Asian University News: Alumni come "home" to their University

Since the first student intake at Asian University in 1998, there have been many graduates and MBAs who are now taking their places in Thailand and the world.

The Alumni Homecoming on 23 January was a chance for them to return to campus, and share some of their experiences with the current students and with faculty who taught them over the years.

Dr, Viphandh Roengpithya, the university president, welcomed the visitors, and the students with an interesting talk covering many aspects of his working life, including how he started his first company, and how he made his first million. He especially encouraged the students from families who run their own businesses to gain experience in another company, before they return home to the family firm.

The students and alumni then held a “getting to know you” session, to learn about the successes of the alumni, and the stories of their experiences. There was plenty of catching up to do.

After lunch, Nichasil Tantivejkul, who graduated BBA in 2004 and is now working for the government in NESDB (National Economics and Social Development Board) gave a lively presentation about his work experience and then gave predictions for the next twenty years in Thailand. After graduating from Asian University he studied for a Master’s degree in Australia, and gained worked experience with Nectec, General Motors and Siam Cement Group before his current job.

For the future, he predicted better integration of the regional infrastructure (roads, water, power, telecoms) and referred to the twenty first century building blocks: atoms, bits, genes and neurons.

Everyone enjoyed sports organised by the University sports staff, and Alumni beat the students at Chairball and football, while the students won the basketball game.