The grand celebration of the University of Wisconsin's 175th anniversary saw a joyous gathering of alumni and current students from Thailand and around the globe. The event, filled with happiness, smiles, and heartfelt connections, took place at the Siam Kempinski Hotel in Bangkok. Professor Jennifer Mnookin, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, expressed her admiration for Thailand, the Land of Smiles, and her deep gratitude for the royal benevolence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who graciously granted an audience to the university's delegation during their visit to Thailand to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Bangkok.
"The University of Wisconsin-Madison was founded in 1849 with a mission to develop society through education, research, and public service under the concept of 'The Wisconsin Idea.' This concept's impact is evident in the success of its alumni, the advancements of its researchers, and the institution's engagement with communities both domestically and internationally. In Thailand, Chuang Kaset Silapakarn (Chuang Lochaya), the first Thai student to study at the university in 1921, greatly contributed to modern agriculture and agricultural education in Thailand.
We are grateful to many alumni who have built upon this idea to achieve success and become leaders in various fields at the international, national, and community levels. Most importantly, Her Royal Highness has supported various projects that have fostered strong relations between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Thailand. One such project is the Thai Pavilion in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, gifted by the Thai government and the Wisconsin Alumni Association in Thailand. This pavilion symbolises the relationship between the two and promotes Thai art, culture, and architecture. Her Royal Highness's visit to the pavilion was a source of great pride for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Thai community in Wisconsin."
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jomphong Mongkhonvanit, President of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association in Thailand, stated, "Today, we not only honour the remarkable journey of our beloved alma mater but also the enduring bonds that connect us as proud Badgers. This place has shaped, challenged, and prepared us to make our mark on the world."
"It is a great honour to welcome Professor Jennifer Mnookin, the 30th Chancellor in the 175-year history of the university, who has dedicated herself to elevating the university to new heights of excellence. She has invigorated and expanded the Wisconsin Idea, a commitment to innovation for the public good, by launching the Wisconsin RISE initiative for Research, Innovation, and Scholarly Excellence. This initiative expands educational and research opportunities to address significant and complex challenges affecting Wisconsin and our world. This has positioned the university as a national hub for innovation and economic prosperity, recognised as one of the leading institutions in the country for opening doors to new career opportunities in today's sustainable global trends."
"In an era where trends and forecasts emphasise environmental sustainability, with new opportunities becoming the trends of the future, significant changes in the world of work are emerging. These changes encompass knowledge, technology, and innovation, with businesses adapting well to future global scenarios. The University of Wisconsin has opened doors to five popular and trending career fields:
- Data Science: Our world increasingly relies on data and computers for knowledge production and decision-making, encompassing data science and computer science.
- Computer Science: One of the fastest-growing majors, essential for acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in the digital age.
- Consumer and Market Behaviour Studies: Crucial for boosting revenue and understanding market trends.
- Psychology: With a continued demand for psychologists, addressing global mental health concerns is vital, spanning healthcare, law, business, education, conservation, and more.
- Global Health: Encompassing life sciences and public health, related to climate change, food systems, disease ecology, and collaborative efforts for well-being."
Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Human Security and Social Development, stated, “The University of Wisconsin remains the institution that laid a strong foundation during the best period of my life. It completely transformed my worldview, taking me from engineering to a master's degree in business. This place not only imparts knowledge but also produces many individuals who have created and are creating quality growth opportunities for all of you, helping you become the best version of yourselves and making our world a better place. A shining example is Singapore’s new Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong. I am confident that Thailand will progress through our alumni network and educational institutions.”
“Moreover, we are leaders in combating climate change in our region. As a Thai alumnus, I, along with the UW community, want to assure everyone of our commitment and dedication. As the university celebrates its 175th anniversary, it will play a crucial role in driving the global community towards a more sustainable and brighter future.”
Renuka Weerakul, a senior representative of current students, 4th grade, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Economics, shared that she likes to think broadly, analyse, and reason logically, which led her to choose this field of study.
"I am interested in finance and management and see economics as a very fascinating subject, especially in today's global economic climate where competition is fierce, and the economies of various countries are interconnected. Having in-depth knowledge in this area makes one highly sought after by organisations, opening many opportunities in the future.
"I believe what I am learning can be applied to benefit our country. Economics provides a broad perspective on national issues such as the economy, social inequality, and labour markets. These insights can be utilised in various fields, such as supporting SMEs and social enterprises, to maximise the benefits and efficiency for the well-being of people in society."
Thitipong Lawphongpanich graduated with a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison two years ago and has since joined McKinsey & Company (Thailand) Ltd., the world's leading consulting firm, as a management consultant in computer engineering.
"Studying computer engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison equipped me with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and a data-driven decision-making approach. These abilities enable me to diagnose business problems, provide informed recommendations, and identify opportunities for process improvements and innovation. My experience in project management, teamwork, and communication has helped me manage projects efficiently and convey complex technical concepts to clients and stakeholders. Combining these skills bridges the gap between technology and business, offering valuable insights and solutions."
"Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to assist various industries in Thailand and Southeast Asia, including finance, venture capital, and consumer goods. I have applied my knowledge to support digital transformation strategies, corporate financial strategies, organisational capability building, and business growth. As a young professional, I want to see our country support all career paths and create a culture that values all professions equally. I believe in utilising technology to enhance efficiency in every occupation, continuously developing new skills, and emphasising lifelong learning and innovation. By fostering out-of-the-box thinking and creativity, we can develop sustainable new career trends on a global scale."
