It has been widely recognised and appreciated that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has undertaken royal missions with determination and sacrifice, especially as an expert educator who focuses on new academic disciplines as well as a developer who is keen on adopting modern technology to improve the livelihoods of people both in Thailand and neighbouring countries.
Her Royal Highness has provided support for people affected by natural disasters, academically disadvantaged individuals, Thai youths in remote areas, and charitable organisations such as hospitals and foundations.
Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM) recognises the importance of education as a solid foundation of life, and has always strived to provide support for the development of sustainable education. The institute has therefore supported several projects following the royal initiatives which promote education for youths in both Thailand and neighbouring countries.
During 2016 and 2019, PIM presented scholarships to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to award students and novices in schools that help develop electronic and computer programming skills under the Information Technology Foundation under the Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). The project promotes education and research in information technology and science by giving 10 scholarships per year for Thai youths to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, PIM, for four consecutive years. In addition, it grants living expenses through the PIM SMART fund, formed in cooperation with CP All Plc., network partners, and the general public, so that the students can maintain a good quality of life during their studies.
Moreover, PIM has given scholarships to Cambodian students under the Royal Scholarship under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Education Project to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The scholarships are for two undergraduate programmes and one master’s programme: Bachelor of Business Administration Program in Modern Trade Management, Bachelor of Business Administration Program in Modern Trade Business Management (International Program), and Master of Business Administration in International Business (International Program). The scholarships reflect Her Royal Highness’ great vision to build good relations between the two countries and enable Cambodian youths to gain different educational experiences and perspectives to further develop their country in the future.
The scholarships of The Information Technology Foundation under the Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn are worth 17,375,000 baht, and those of the Royal Scholarship under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Education Project to the Kingdom of Cambodia are worth 19,573,000 baht, totalling 36,948,000 baht.
Pennapha Sukpeng, a fourth-year student majoring in Robotics and Automation Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, said: “I learned about HRH’s scholarships from a computer programming teacher in high school. To receive a scholarship requires determination to create a new innovation, participate in competitions, and take part in robot contests. I made a portfolio to apply for this scholarship which only offers 10 awards per academic year. The scholarship includes the entire tuition fee, so it lifts the financial burden on my family. Moreover, the opportunities,
internship, and intensive studies help shape me to be patient, resilient, and strong. I also benefited from a field trip about AI technology in Japan and a chance to meet various entrepreneurs that helped me create a great network.”
Nontawat Wutticome, a third-year student majoring in Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, said: “Around five years ago when I was a grade-ten novice student in Buddhakosaiwidthaya School in Phrae Province, I took part in a camp about embedded system programming. Specially organised for novice students by the Information Technology Foundation under the Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, it gave me a chance to study and join international competitions. Without this scholarship, I would not be able to pursue science and technology, as my family could not financially manage the tuition fee. I would like to express gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for supporting students nationwide who lack opportunity. It serves as a turning point for me and other students. Moreover, I would like to thank PIM and benefactors of PIM SMART who support students with good grades and behaviour. I believe that the greatest gift is to give an opportunity that can change people’s lives for the better.”
Keonarapong Chheng, a recipient of the scholarships for Cambodian students, graduate of the Modern Trade Business Management (International Program) with second-class honours, and former president of the international student committee, is now working as an Export Sales Executive Technical Advisor at Toyox Trading (Thailand) Co., Ltd. He said, “To study abroad had been my dream since I was in junior high school. My dream was realised when I received the scholarship under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and came to study in Thailand. My time at Panyapiwat Institute of Management gave me new experiences in different environments, a chance to meet various groups of people from international friends to partner companies and organisations, and an opportunity to do an internship as a full-time employee in a real workplace. I have learned so much about the business world and how I can improve myself. I am planning to pursue a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication to gain more knowledge and further develop my business and my country. As a representative of all Cambodian students who received the scholarships, I would like to wish Her Royal Highness great health, happiness and long life.”
For the academic years of 2020-2023, PIM continues its commitment to provide educational opportunities by presenting scholarships to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to award students to study at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology in five majors: Digital and Information Technology, Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Engineering and Intelligent Manufacturing, Automotive Manufacturing Engineering, and Robotics and Automation Engineering. The support covers two scholarships for each major, totalling 10 scholarships per academic year for four consecutive years, equivalent to 16,796,000 baht. PIM is determined to be an active partner in promoting science and technology education for youths in Thailand and neighbouring countries, who will be contributing to stable foundations for their countries in the future.