Min Kyung LEE

National University of Singapore Business School

“Mother and lawyer-turned-entrepreneur passionate about creating innovative solutions to solve real-world challenges.”

Hometown: Seoul, Korea.

Fun fact about yourself: I love exploring different cultures through language and food, so during my MBA, I started learning French—hoping to confidently order at French restaurants without switching to English.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

• Cornell University (B.A. in Government)
• Columbia Law School (Juris Doctor)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school?  GlaxoSmithKline Korea (Legal Counsel)

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? I dedicated the summer to building my startups, BillDetail (Singapore) and Kinder (targeting Japanese market), focusing on refining the idea and building the product.

Where will you be working after graduation? BoostDraft, a legal-tech startup, working as Korea Business Development and on track to become the Country Manager. In this role, I will be driving market entry strategy, building key partnerships and expanding BoostDraft’s presence in Korea.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

* Entrepreneurship Club (Core Member): Led key initiatives, including hosting a Japanese entrepreneur and professor to share insights, and organizing cross-faculty events connecting business and computing students to foster collaboration and co-founder matchmaking.

* Top Student in Marketing Strategy

* Assistant Facilitator for Launch Your Transformation (an intensive one-week course on management communication.

* Moderator for Alumni Talk on Entrepreneurship: Led discussions with alumni entrepreneurs, facilitating knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities for current students.

* Speaker at various school events: Shared my MBA journey as a mother and entrepreneur at key events such as orientation and open house, offering insights on balancing business school with parenthood.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Launching my startups while managing my MBA coursework and a newborn baby has been my proudest achievement. During my MBA, I co-founded BillDetail, a legal tech startup, with my cohort mates. Having experienced firsthand the inefficiencies of time entry in law firms, I was determined to create a solution. Alongside my team, we developed a technical platform, attended legal tech events, and demonstrated our product to potential customers including one of the biggest law firms in Singapore. Our work was further recognized when we were selected for School of Computing Ignite, a program designed to encourage entrepreneurship.

At the same time, I co-founded Kinder, a platform connecting expat and local families to foster deeper community ties. This was a deeply personal venture, reflecting my belief in the power of human connection and cultural exchange. While BillDetail focuses on driving efficiency in the legal industry, Kinder is about strengthening communities—both tackling real-world challenges in different ways. My co-founder and I targeted Japan as our primary market. We partnered with a Tokyo University student club and are organizing a cultural exchange event, bringing together local and expat families to build meaningful connections.

Balancing these two ventures while raising a one-year-old and caring for two dogs made the journey even more rewarding, proving that persistence and passion can turn an idea into reality.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The achievement I am most proud of in my professional career is successfully pivoting from a traditional legal career to entrepreneurship and a business role. Rather than following the conventional path for lawyers, I sought out new challenges, immersing myself in the world of legal tech—an industry where I could bridge my legal expertise with my business school experience. Through my startup, BillDetail, and my new role at BoostDraft, I have been able to drive innovation in an industry that has been slow to adopt change. What makes me most proud is that I stayed true to my passion, choosing a path that excited me rather than settling for comfort. This journey has reinforced my belief that taking calculated risks and stepping outside of established norms can lead to the most fulfilling opportunities.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose NUS because I deeply believe in the power of diversity—not just in nationality or gender, but in thought, perspective and disciplines. True diversity comes from engaging with people who approach problems differently, shaped by their unique backgrounds, skills, and ways of thinking.

Singapore, as a global business hub, naturally fosters this kind of diversity, bringing together talent from across Asia and beyond. NUS amplifies this by offering opportunities to collaborate across faculties, allowing me to engage with students in computing, engineering, and other disciplines. For example, I was able to organize a cross-faculty event for the Entrepreneurship Club to allow students from different disciplines to work together to form startups. I participated in school’s Graduate Research Innovation Programme Prime to discuss automated robotics delivery system with graduate students, which gave me a new perspective on how technology and entrepreneurship intersect. Through these interactions, I gained insights that challenged and expanded my thinking.

I came to NUS to expand my horizons, not just in business but in how I see and solve problems. The ability to connect with people from different fields and cultures made this an incredibly rich learning experience, reinforcing that the best ideas emerge at the intersection of diverse perspectives.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Professor Ravi, who taught Legal Issues in Business. Coming from a legal background, I was initially unsure how legal concepts would be approached in a business school setting. However, Professor Ravi made complex legal analysis accessible and tailored his teaching to improve business judgment, rather than focusing solely on legal technicalities.

One of the most impactful aspects of his teaching was how he used real-world business situations to illustrate dense legal concepts. For example, instead of presenting contract and tort law in isolation, he framed discussions around potential disputes between franchisors and franchisees, making it easier to understand how legal frameworks apply in actual business decision-making. This approach made the material more engaging and directly relevant to business strategy.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Ravi also supported BillDetail, introducing us to his personal network and helping us refine our approach. His ability to bridge legal theory with practical business application not only enhanced my learning, but also shaped how I now approach legal strategy in an entrepreneurial setting.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course as an MBA was Entrepreneurial Management because it gave me the freedom to take our ideas as far as I wanted, turning classroom discussions into real-world ventures. The course fostered open idea-sharing and peer feedback. For me, it became much more than an academic exercise—my groupmates became my co-founders, and our project turned into BillDetail, a real startup.

Inspired by the course, we went beyond classroom learning. We engaged with legal tech players worldwide, interviewed lawyers around the world to validate pain points, conducted research, built a prototype and applied for funding. One of the most valuable aspects was the pitching experience—we developed pitch decks, refined our messaging, and practiced delivering our vision with clarity and conviction. These skills proved invaluable when we spoke to potential customers, securing meetings with law firms. We even navigated real-world challenges like negotiating equity among co-founders.

This course reinforced that entrepreneurship isn’t just about having an idea—it’s about execution, adaptability, and being able to sell your vision. The experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to take BillDetail and Kinder into the real world.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA event was the Global Immersion Program (GIP) in Japan. It was an incredible opportunity to not only learn about Japanese business practices across industries—ranging from architecture to consumer goods—but also to experience the country’s culture firsthand.

What made GIP truly special was that it was student-led, which meant my classmates—who were emerging leaders themselves—took charge of planning the entire program. Seeing Japan through their eyes, in their home country, gave me a deeper understanding of them beyond the classroom. This experience strengthened friendships in ways I hadn’t expected—one of my GIP classmates even became my co-founder for both BillDetail and Kinder.

This program reflected what I love most about NUS: it’s not just about learning in lecture halls—it’s about immersing yourself in different cultures, gaining global perspectives, and building relationships that extend far beyond business school.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, if there’s one thing I’d do differently, it would be to start even earlier by focusing more on “doing” rather than thinking. During my MBA, I co-founded BillDetail, a legal tech startup aimed at solving inefficiencies in law firm billing, and Kinder, a community-driven platform connecting expat and local families to foster diversity. While I’m proud of what we built, I realize that the earlier you start, the more time you must iterate, test ideas, and refine your approach.

Balancing academics, entrepreneurship and personal commitments was a challenge, but I’ve learned that in the startup world, momentum is everything. If I had launched Kinder and BillDetail at the very beginning of my MBA, I could have leveraged even more resources, mentorship, and time to explore strategic partnerships. That said, the journey itself has been invaluable, and I wouldn’t trade the experience of learning by doing for anything.

What is the biggest myth about your school? One of the biggest myths about NUS Business School is that it is purely academically-focused, with a heavy emphasis on technical knowledge and structured coursework. While the program is indeed rigorous—I thoroughly enjoyed studying game theory in-depth in economics—my experience showed me that NUS is just as experiential as it is academic.

Beyond the classroom, I reached out to the program office and alumni network, and they were incredibly supportive in connecting me with legal industry professionals. These conversations were instrumental in validating our ideas for BillDetail, giving us real-world insights into the pain points lawyers face. Similarly, through the Entrepreneurial Management class, we took our startup from an initial concept to a structured venture—writing a prospectus, reaching out to legal tech players and securing interviews with their co-founders.

This experience showed me that at NUS, learning doesn’t stop at theory. The MBA provides the platform, network, and resources to apply what we learn, experiment and engage with the real world—whether through entrepreneurship, industry collaborations or hands-on business challenges.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I loved most about my business school’s town is that Singapore is a true crossroads of Asia—a place where cultures, ideas, and industries from across the region converge. I have always valued global exchange, having lived in New Zealand, Korea, Japan, and the U.S., but much of my education had been Western-centric. Studying in Singapore allowed me to experience a different kind of cultural exchange—one that is deeply rooted in Asia’s diversity.

Asia is often grouped together as a single entity, but the reality is far more nuanced. The region spans vastly different cultures, histories, and ways of thinking—from India to Japan, Korea to Vietnam, and beyond. Being in Singapore gave me the opportunity to engage with these diverse perspectives firsthand, both inside and outside the classroom. Understanding these complexities has been incredibly rewarding, especially as Asia continues to shape the future of global business.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? The movie that best reflects the realities of business is Moneyball. It’s not just a film about baseball—it’s about disrupting an industry that was deeply rooted in tradition and proving that new, data-driven methods could work. What resonated with me the most was the idea of challenging conventional wisdom and pushing forward despite skepticism. Brad Pitt’s character had to trust his decision to use analytics over gut instinct, even when faced with resistance. This mirrors my own experience in the legal industry, where it has been relatively slow to adopt technology despite its potential to improve efficiency. With BoostDraft, a contract drafting tool utilizing technology, and BillDetail, an automated billing system, I’ve seen firsthand how legal tech can streamline workflows, reduce inefficiencies and challenge traditional practices.

Beyond the strategy, Moneyball also highlights that business is not just about numbers—it’s about people. No matter how strong an idea or method is, success depends on earning buy-in from others—getting the right people to believe in the vision and rally behind it. That’s something I’ve learned firsthand, whether in legal tech or business school. To create real change, you need more than just innovation—you need the trust and support of the people who can make it happen. I had incredible cohort mates from diverse backgrounds—Norway, Japan, India—who had no prior experience in the legal field. Still, they believed in my vision and dedicated their time to join my startup journey, which has been invaluable. Their support, fresh perspectives and willingness to challenge the status quo have reinforced that true innovation isn’t just about the idea—it’s about the people who believe in it and push it forward together.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? NUS Business School has actively integrated AI into its programming through numerous talks and discussions on its applications across industries. These sessions explored AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and automation in business processes.

While many discussions focused on AI’s usefulness, what stood out to me was the broader question of how humans can continue to add value in an AI-driven world. AI can process vast amounts of information, but what truly matters is our ability to interpret, synthesize, and form unique perspectives. Critical thinking, vision and judgment remain fundamentally human skills that cannot be replaced. AI may provide insights, but it is up to us to contextualize, challenge and apply them in meaningful ways.

My biggest takeaway is that AI should not be seen as a replacement for learning but as a tool that enhances human decision-making—our ability to think critically, connect ideas, and create innovative solutions will always be what drives real progress.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I most admire Junki So, a Japanese student who had never lived or studied abroad before joining our MBA program. During a one-week intensive course called Launch Your Transformation, I witnessed his remarkable personal growth—from being shy and reserved to stepping out of his comfort zone and expressing himself with newfound confidence. His journey reminded me of my own when I first moved abroad.

I was born in Korea but moved to New Zealand at 13, eager to explore the world. However, adjusting wasn’t easy—I faced racism, from people mocking my accent to commenting on what I ate for lunch. It made me reserved and hesitant to speak up. And that was as a teenager; I can only imagine how difficult it must be to make such a transition as an adult.

Watching Junki overcome his own barriers and embrace an unfamiliar environment with courage resonated deeply with me. His transformation was inspiring, and I admired his bravery in pushing himself beyond his limits.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? I’ve never been someone who follows a fixed checklist or bucket list. Instead, I’ve always pursued paths that challenge and excite me, even when they are unconventional. That said, two things that deeply motivate me are the following: (1) Building something impactful—such as leading BoostDraft’s expansion into Korea; and (2) Continuously stepping outside my comfort zone, whether by launching another startup or gaining experience in a new country, as I have done in New Zealand, the U.S., Singapore, Japan and Korea. My career has been defined by following my heart and instincts rather than a predetermined path and I hope to keep embracing opportunities that push me forward in unexpected ways.

What made Min Kyung such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“I’m pleased to nominate Min Kyung Lee as a standout member of the Class of 2025. Min Kyung has served as a role model for other students with her leadership and community involvement.

As a core member of the Entrepreneurship Club, Min Kyung led impactful initiatives to help foster collaboration and offer students valuable opportunities to explore co-founding ventures. Her roles as Assistant Facilitator for the Launch Your Transformation course, and as moderator and speaker at various school events, demonstrate her commitment to empowering others, sharing knowledge, and building a supportive community within the school.

Outside of academics, Min Kyung has demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and determination, skillfully balancing the demands of MBA coursework with parenting responsibilities to co-found two ventures. These endeavours reflect her deep passion for addressing real-world challenges and fostering community connections.

Transitioning from a traditional legal career to entrepreneurship, Min Kyung has embraced new challenges with enthusiasm. She has successfully taken advantage of the program’s insights, opportunities, and network to carve out a path that reflects her distinct aspirations. Her ability to utilize these resources effectively makes her a role model for others.”

Nitin Pangarkar
Academic Director, NUS MBA