Honorary Advisory Board
Assoc Prof Dr. Thatchai
Sumitra
Chairman of the Board
Associate Professor Dr. Tatchai Sumitra is the esteemed Chairman of the Honorary Advisory Board of the International Association for the Future STEM Workforce (IAFSW). With an active career spanning over five decades, he is a highly accomplished engineer with extensive experience in the field of electrotechnical engineering and nuclear power. He earned his Doctor of Engineering Degree (Dr. Ing.) from the University of Genova, Italy, in 1969, and worked briefly with ASGEN, Ansaldo San Giorgio Company in Genova before returning to Thailand in 1970 to work as a nuclear engineer with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Sumitra has held numerous key positions at Chulalongkorn University, including President from 2000-2004, Dean of Engineering, Head of the Nuclear Technology Department for two terms, Director of the Regional Center for Manufacturing, and Director of the Unix Center. He has also served as Commissioner for the Thai Atomic Energy Commission, Governing Board Member for the Thailand Institute for Nuclear Technology (TINT), and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) for three non-consecutive terms. His expertise and experience make him an invaluable asset to IAFSW, particularly in the fields of engineering and SMT Education. With his deep knowledge and vast experience, Assoc. Prof. Sumitra is a true inspiration for aspiring engineers and an outstanding mentor to young professionals.
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Prof Emeritus Dr. Somwung
Pittiyanuwat
Board Member
Prof Emeritus Dr. Somwang Pitiyanuwat, a Royal Fellow in Education Science, the Royal Society of Thailand, is a renowned educator and researcher with a distinguished career in Teacher Education and Educational Research. He has served as a member of the Senior specialist Board for the SEAMEO STEM ED Center, as Vice President for Research Affairs at Chulalongkorn University, and as Director of the Office of National Education Standard and Quality Assessment (a Public Organization). In 2004, he received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota, USA, for his contributions to the field. His expertise and contributions are highly recognized both nationally and internationally. As an Honorary Senior specialist Board Member, he provides valuable insights and perspectives to our association, helping us to achieve our goals.
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Mrs. Suwanee
Khamman
Board Member
Suwanee has a BA in Statistics from Chulalongkorn University and an MSc in Community Nutrition from the University of Queensland. She also has several certificates, including from Harvard School of Public Health and Manchester University. Mrs. Khamman has held several key positions, such as Senior specialist to the Minister of Higher Education and Secretary to the Minister of Higher Education. She was also the Deputy Secretary General of the Office of National Economic and Social Development from 1997-2013. She has served on several boards, including the Rajamangala University of Technology Isarn Council and the Vocational Education Council of Northern Region 3. Mrs. Khamman has also been involved in various projects, such as setting up human development indicators and preparing MDG reports for Thailand.
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Dr. Charlie
Navanugraha
Board Member
Charlie Navanugraha, PhD, is an accomplished expert in Soil and Environmental Sciences. With a background in Agriculture and advanced degrees from prestigious institutions, including a Ph.D. from the University of the Philippines, he's earned recognition for his dedication and knowledge.
Navanugraha's leadership is evident through his past roles as Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies at Mahasarakham University and Director of Natural Resource and Environmental Management at Mae Fah Luang University. His contributions extend globally, serving on the Scientific Steering Committee of Monsoon Asia Integrated Research for Sustainable-Future Earth (MAIRS-FE). Notably, he also directed the Center for Excellence Soil Research in Asia (CESRA).
As a Certified GLOBE Master Trainer on Soil Science, he's been a driving force in education. Navanugraha's commitment is showcased by his involvement with organizations like GLOBE-NASA, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), and Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA), where he serves as an Academic Inspector. His impact is a testament to his passion for advancement in academia and research.
Dr. Siripan
Choomnoom
Board Member
Dr.Siripan is an esteemed education professional with an impressive academic background. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Oklahoma State University in the United States, followed by a doctoral degree in Occupational Education from Cornell University, also in the United States. With a strong passion for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), she has accumulated extensive experience in this field, both within Thailand and on an international level. Her journey in TVET began with her tenure as a government officer at the Office of Vocational Education (OVEC), Ministry of Education. Throughout her career, she rose to the position of Deputy-Secretary General of OVEC. Dr Siripan continued to contribute to the advancement of TVET as a consultant for UNESCO's Regional Office in Bangkok, focusing on Quality Improvement of TVET in Lao PDR. Additionally, she lent her research and resourcefulness to organizations such as UNESCO, GIZ, SEAMEO VOCTECH, KENAN Foundation Asia, and others, further demonstrating her commitment to the development of TVET on a global scale. Currently, Dr Siripan holds several esteemed positions that showcase her ongoing dedication to advancing vocational education in Thailand. She serves as the President of the Institute of Vocational Education Bangkok Council and holds a position as a Member of the Vocational Education Commission under the Ministry of Education. Her expertise is also sought as the Chair of the Public and Private Sub-Committee on International Cooperation at the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, as well as the Advisor and Chair of the Policy and Plan Scrutinizing Sub-Committee of the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI). Moreover, she holds the role of Chair of the National Sub-Committee on Developing the National System in Validation of Learning and Experiences for Continuing Education at the Office of Education Council in Thailand. Her contributions are further recognized as she also serves as a Senior Specialist of the Office of National Education Council (ONEC) on the National Qualification Framework (NQF) of Thailand.
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Dr. Thongchai
Chewprecha
Board Member
Dr.Thongchai is a veteran educator who has dedicated his career to promoting STEM education. He began teaching high school chemistry and mathematics in 1964 and joined the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) in 1972, where he later served as director from 1997 to 2001. Over the years, he has been invited by numerous organizations, including UNESCO, ADB, and the World Bank, to serve as a consultant and resource person for science education projects in countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, and Nepal.
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Masaya
Fujiwara
Board Member
Masaya Fujiwara, a distinguished graduate of Waseda University, rapidly ascended through Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., progressing from the Marketing Department to managerial and directorial roles. His leadership trajectory culminated in key appointments as Deputy Managing Director of SCG SEKISUI SALES Co., Ltd. and Corporate Managing Director of both SCG SEKISUI SALES Co., LTD and SEKISUI SCG INDUSTRY Co., Ltd. Renowned for strategic prowess and impactful achievements in sales management and product planning, Fujiwara's career includes spearheading international ventures. His exceptional communication skills shine in dialogues with diverse stakeholders. Recognized for his clear vision in goal-setting and strategy formulation, Mr. Fujiwara commands widespread respect in the corporate sphere. His expertise promises to significantly contribute to the IAFSW's mission, particularly in empowering the future workforce through astute guidance and support.
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