JUL-SEP 2022
MUIC 360 Degrees
EDITORIAL
Congratulations Graduates!
Two batches of students will graduate this year (Class of 2020 and Class of 2021), a momentous occasion marking the return to normalcy after the pandemic. In this issue, MUIC’s Dean and Division Chairs offer their congratulations while representatives from the different major programs share their fondest memories of their student days. Their reminiscences illustrate how MUIC helped them develop into responsible adults ready to take on bigger responsibilities in society.
Congratulations graduates! Make us proud!
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
Message from the Dean
What Makes an MUIC Graduate?
At MUIC, we strive to instill in our students excellence, empathy, and interculturalism. I think these are key qualities that allow our graduates to succeed in whatever role they choose for themselves. Excellence talks about their ability to harness the multidisciplinary background of their liberal arts education. Using a combination of arts and science, they can approach any problem with a clear, systematic, and holistic perspective that is at the heart of excellence. A liberal arts education is also naturally empathetic because it explores the world from different vantage points and is inclusive in nature. This ability to empathize will serve our graduates well in navigating through the sometimes academically and socially rough terrain of work, school, or business. This ability to understand and share the feelings of others is what makes them valuable global citizens who will contribute to the betterment of their communities in whatever endeavor they choose. Finally, interculturalism is second nature to our graduates. They have spent their formative years on the MUIC campus with people from different cultures who speak different languages, follow different religious traditions, and have a variety of gender orientations. During these years, they have learned that people are not so different after all, and true friendship can be formed despite, or indeed because of, these delightful human diversities. Such meaningful experiences will allow them to live better and happier and be a more understanding employee, work colleague, or business owner.
I would like to tell our graduates that, no matter where your work or study takes you, you should strive to always do those things which give you joy, as well as bring joy to others. Surround yourselves with positive people and be transformed by the experiences they impart in your lives.
Prof. Chulathida Chomchai, M.D.
Dean, MUIC
Message from the Mentors
“Stay focused and stay the course. With the skills and experience that you have gained from our division, you are well-prepared to achieve great things. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities. I also advise you to stay connected with the alumni community, which can be a valuable resource.”
“As the world moves on from the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of jobs and investments become available for you. Keep on searching for opportunities, keep your head down and work hard, keep on developing yourself, and keep on making friends and enlarging your networks. Your success will not be that far!”
“I wish all of you the best as you move on to another phase in your life. Always remember the writing and public speaking lessons you had. They are extremely useful not only when applying for a job but also when you’re already hired. Capitalize on English and foreign language skills. In this highly globalized world, those language skills will surely bring you success. Strive for excellence while remaining level-headed, always placing importance to things that will help make this world a better place no matter how big or small your contribution is.”
“When we first met four years ago at orientation, I said you made the right decision going into science. After four years, I think you know this yourself. For those of you that will go on to medicine, to research, congratulations! You know the essentials, so build on that. For others, although you are prepared for a science career, those analytical skills and intense motivation will make you successful in any field. As Mahidol students, do us proud by contributing to improving life around you.”
“MUIC and your major are only brief stopping points on your life journey. I hope you have made the most of your time in university and have engaged to the fullest extent possible. Take the knowledge, experiences and friendships you have gained while at MUIC and build on them, expand them and hold on to them. Please remember, MUIC and your divisions are always here to assist in the future.”
“Great works of art, media and design do not explore general ideas in general ways. Instead, they explore highly specific ideas in unique, highly specific ways. In doing so, they create something new, something lasting. It is your time to create something new and impact the world in unexpected ways.”
“Congratulations on your graduation. You are now moving to the next chapter in your life. I wish you to continue your journey and make it even more magnificent. Here are a few tips to ensure you will never get lost on your way. First of all, as you have learned in design-related subjects in MM, you need clear objectives in your career and personal life. Second, make decisions in every step of your way based on your goals and all critical related information. I wish you will design an extraordinary life for yourself!”
Remember that “education is not the learning of facts, but the training of minds to think.” Think of yourself as a product, as a brand—how would you differentiate and position yourself in a highly competitive and turbulent market? And more so, in life—find your Purpose, follow your Passion, and hopefully Profit will come along, eventually. I truly hope that all graduates would be able to apply their skills and knowledge learned through our program in their daily and working lives and continue with their lifelong learning – to be able to serve the needs of our society and create positive impacts both locally and globally.
The Graduates
Ms. Aimboon Wiratsin
Major: Physics (Class of 2021)
Current Status:
- Owner, Arelom DD Organic Bistro (อาลมดีดี)
- Student, Master of Science Major in Physics (International Program) Mahidol University
“I once acted as a presenter for ThaiMOOC platform under the project named, ‘Science for Life.’” I had opportunities to meet and interview researchers, physicists, and engineers from the meteorology sector and the Bangkok power station. It built up my communication and presentation skills which later became very useful in my life. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing project”
Ms. Karitha Kongkasai
Major: Biological Sciences (Class of 2020)
Current Status: Student, Master of Science in Applied Biological Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Thailand
“I had the opportunity to study Elementary Japanese III at Chiba University in Japan in 2018 under MUIC’s Study Abroad Program. We studied with the professors and had cultural experiences after class such as visiting a tea house, joining a judo class, and playing the ‘koto.’ It was a great experience. Not only did I get the credits for the class, but I also got a chance to experience Japanese culture right in Japan.”
Ms. Siripreeya Phankingthongkum
Major: Chemistry (Class of 2021)
Current Status: Currently conducting research; will apply for graduate school next year
“I was part of the college’s International Student Counselors (ISC). The experience of being trained to provide competent peer guidance and host different events for international students in MUIC was unforgettable. Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces during the games and their positive feedback brought indescribable joy to me. Being part of the team that brought together the international students was both a pleasure and an honor.”
Mr. Possawat Sanorkam
Major: Computer Science (Class of 2021)
Current Status: Junior Backend Developer, The Gang Technology
“My team mates and I spent the entire night working on the website which we had designed and constructed. During the presentation the next day, we demonstrated how our website works. I was worried that it won’t meet the teacher’s expectations. Fortunately, the website turned out to be better than expected. We answered most of the questions of our classmates and our teacher was impressed. I felt so happy that my hard work paid off.”
Ms. Chanakarn Charoenching
Major: Food Science and Technology (Class of 2021)
Current Status: Management Trainee (Technical & Production), Nestlé
“I balanced my college life with extra-curricular activities while studying hard. I am experienced in preparing high-protein cookies for open house, joining MUIC clubs such as Sign Language, Rakkaew, and Volunteer, participating in external competitions such as FoSTAT and Innowhale, and working as a laboratory technician and a teaching assistant. These activities improved my soft skills which are essential in the workplace.”
Mr. Nonthapatr Sanitprachakorn
Major: Computer Engineering (Class of 2020)
Current Status: Business & Integration Arch Analyst, Accenture
“We had a class activity on line-following robots. Since I programmed the robot and the test runs, I was very nervous for the actual run. The day came and the teacher gave each group two chances. On the first run, our robot went out of track after the last checkpoint. Thankfully, the robot made it to the finish line on the second run and then I heard the cheering of our classmates. I will never forget the joy of seeing our little robot crossing the finish line.”
Mr. Shalom Enping Wu
Major: Business Economics (Class of 2021)
Current Status: Corporate Strategist, Bitkub
“Prior to my election as Student Association (SMO) President, I spent much of my time in the Debate Club where I served as club president and debating coach. Later, I co-founded a new club called MUIC Blockchain Club, where I served as the Vice-President. My role was to advise the core committee members on how to start a new club, coach them on the paperwork needed, plan events with them and essentially help the club to become successful.”
Ms. Arthitaya Rusmintratip
Major: Finance (Class of 2020)
Current Status:
- Management Associate, Global Leaders Program, Shopee
- Admitted into MBA Program, Harvard Business School
“When I was President of the Debate Club, we hosted the 13th European Union National Intervarsity Debate Championship. After spending months and sleepless nights marketing to participants, recruiting international world debate champions as judges, and liaising with our sponsors and global organizations, the organizing team was able to host one of the largest and most successful debate tournaments. I would like to extend my utmost appreciation to the extremely accommodating MUIC staff, the brave participating debaters and esteemed adjudicators, and the relentlessly hardworking organizing team. Each and every one of you made this tournament special.”
Ms. Thidarat Tungsiriwattanakul
Major: Tourism and Hospitality Management (Class of 2021)
Current Status: Marketing Communications Coordinator, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
“One of my most memorable yet exciting experiences in MUIC would be that time when I erroneously thought that my final exam date was still a day away. I remembered waking up to my friend’s text messages asking me where I was as the exam was about to start. I have never felt any luckier to live just 7 minutes away from the campus.
“No less memorable was the time I spent serving as the Vice President (Internal Affairs) of the Student Association. It was genuinely an honor to represent my fellow MUIC students. I would not say it was easy and enjoyable but honestly speaking, I would do it again.”
Mr. Parth V. Shah
Major: International Business (Class of 2020)
Current Status: Senior Analyst, AWR Lloyd
“Our team’s victory in the ‘HSBC Business Case Competition’ in 2019 made a huge impact on my life. From tackling the best teams locally to flying first-class on an all-expenses-paid trip and representing Thailand in the Asia-Pacific competition, everything felt surreal, like a dream! As winners, we represented Thailand in the Asia-Pacific rounds held in Hong Kong. It was a 5-month journey filled with extraordinary experiences, immense hard work, and unlimited growth and exposure.”
Ms. Thanyastree Chayopong
Major: Intercultural Studies and Languages (Class of 2020)
Current Status:
- Sales Operations Coordinator, Agoda Thailand
- MSc International Marketing Program, Newcastle University Business School, UK
“I was selected as a student representative for the Asia International Model United Nations 2019 in Bangkok. Given a role as a delegate of a country, I had several chances to further develop my negotiation and cultural awareness skills which I had picked up from my ICCU courses, including Public Speaking, Politics and Ethics, and Intercultural Studies. Those courses built up my confidence and prepared me to embark into the real world of diplomacy.”
Ms. Chanya Supakul
Major: Social Science (International Studies) (Class of 2020)
Current Status: Marketing Researcher, Insites Consulting
“As a freshman, I joined class committees whose main responsibility was to hold welcoming camps for new participants, and any other activities that create bonding among students. I was also in the Volunteer Club, firstly as a member and then moving on to a club committee. Being a member of a club committee for two years, I helped organize more than five volunteer camps before being elected as President of the Student Association which was the most exciting opportunity I ever had!”
Ms. Chantakarn Sukchonmakul
Major: Communication Design (Class of 2020)
Current Status: Production Designer / Graphic Designer / VFX Artist / Storyboard Artist at a Bangkok-based production house
“In the CDP program, we usually need to create around 10-12 pieces of work every trimester. This involved coming up with different concepts and executing them as visually pleasing designs. What kept me going were the moments when I truly enjoyed doing what I was doing. It was very satisfying to stand back and proudly look at my creation after it’s finished, because I know that I’ve put my utmost effort into forging my ideas into reality.”
Mr. Jeerawut Chavanaprayoon
Major: Media and Communication (Class of 2022)
Current Status: Member, Thai Working Committee – APEC Voices of The Future 2022
“Looking back at my time here, there isn’t anything that is not memorable. Every little thing adds up, whether it was the rainy days at the football field in September, setting the stage long after the building’s closing time for drama class, or Zumba dancing in front of my laptop for an online class. It’s all of these little things together—the mini-concerts, the club expos, the cafeteria seats at Aditayathorn Building—that add up to a meaningful and authentic atmosphere that is called MUIC.”
Ms. Pasika Panaputtikul
Major: Marketing (Class of 2020)
Current Status: Account Associate, Ogilvy
“As the class president of 598 and a part of the 598 class committee, I helped organize activities like ‘Rub Nong,’ ‘Unity Camp,’ and Prom. It was among the greatest opportunities I have had in my life. I learned a lot while having so much fun. I have built so many friendships and made good memories from all of it.”
Ms. Napatsorn Wangsupkitkosol
Major: Master of Management in International Tourism and Hospitality Management (MM) (Class of 2021)
Current Status: General Manager, SP Decor & Construction
“The MM program at MUIC emphasizes hands-on learning. In our Event Organizer Business Development and Management class, we had a chance to organize the MUIC MM-MBA Gathering Night 2020 at Sofitel Sukhumvit. The MM program also frequently invites guest lecturers from various fields in the hospitality and tourism industry, giving us the chance to have discussions with experts and successful business operators. Our class also had opportunities to visit restaurants and hotels where we observed the whole process.”
Mr. Sarin Phusomjit
Major: Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Class of 2021)
Current Status: Director, Phrabuddhakul Co., Ltd.
“Preparing a business plan was one of the best decisions I had made during my MBA studies. This business plan became the strong foundation of my company. It took me almost a year to finish it, but it was all worth it especially when the bank approved my financing application. Today my company continues to grow. I could never thank MUIC enough for the knowledge I have learnt from the MBA program and my professors.”
