'Jihan Chudong'
Alumni of the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering.
Sripatum University
Sometimes, life-changing opportunities begin with daring to step outside your comfort zone. The story of Jihan Chuduang, an alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering at Sripatum University, is another example of a young person who dared to seize opportunity, ultimately securing a Japanese government scholarship (MEXT Scholarship) to pursue a doctoral degree in Transportation Engineering in Japan. His journey from an ordinary engineering student to a global academic stage has become a significant inspiration for young students seeking their dreams.
Currently, Ji-han is pursuing a Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering at The University of Tokyo in Japan under a Japanese government scholarship (MEXT Scholarship), one of the most competitive scholarships internationally. However, he recounts the story behind this success in a very simple way.
“I’m not better than anyone else… I just dared to present myself once… and the doors of opportunity opened.”
From questions about traffic to an interest in transportation engineering.
Jihan’s interest in Transportation Engineering stemmed from his post-graduation work experience in the transportation sector. He explains that this field led him to question the traffic problems he encountered in daily life, from the time people spent on the road to the impact on urban quality of life. A simple question arose in his mind: “Why is our traffic like this, and can we fix it?”
These questions led Ji-han to realize the critical importance of urban transportation and infrastructure, likening them to the “main arteries of society” that connect people, the economy, and urban development.
Therefore, when the opportunity arose to pursue a master’s degree, he decided to study transportation and traffic engineering in order to gain a deeper understanding of these systems.
My experience at SPU opened up a world of learning.
Even during high school, Jihan never imagined that one day he would have the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree at a world-leading university like The University of Tokyo. At that time, his only goal was to complete his bachelor’s degree in Thailand. However, his time at Sripatum University became a crucial turning point, opening up a new world of learning, especially through working on projects with professors and participating in academic seminars. This allowed him to meet researchers and academics from various institutions and see research from students at other universities with diverse perspectives and ideas.
These experiences made him realize that the world of knowledge doesn’t stop at the undergraduate level, but that there are many deeper and broader areas of study and research. That’s what led him to consider pursuing higher education.
Small steps that open the door to global opportunities.
One of the most significant moments in Ji-han’s life stemmed from a seemingly small incident at an academic seminar. On that day, he had the opportunity to meet a PhD student from Japan, and decided to introduce himself, strike up a conversation, and exchange emails.
That brief conversation became the starting point that led to information about opportunities to study in Japan, including how to apply for scholarships. That opportunity led to applying for the Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT Scholarship).
And having the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in Japan, I believe that sometimes opportunities may only come once in a lifetime, but the important thing is that we must have the courage to go and seize them.
The challenges of applying for the MEXT scholarship.
Although it’s a significant opportunity, the path to the MEXT scholarship is not easy. Jihan explains that the most significant challenge is the meticulousness of the application process, as it requires preparing a large number of documents, including academic papers, research plans, and various supporting documents.
Furthermore, preparation for doctoral research topic interviews is also necessary, as this can be stressful for applicants who may not yet possess in-depth knowledge in the subject. However, careful preparation and ongoing consultation with advisors can help them navigate these stages.
Soft skills from SPU that become the key to success.
Looking back, Jihan believes that what she gained from studying at Sripatum University was not just academic knowledge, but also essential soft skills needed in the modern workplace. These included communication, teamwork, openness to new ideas, and the courage to experiment and learn from mistakes.
These skills are developed through activities, projects, and mentorship that provides students with opportunities to learn from real-world experiences. This forms a crucial foundation that enables them to advance on the international stage.
AI and the future of transportation systems.
From Jihan’s perspective, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role in the future of transportation engineering. AI can help analyze vast amounts of traffic data, predict people’s travel behavior, and design more efficient transportation systems. Examples include real-time management of train and bus systems, smart city design, or even the development of self-driving cars. He views AI not just as a technology, but as a “partner for the new generation of engineers” that helps solve problems more efficiently.
Dare to seize opportunities.
For students who want to open up opportunities for themselves like he did, Jihan advises that the most important thing is to discover yourself and find out what you are interested in or want to do in the future.
Then, they begin accumulating experience, whether through participating in activities, seeking knowledge from various sources, or developing their English language skills, which are crucial tools for opening doors to global opportunities.
If he could go back in time and tell his freshman self something, Jihan would say, “Don’t be afraid to try new things,” because every time you dare to step out of your comfort zone, something always takes you further than before.
And the message Ji-han wants to leave everyone is, “Live life to the fullest, be prepared, and have the courage to seize opportunities.” Because sometimes, a single opportunity can change the course of your life completely.
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