A Motto Worth Living—Jigdrel Singay

By Chad Laws (AES Communications Specialist)

Jigdrel Singay's journey is a story of adaptability, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. Before attending AES, Jigdrel lived in Virginia, USA, but in 2007, his life took a new turn when he relocated with his family to New Delhi. Joining AES midway through ninth grade, Jigdrel quickly found his footing, thanks to the warm support of friends and teachers. He fondly recalls, “I was a bit anxious about packing up my bags and moving to a completely new country and school. But the transition was seamless. On my first day, I made a friend from Korea, Hyun Jik, who showed me around and introduced me to new friends. I remember him clearly because of his kindness.”

At AES, Jigdrel forged deep connections, embracing the school’s vibrant, multicultural environment. Reflecting on his time there, he says, “AES was special to me because of the incredible diversity. So many people from different worlds, with unique stories. Even after all these years, I’m still amazed to see the journeys my friends have taken.”

Basketball was a cornerstone of Jigdrel's high school experience. Under the guidance of Coach Janke, he not only refined his skills but also learned invaluable lessons about sportsmanship and teamwork. “I was very competitive, and sometimes my emotions got the better of me on the court. Coach Janke always made sure I corrected my behavior. You win some, you lose some, but you grow as a person. Those were teachable moments that I remember fondly. Playing basketball at AES was more than just a sport; it was about building close bonds with teammates across different grades.”

Jigdrel also cherishes memories of competing in international tournaments and participating in service trips around India, including expeditions to Rajasthan and the Himalayas.

After graduating from AES, Jigdrel pursued a degree in Finance at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, a journey made possible by the guidance of AES counselors who connected him with scholarship opportunities. “I received a scholarship to study at Trinity, a small liberal arts college with an outstanding campus and professors. The education there was excellent, and I’m grateful to Ms. Sherri Neal, one of AES’s counselors, who encouraged me to connect with Trinity’s international representative when they visited our campus.”

Post-graduation, Jigdrel returned to Bhutan and began working with Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), Bhutan's sovereign wealth organization and the investment arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan. His career took a significant leap in 2017-18 when he worked as a consultant with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Prime Minister's office in Bhutan. “We were working on a project for the Prime Minister's office, and after my stint at ADB, I received the Chevening Scholarship, awarded by the British government to future global leaders, to study at the University of Manchester, where I pursued a Master’s in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship.”

Jigdrel’s return to Bhutan marked a pivotal moment in his career, coinciding with the national initiative led by His Majesty the King to champion innovation and technology as catalysts for socio-economic development. At DHI, Jigdrel plays a key role in advancing this vision by testing and scaling novel projects in blockchain, digital assets, and web3 ventures, reflecting Bhutan’s forward-thinking approach to diversifying and accelerating its economy.  Jigdrel’s work reflects the forward-thinking spirit and values of creativity, collaboration, and continuous growth fostered at AES, where he developed a passion for tackling complex challenges and creating innovative solutions. These principles have been key to his role in driving Bhutan’s economic diversification and acceleration, embodying the lifelong learning and service ethos instilled during his time at AES.

Looking back, Jigdrel treasures the holistic education and lifelong friendships he gained at AES, which have profoundly influenced both his personal and professional life. He remains connected to AES through periodic visits and is eager to explore future collaborations, including the possibility of facilitating student exchanges or cultural programs with Bhutan. His story exemplifies AES’s motto, “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve,” showcasing how his experiences abroad and his education have enabled him to make meaningful contributions to his homeland.