Akademi Sages Holds the 8th Tribute to Mrs. Manjo Kim, Honoring a Visionary and Compassionate Founder

Akademi Sages held the 8th Tribute to Mrs. Manjo Kim on December 15, 2025, as a solemn tribute and expression of gratitude for the legacy of Mrs. Manjo Kim, the Founder of Sages. The event served as a meaningful moment of reflection for the academic community to honor her dedication, vision, and noble values that laid the foundation of Akademi Sages.

As the next generation successor, Mr. Kim Sangki, Co-Founder of Sages, shared that The Sages was established when his mother, Mrs. Manjo Kim, was 79 years old, an age when many would choose to slow down. Despite this, she demonstrated extraordinary commitment and perseverance in founding the institution, driven by her desire to provide opportunities and facilities for young Indonesians with a passion for culinary arts.

Remarks and reflections shared by the Co-Founder, Foundation Board Member, and the Director of Akademi Sages

Testimony was also delivered by Ms. Wiwid, as a Foundation Board Member and one of the living witnesses to the early journey of The Sages. She shared that Akademi Sages was initially established with only 10 participants. Even during periods of illness, Mrs. Manjo Kim continued to demonstrate profound dedication and care by closely overseeing the operations of The Sages.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bawa Mulyono Hadi, Director of Akademi Sages, expressed that although he never had the opportunity to personally meet the late Mrs. Manjo Kim, the stories shared by several living witnesses among them Ms. Wiwid, Chef Tjhing, Ms. Tata, and Ms. Reksita, clearly portray her as a motherly and visionary figure, particularly devoted to advancing Indonesia’s young generation in the culinary field. He further emphasized that the legacy of Mrs. Manjo Kim is strongly reflected in the institution’s Core Values: To Gather, To Share, and To Care. These values demonstrate her strong social spirit (To Gather), her generosity and willingness to share blessings (To Share), and her deeply compassionate and attentive character  (To Care).

The event, hosted by Ms. Reksita, invited all participants members of the Akademi Sages academic community to revisit the struggle and dedication of Mrs. Manjo Kim through a historical presentation on the founding of Akademi Sages and the fundamental values she instilled. One of the core foundations, encapsulated in the academy’s tagline “A Noble and Excellent Academy,” reflects the vision for The Sages to continue growing into an academy or higher education institution that upholds noble values and is widely recognized for its excellence.

This tribute became a cherished moment and a sincere expression of appreciation for the invaluable contributions of Mrs. Manjo Kim in establishing Akademi Sages. In line with the saying, a great nation is one that honors its heroes, the spirit of gratitude and respect was strongly embodied throughout the event.

Co-Founder Mr. Kim Sangki and Mrs. Bora Kim pose for a group photo with the academic community of Akademi Sages who attended the event.

Before concluding with a fellowship gathering, Co-Founder Mr. Kim Sangki and his wife, Mrs. Bora Kim, graciously joined a photo session, symbolizing unity, remembrance, and the continuation of the noble legacy passed down by Mrs. Manjo Kim.