphasis in Japanese. Since coming to Missouri, he has completed an MBA with emphasis in Marketing and has substantial coursework completed toward a Ph.D. in Marketing and Master’s in Accountancy.  Kim has lived in the United States for the past twenty years.
 
In addition to serving as the Director of the Asian Affairs Center, Kim coordinates during yearly trips to China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam with University faculty and government officials.  He has been active in setting up Truman Conferences in both Korea and the United States.
 
He assists groups in setting up programmatic relationships with Korean and Chinese Universities and Government entities.  These relationships have resulted in the development of training programs for governments and academic and research institutions which enhance the influence of Missouri throughout Asia.  Under Kim’s direction, these relationships are extending to other Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand.
 
Kim has served as advisor to student groups including the Japanese Student Association and to numerous Asian exchange students.
 
Kim enjoys playing racquetball and wine tasting.  He and his wife Jina host many parties for Asian visitors and are the parents of two young children.