YEAR 2 ISSUE 6 JUNE 2014
A Journey beyond Time Feature
Application of Soft-Prepared Chalk GSB Learning Re ection out of Class
A “Fun-tastic” Learning Experience through Learning by doing MBA TRM students at Thai Airways Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Individual Development and Holistic Management towards AEC 1st Joint Research: ADECCO & ABAC-ODI
From the TRM Classroom to the Mr. Thailand 2014 Spotlight
Butter es are free lifestyle CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONTENTS 01
2 Welcome Messages President, Dean, Director
5 Student’s Collage
6 Recent Activities
2 4 9 a JOiNT rESEarCh : adECCO aNd aBaC-OdI
10 Feature A Journey beyond Time Application of Soft-Prepared Chalk
16 lEarNiNg ExPEriENCE OuT Of ClaSS
20 STudENT iNTErviEw Benjamin Schmitt
22 SPEAKER OF THE MONTH
24 aluMNi iNTErviEw Dr. Treerapot Kongtoranin
At sunrise I awake to day’s new reality 26 Spotlight Which, like all things must end at dusk From the Hotel and Tourism Classroom Twenty five centuries ago, the Enlightened One to the Mr.Thailand 2014 Competition: Mr Anurak The Buddha awoke as I do, to elucidate blessings 26 24 That one may derive from meaningful existence 28 OGS AROUND THE CAMPUS The act of listening to learn from wisdom’s store 30 Great Escape The act of giving to the impoverished who need more The act of paying reverence, not from mere habit 34 Insight Technology But from the leanings of spiritual grace, How cool should a “smoke detector” be? Through living to reiterate determination to lead noble lives, To develop the mind, 36 LifeStyle To practice loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity Butterflies are free As on Vesak day 10 37 uNivErSiTy COllaBOraTiONS The blossom of the day, like any flower, will fade Yunnan University of Finance and Yet, it shall not obliterate the teachings of the Enlightened One: Economic Dhamma, righteous living and peaceful co-existence Shall be the epitome of Life’s supreme teachings Contributors Executive Committee Glen Chatelier Dr. Kitti Phothikitti Asst. Prof. Dr. Chittipa Ngamkroeckjoti Dr. Soonthorn Pibulcharoensit Dr. John Barnes Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset Glen V. Chatelier 36 30 Dr. Voravee Pattaravongvisut Dr. Ismail Ali Siad Director, Office of International Affairs Narachai Treetipbut Assumption University Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanintorn Jitawiriyanukoon Editorial Team 2014 Dr. Adrash Batra Glen Chatelier Panita Siripat Nattawat Deddechanukul Sansanee Aranyanak Rangsan Traibutra Dr. Thongdee Kijboonchoo Graphic and Printing Dr. Joh Blauw Pressociate Co. Ltd 17 Echo Wang CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 02 Message from the President Message from dean 03
Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran, f.s.g., Ph.D. Dr. Kitti Photikitti President-Rector Magnificus Dean
As we are in the month of June In fact, ASEAN Community with its aims As we begin a new trimester at the ing in general through the fruits of our 2014, it should remind all of us that and purposes is to promote regional Graduate School of Business, I’d like searches and endeavors in knowl- AU is in the transition period of ad- cooperation and partnership to cre- to welcome all of you back to our edge enterprise. This best results justing the university calendar to ate peace and prosperity in the re- programs, and to classes which I am with persistence and perseverance the ASEAN calendar of most uni- gion. The goals set will be too lofty and sure will enhance your knowledge, which I do hope will accrue from our versities in ASEAN Community. will take long years to achieve. The while imparting to you virtues such as quest to learn, to strive to seek and to catalyst lies in each individual to be industry and endurance. Since we achieve. We must ask ourselves how ready we aware of the existence and try to co- in Thailand recently marked the ob- are to face the challenges of change operate with the movement. Peace, servance of Visakha Bhucha day, I I wish you all the very best in efforts in ASEAN Community. We should be stability, and prosperity will never be would like to use the spirit of such a and in accomplishments. aware of the existence of the ASEAN achieved unless the concerned effort celebration to remind all teachers Community and its impact on our must be launched. and learners that our academic ef- lives and the country as a whole. The forts should imbue in each of us the awareness can be four levels, name- Everything begins with individual effort search to make not just our lives bet- ly, individual, institutional, national, first. Strengthening your capacities, in ter, but to add to the usefulness of liv- and even global. particular investing in education.
As a start, just remember:
ASEAN Community 2015: One Vision, One Identity One Community
Kitti Phothikitti, Ph.D. Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran, f.s.g., Ph.D. Dean, Graduate School of Business President Dean, Graduate Studies CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014
/ 04 Message from the director Office of Graduate Studies Students Collage 05 Why did you choose to study in
It was the perfect occasion for me to ex- I choose Assumption University because it’s tend my training in order to get new skills and international and famous. I need to get a competencies while being able to discover higher level in English, and I want to graduate another country and culture. A double de- in Master Degree with a quality of knowledge Assumption gree between my original university and the in good environment and society. Finally Assumption University has been proposed by ABAC has now got a nationwide renown. my main teacher in France. Thank you! Jason Valax Soonthorn Pibulcharoensit, Ph.D. From : France Ms.Monchaya Wittayanon From : Thailand Director, Office of Graduate Studies University Program : MBA Technology Management (Exchange Student) Program : MBA (Fast-Track)
Dear Graduate Students and Faculty contents on iTunes which you can access Members by iOS devices and PC. All materials for your courses- syllabi, videos, apps, books, Welcome new students and welcome class assignments, and more are all in back returning students for May Semester! one place. Now that the semester is well underway, Additionally, we are implementing our I would like to update you on several ini- AU Line application internally for ABAC tiatives and a number of new resources students. With this system, you can enjoy intended to enhance the student experi- major features such as LINE application ence. We are undertaking the implemen- customized stickers for our internal use. tation of our new LMS system in order to You can design your own sticker and use support the learning environment for GSB with this AU Line application. It’s going to students. be fun. We hope to finish the application Assumption University is now an Apple and do a test run very soon. I choose Assumption University because this I chose to study in Assumption University be- iTunes University. We are in the first wave On behalf of the Office of Graduate university has high reputation in Thailand and cause of its reputation of being the first and of universities in Thailand which are offi- I was graduated bachelor degree with this top international university in Thailand. I also Studies, I wish you a rewarding and pro- cially on iTunes U. There are around 2,700 university. One more reason is that interna- chose to study at Assumption University be- ductive semester in 4/2013. tional university will help me improve my skill cause I believe that they would have well schools and Universities on this portal. We of English language. qualified Ajarns/lecturers. are currently uploading our course Best wishes,
Vasin Taveeprichachart Olurotimi Abayomi Bamgbelu From : Thailand From : Nigeria Program : MBA (Fast-Track) Program : MBA (Day)
Dr. Soonthorn Pibulcharoensit Deputy University Registrar ? Director, Office of Graduate Studies Assumption University CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 06 Recent Activities 07
February 22, 2014 FreshmAn Seminar
Graduate school freshman seminar 3/2013, 22-23 February 2014 was organ- ized at Holiday Inn Hotel, Pattaya. All freshmen got a warm welcome and speech from Rev.Bro.Dr.Amnuay Yoon- prayong the Vice Rector for Moral Devel- opment Education student and faculty enjoyed many activities and traditional ceremony.
MBA-Tourism Guest Speaker visit
Dr. Adarsh Batra invited Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob as a key resource person from Designated Areas for Sustainable Tour- ism Administration (DASTA) to deliver an extension lecture on Saturday, 25th Jan- uary 2014 at ABAC Huamak Campus in the A-101 room. Dr. Chuwit is Director of Strategic Management Office.
The session lasted for more than one and MAY 23, 2014 a half hour morning session, comprising st 1 hour power point slides presentation and 30 minutes question-answer session January 31, 2014 The 1 Joint Research: with the audience. The audience com- prised two MBA-Tourism batch students ABAC GSB Students ADECCO and ABAC-ODI and faculty members. January 12, 2014 Dr. Chuwit introduced about DASTA and Whitepaper Sustainable tourism situation in Thailand. EXPERIENCE Long Life GSB induction and The ABAC Organization Development Institute 1. Designated Areas for Sustainable Learning Activities by Dr. Perla Rizalina M. Tayko, Organization De- Tourism Administration - Concept orientation 3/2013 velopment Institute (ODI) Director and Dr. Kitikorn and mission at the International Dowpiset, Associate Dean, Graduate School of GSB conducted the Induction and Orien- Dean of Graduate School of Business who de- 2. Designated Areas for Sustainable Business and ADECCO, the world’s leading pro- tation Day for the freshmen students who livered the introduction to the study in GSB. The Tourism Administration – Roles and Conference in vider of HR solutions by Khun Phitaya Phromjanja were joining in MBA Day and Evening Induction was taken place at Hua Mak Campus, responsibilities hosted the press conference to announce the programs, MBA Fast-Track, MBA Tourism Auditorium Hall and program information were 3. Graphical display and explanation Chiang Mai. research on “Key Success Factors for Individual of key DASTA project areas in Thailand Management and MS Investment Analy- moderated by Dr. Apichart Intravisit. The course’s Development & Holistic Management towards 2. Challenges for Development of sis program in the trimester 3/2013. briefing was introduced by Dr. Ismail Ali Siad, the During 31 January – 1 February 2014, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirion Chaipoopirutana and 6 MBA students the AEC 2015”. This research was conducted by Sustainable Tourism in Thailand MBA Program Director and the Student Support participated and presented research papers at the International Conference hosted by the Fac- Dr. Sirichai Preudhikulpradab, Associate Director, 3. Creative Tourism and Low Carbon The Induction started with the welcoming Information and Survival Guide was introduced ulty of Business Administration, Maejo University and Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna MMOD Program and was published in the ABAC tourism as DASATA Strategy address by the President of Assumption by Dr. Soonthorn Pibulcharoensit, the Director of at the Impress Hotel, Chiang Mai. On the first day of the conference, all ABAC students research ODI Journal as the academic research paper of 4. Comparison of Missions of State University, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghi- the Office of Graduate Studies. There were 180 group as well as Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Associate Dean, ABAC Graduate School of Business were Agencies: DASTA, Tourism Authority of Assumption University. ADECCO and ABAC ODI ran, and Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Associate freshmen students and 20 faculty members par- receiving a warm welcome and having group photos from the Asst. Prof. Chamnian Yosraj, Ph.D, Thailand (TAT) and Ministry of Tourism had a joint collaboration together for Organiza- ticipated on the Induction Day. President of Meajo University. On the second day, students had a chance to explore and experi- and Sports (MOT) tion Development, HR Consultation Services and ence traditional and cultural visits in Chiang Mai and some provinces in the North. research since 2012. CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 08 A Joint Research : ADECCO and ABAC-ODI 09
The fast changing marketplaces, increasing customer expectations, aspiration for work- Key Success Factors for life balance, and the increasing exchange of international employees across different countries; and the regionalization towards Individual Development & the ASEAN 2015 are unavoidable drivers of change that the 21st century business lead- er and manager have to focus on and at- Holistic Management tend to in order to further progress organiza- tion effectiveness, productivity and business results. This current and future flux of these Towards the ASEAN driving forces critically influence the organi- zation strategy, decision making processes, and the achievement of the organization’s Economic Community bottom-line. Thus, business leaders and man- agers are challenged to think and act differ- ently and creatively. This research is an at- (AEC 2015) tempt to present baseline data that will help determine the next best steps for today’s January 25, 2014 business leaders and managers to level themselves up to the challenges. This study Special Lecture presents (1) the competencies/skills are criti- cal for the 21st century business practitioners The knowledge is around us not just from in national, international and global village; our lecture but from the special guess as (2) which competencies/skills are the most well. Students get new knowledge from urgent and needed for the industry; and (3) Mr. Chuwit Mitrchob. a set of recommendations for Organization Development Interventions in order to best hone the competencies/skills in view of the challenges. Data was gathered using on-line questionnaires which were distributed to the business practitioners holding current posi- tions ranging from Assistant Managers, Di- rectors up to the Top Executives level. Most of the respondents (n=218) came from the service industry. The major findings reveal that there are five areas which are the most critical competencies/skills required for Thai Learning Thai for Foreign Community managers, namely: (1) English language communication skills; (2) innovative and in- As for the creating a distinctive international educational experience for GSB students through a blended Thai and International culture, GSB offered the genious practices in developing products 30-hour Thai Course for International students and faculty during February 18 – March 30, 2014. The Thai course was opened on day time and evening and services; (3) hands-on execution of business/services for strategic planning and time and there were 36 students taking the course. The courses were taught by the lecturers from the ABAC Thai Arts and Culture Department. Dr. Ismail management; (4) process-learning which is Ali Siad, the MBA Program Director was having the opening session and introducing the course and lecturer on the first class. The objectives of this project a critical skill for coaching and empower- are to provide opportunities for foreign students to learn daily life speaking and writing in Thai language, to learn and preserve the Thai arts and culture ment in developing the human potential; so that they can make their life easy and stay in Thailand happily. and (5) the open-mindedness for the cultural diversities where business/services are. Last- ly, the selection and design of talented and professional development programs need to veer away from the standard or prefabricat- ed training program. Conversely, the focus of individual development and holistic man- agement is oriented towards the leveraging human brain functioning as an integral part of everyday life at workplaces—it is the total transformation and change from within: one that is real time, personal, and timelessly en- gaging. The possibility for the success key crit- ical factors for the whole organization is thus interdependent with quality of the devel- opment of individual awareness of thought patterns, the patterns of self-knowing, the capacity for learning to learn, lastly the abil- ity to make appropriate choices that lead to actions that are meaningful and construc- tive for self, group, organization, community GSB on the QA Seminar at Hua Hin and nation at large.
Dr. Kitti Phothikitti, Dean of Graduate School of Business and GSB faculty members as well as staff were attending the QA Seminar on the Knowledge Sirichai Preudhikulpradab, Ph.D. Management at Asara Resort Hua Hin during 20-22 December 2013. The seminar was moderated and shared knowledge by Perla Rizalina M. Tayko, Ph.D., Associate Director, MMOD Program Organization Development Institute (ODI) Director as part of the Faculty and Staff Development, to increase more knowledge of the KM. Graduate School of Business, Assumption University Thailand CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 010 feature 011
Williams (2010, p. 239) stated that who we are and where we come from matters to most people. This fascination with the past has become integral to contemporary life as a hobby-based activity that center on the collection of all kinds of memorabilia, in entertainment and in many sectors of edu- cation (Fowler, 1992). Urry (1990) empha- sized that heritage sites are often important locally, since by conserving such places local people find an important way to sig- nify their locality. Timothy and Boyd (2003) suggested that within the range of heritage A Journey Beyond Time attractions, particular categories assume a raised level of significance. These include
• Museums and galleries; • The living culture that is expressed in festivals, ceremonies and performances; • Archaeological sites.
The MBA-Tourism students in the Graduate School of Business, at Assumption University of Thailand (ABAC) organised a one day educational field trip to places of cultural interests (Suan Pakkad Palace Museum – Jim Thompson House – Bangkok Art Gallery – International buffet dinner at Baiyoke Tower) in Bangkok on Sunday September 29, 2013 to experience the diverse nature of these attractions. Suan Pakkad Palace Museum ‘Suan’ means garden and ‘pakkad’ means cabbage.
Upon arriving, the group of 40 (35 students and 5 faculty members) was divided into two main groups, so that all members could enjoy tour of the house without crowd- ing the museum site. Complementary leaflets in English Language were available for visitors describing the his- tory of the place, and containing sample pictures of the rare collections and different sections in the museum.
The museum area adjoins the busy Si Ayutthaya road but once inside is calm and pleasant. The museum area is divided into eight rebuilt Thai houses based on the type of sections and presence of collections inside. Wooden stairs take you to the first floor of each house with wooden bridges connecting one house to another. For safe walking and support, bridges have railings. The tour began with the Thai Music section (House 1). House 1 contained several Thai musical instruments be- longed to the late H.R.H. Prince Paribatra, a son of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, such as six big drums, a Thai three - stringed fiddle, an alto xylophone and models of Thai musical instruments made of ivory1. Drums are made of buffalo skin. In the Thai language these are called Thai Gongs. The use of coconut shells as music instrument was evident. A rare collection of gramophone records of 1928 was also noticeable. Prince Paribatra is considered one of the greatest music composers in Thai history.
As we entered Thai house 5, enthusiastic visitors were politely requested to take off and carry their shoes, in plastic bags to maintain sanctity of the site. In another Thai house, three Buddha images depicting Thai, Indian Dr.Adarsh Batra and Burmese styles with short description were avail- Director of Research in Sustainable Business MBA-Tourism Program able. There is a separate shelf that stores and displays Graduate School of Business coins of the historic era. CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 012 feature 013
Suan Pakkad Palace Museum Jim Thompson House and Museum Bangkok Art & Culture Center Baiyoke Tower
House 6 contains displays of glassware, lacquer- the masks represent good and bad characters. ticket counter. Two young girls in traditional at- of these houses. Paintings in the temple repre- AN exhibition. The second floor appeared busy cement used to construct this tower. Different ware (trays, plates, containers, cups and vases), The Khon mask-making process was displayed tire greeted us with a Thai dance (Ramwong) sented life of Lord Buddha to teach disciples with some artists drawing life. There were many window panes keep information and distance silverware and porcelain that belonged to the in Thai and English Language for visitors. performance upon arrival. These girls were, in about Buddhism. visitors who preferred to stay there and wanted information for the various landmarks of Bang- late H.R.H. Prince Paribatra and H.R.H. Prince fact, artists; a few minutes before one of them A Thai Spirit house is found located in many Thai to watch these new creations. The artists could kok city visible from that direction of the tower. Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga. There is also a Personal collections of the Princess, such as was weaving silk sitting on a wooden platform houses in Bangkok. These little houses are often draw portraits of any person, charging nominal Everyone appeared busy taking pictures and collection of Thai coins and foreign currencies shells, rocks, minerals collected from many while the other was displaying her skills carving charming miniature replica of a Thai-style house fees (200 Thai Baht for black & white and 1000 smiling with pride to see Bangkok’s skyscrap- and Sukhothai figurines1. There is a separate countries are kept safe in House 8. Outside the on a water melon. As our group waited for the or temple. According to traditional Thai belief, Thai Baht for coloured). ers’ viewed for the first time in their life. The fast collection of Thai antique weaponry including house is a huge turtle shell dating back 100 tour guides to be assigned, students were of- the spirit house provides a home for the resident Bangkok traffic appeared to be crawling below some from European countries and ceramic years. There is a Lacquer Pavilion of Ayutthaya fered a snacks box as brunch. spirits of the compound. Wielding considerable Many members of our group decided to sneak at a snail’s pace from the tremendous height. wares of the Ming and Ching dynasty from Chi- period (17th century), which is reproduced on power, resident spirits can play a major role in in MBK shopping department for a while to na. A driver’s license of the Princess dating back the cover page of the official brochure. Inside This remarkable Thai-style wooden house once the fortune and destiny of the inhabitants of the have quick snacks and a bit of shopping. For almost an hour, all members of the group 50 to 60 years was also shown. the Pavilion, equally magnificent mural paint- belonged to the late Mr. Jim Thompson, an compound. If the spirits are offended by inap- were busy capturing plenty of pictures of the ings, with Gold on black lacquer, depict the life American silk entrepreneur. The house now is propriate acts, neglect or disrespect, bad luck bird’s eye view of Bangkok from the different House 3 had a bedroom, bathroom, reception of Lord Buddha. The architecture of the house a museum, to display Mr. Thompson’s splendid and misfortune befalls the owner and residents Baiyoke Tower corners of the tower. We were informed to pro- hall, artefacts, mirror and perfumes which were resembled the Arabian style. collection of Asian artefacts and antiques. It of the house. To appease and pacify the spirits, ceed to the buffet dinner on the 84th floor of the over 100 years old. There was a collection of is stated in the Jim Thompson leaflet that Jim a daily offering of incense sticks, fresh flowers, Baiyoke Tower II is an 85-storey, 304 meters tower. Again, people queued up to take eleva- fine pieces of pent achromatic porcelain called As we descended to the ground floor we were Thompson came as a military officer to Bangkok water and food is presented almost every day (997 ft) skyscraper hotel at 222 Ratchapra- tors. As our group arrived, the buffet dinner was Bencharong, made in China but decorated allowed to put on our shoes. The teak wood but he fell in love with Thailand so much that based on Thai belief. The location of the spirit rop Road in the Ratchathewi district of Bang- about to begin. Apart from buffet dinner, the with Thai designs (In Thai Language Bencha- barge, which was used to escort Royal barge he decided to live here permanently. The hand house is of primary importance. A badly posi- kok, constructed in 1997. It is the tallest build- spherical restaurant provided an open balcony rong means ‘five colour’), betel nut and a tea- (19 meters long) is displayed. The last section weaving of silk, a long –neglected cottage tioned spirit house brings countless misfortunes ing in the city, and contains the Baiyoke Sky for taking photos. The sun was about to set and set. Collections also included palanquin and an was an exhibition room that portrayed contem- industry, captured Jim Thompson’s attention. to the residents. Great care is taken to ensure Hotel, the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia and the lighting dots all around the city appeared. The umbrella, with the formal insignia of a very high- porary work. As we moved from one house to Therefore, he devoted himself to reviving the that it is never placed in a location where the fourth-tallest all-hotel structure in the world. stewards were seen moving quickly with freshly ly-ranked prince, belonged to the great-aunt of another, there were ample opportunities for visi- craft. Highly gifted as a designer and textile col- shadow of the main building casts a shadow cooked food to the serving stations. Everyone the Prince Chumbhot1. tors to capture the moments using their mobile orist, he contributed substantially to the indus- over it. Hence the spirit house is often found in With the antenna included, the building’s occupied the best seat to have a glimpse of phones or cameras. Unfortunately, there were try’s growth and to the worldwide recognition the northern, eastern or northeastern corner of height is 328.4 m (1,077 ft). The building features one of the rare views of the Bangkok City. For The upper level of House 2 accommodated very few visitors at the museum on that day accorded to Thai silk. The houses were elevated the compound. a public observatory on the 77th floor; a bar an hour the whole group enjoyed the sumptu- food containers with covers made up of wood, other than our group. a full story above the ground, a practical Thai called “Roof Top Bar & Music Lounge” on the ous international foods with lots of variety. By lacquered and decorated with mother-of-pearl precaution to avoid flooding during the rainy Inside the house on the first floor, we were shown 83rd floor, a 360-degree revolving roof deck on that time, the floor was completely occupied in Thai designs. This section also houses red season. The red paint on the outside walls is a living room. For celebrations, the terrace be- the 84th floor and 673 hotel guest rooms. and quite busy. After the dinner, many wanted painted pottery, necklace glass beads dated Jim Thompson House and Museum a preservative often found on many old Thai comes the stage for Thai dining. Interestingly, in to reach the top-most floor via stairs (almost 7 back 2000 years, bronze bracelets and pottery. buildings. the past, based on Thai belief, toilets were not As we reached Baiyoke tower, we were told to floors up). The top floor is a revolving open plat- Another section of the museum (House 4) used Ten minutes drive from Suan Pakkad took us constructed inside the house; but instead, out- assemble on the 19th floor of the highest tower form which circles to give a 360 degree view for receptions and dinners, included a private to Jim Thompson House on the Rama 1 road On March 26th 1967, Jim Thompson mysteriously side as the presence of waste together with the in Thailand. On the 19th floor, Baiyoke tower of the city. The illuminating light continuously collection of Buddha. The dining area on the in Bangkok. Along with the entry tickets, staff disappeared while on a personal trip to Cam- place of living were not considered auspicious. had a ticket counter. The arriving people were changed multiple colours as we still took more wooden floor is surrounded by paintings on provided printed leaflets in multiple languages eron Highlands in Malaysia and could not be But in the Jim Thompson House, a locked door channeled to form a queue before taking ele- photographs. We all assembled after an hour at cloth depicting the Lord Buddha and a very such as English, Spanish, German, Japanese, traced thereafter. His famous Thai house, how- concealed a bathroom constructed for foreign vators. As people waited for the elevators, they a single point on the ground floor to return to the rare panel of mother-of-pearl work in the late French, and Chinese. An air-conditioned Jim ever, remains as a lasting reminder of his crea- guests as Jim Thompson was American. are encouraged to pose for a picture facing ABAC Huamak campus with plenty of unforget- Ayutthaya style. There were also a collection of Thompson store (part of The James H.W. Thomp- tive ability and his deep love of Thailand. In one corner of the house there was a small special cameras. The escalator quickly moved table memories and new experiences. ‘Talapat’ (Ecclesiastical) or monk’s fans used for son Foundation) faces the ticket counter with As the tour of the Jim Thompson House began, mouse house, made in China that acts as a up to 77th floor of the tower. It is a covered area religious Buddhist ceremonies. a variety of Jim Thomson branded products in- an expert guide led our group through the walk- showpiece and entertainment for children of with wide glass windows to see the view, which cluding key rings, showcases, t-shirts, silky neck ing track that meanders through green vegeta- the house in the past. The mice ran up and is beyond description. It is as if you are looking House 7 is the Khon Museum displaying several ties, sleepers, gowns and many more. There tion, keeping the surroundings cool and pleas- down in that small house, giving joy to the chil- through an airplane window. With a clear sky, art forms and the crafts in the context of the were a few enthusiastic visitors looking at the ant to the eyes. A Kalong (canal) adjoining dren. The Jim Thompson tour ended with group you can see the extremes of Bangkok city as Great Indian epic, “the Ramayana” which pre- the Thompson House was noticeable. We were pictures with the tour guide. References products but not many appeared eager to buy far as your eyes can take you. You can have Fowler, P.J. (1992) The Past in Contemporary Society: Then, Now, sented scene movement of Kumpakan1. There as they were quite expensive. The House also informed that Jim Thompson wisely moved to 3600 view of majestic Bangkok. This floor has London: Routledge. were full-size khon masks, puppets, clay figu- provided complementary professional guides establish this house close to the weavers who souvenir shops charging reasonable prices. The Retrieved from The Suan Pakkad Palace website: http://www.suan- rines. Landmark incidences of Ramayana epic (who can speak different languages) to ac- stayed on the other side of the canal. popular products available include a variety of pakkad.com/main_eng.php Bangkok Art & Culture Center Retrieved from The James H.W. Thompson Foundation website: are displayed as models made up of fine wood. company international groups of tourists. All The curved roof-ends which gave the tip of the Baiyoke tower symbol chains, key rings, caps, http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com/museum/ Ramayana characters do show movements in- employees were dressed in traditional local eaves a highly distinctive look and add to the Bangkok Art & Culture center is a seven story and tee-shirts. On the same floor, visitors can get Retrieved from Wikipedia website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ dividually and as a set. The main characters of attire, made eye contact and were ready to graceful appearance of Thai houses are sym- building adjoining MBK shopping center. It was back coloured pictures taken earlier. Different Baiyoke_Tower_II the Indian Epic Ramayana are presented (Hin- bolic of the ‘nagas’ or serpents that adorn the Timothy, D.J. and Boyd, S.W. (2003) Heritage Tourism, Harlow: Pren- swing into action. The house appeared quite not too late to stop for rest break as it was al- corners of the floor have something interesting tice Hall. du Gods and Goddesses, ‘Phra’ means Lord busy with the presence of number of interna- Khmer temples2. They have been stylized and most lunch time, everyone appeared tired and to capture visitors’ attention. In one corner, a Urry, J. (1990) The Tourist Gaze: Leisure and Travel in Contemporary Rama, ‘Sida’ is Sita, ‘Pharam’ is Lord Vishnu and tional tourists giving the feeling that the Jim often bear little resemblance to the original art needed to relax before moving on. Different heavy cemented spherical block with iron rods Societies, London: Sage. ‘Thot Sakarn’ is Rawan). Audio-visual presenta- Thompson House is a popular tourist attraction. form. Wood was readily available so it was the floors had different levels of activity to promote Williams, S. (2010) Tourism Geography – A New synthesis, 2nd edi- inserted is kept as a sample to inform visitors tion, London: Routledge. tions and the computer kiosk were also avail- There were rest rooms available adjoining the most common material used in the construction contemporary art. The ground floor had an ASE- about the quality and quantity of metal, and able for interested visitors. Type and colour of Dr.Adarsh Batra Director of Research in Sustainable Business MBA-Tourism Program Graduate School of Business CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 014 feature 015
The most popular and internationally accepted Local wage should be partially subsidized or soft-prepared chalk is sourced from the Soft- raised through encouragement of the Thai Prepared Chalk Village located at Thalechup- government agencies like the Office of SMEs sorn District, Amphur Muang, Lopburi province Promotion (OSMEP ), Small and Medium Enter- (ASTV Online Manager, 2009). There exists abun- prise Bank of Thailand (SME bank ), Department dance of Marly lime stone in this vast geograph- of International Trade Promotion (DITP ), and ical area which is not suitable for paddy field or the Federal of Thai Industries (FIT ). Moreover, any other agricultural activities. However, there the Soft-prepared Chalk association should be is a lot of White Soil, which is the main ingredient initially created and become strong and influ- of making Soft-Prepared Chalk. Based on an in- ential enough in order to increase bargaining terview with Khun Kae, the general manager at power of suppliers. Also, engaging and/or ne- the Kae Soft-Prepared Chalk factory in Lopburi gotiating with government agencies to create in February 2014, it was stated that: a price absolute advantage should be done. This is import substitution industrialization (ISI), “Even though Soft-Prepared Chalk is an ingre- whereby Thai replaces foreign import powder dient used in several products like toothpaste, with Soft-prepared Chalk; it helps to improve Joss sticks, household furnishing, pharmaceuti- trade and economic growth. A logical supply Important Issues concerning cals (curing pimples on facial skin), profit is low.” chain is the linkage between suppliers and gov- In addition, she revealed her concerns that: ernment agencies which is sincerely coopera- tive and working towards a common goal. “Soft-Prepared Chalk business in this village bustles during the Songkran Festival because Soft-Prepared Chalk is a Thai traditional product application of Soft-Prepared Chalk of large orders by retailers and wholesalers. that majority seek after when the Songkran Fes- Because of huge demand and its advantage tival approaches (in April of every lunar year). towards pharmaceutical businesses, it seems to There are many hidden benefits that majority in Thalechupson District, Lopburi, Thailand be a profitable business. However, as a result should learn and understand. Recognizing its of stiff competition, uncooperative and irrele- important role in Lopburi’s local economy, they vant prices fixed by the Department of Internal might be able to change the perception to- Assist. Prof. Dr.Chittipa Ngamkroeckjoti, Trade (DIT ), Ministry of Commerce, it strikes and ward the Soft-Prepared Chalk, and look for the Thongdee Kijboonchoo and Natwarut RUANGTRAKUL affects sales volumes. Therefore, retailers and approach to conserve this business. Therefore, wholesalers have gained bargaining power, if everybody works together and solves these and they set a relatively low price. Many lo- problems, then Soft-Prepared Chalk business cal producers have no choice but to sell with will be preserved, grow, and be successful. It will little or at times at no profit margin. As a conse- generate job opportunities, increase income Soft-Prepared Chalk or Marly limestone is considered as a quence, they may not be able to pay for a high among local workers. The welfare and stand- traditional Thai chemical herb composed mainly of calcium production cost, they finally become debtors. ard of living will certainly be improved. We The local worker wage is lower than Baht 300 emphasize again that we would like to see the carbonate (CaCO3) and white soil. This special herb was (daily standard wage rate in Thailand since Jan- feedback and the support from the Thai gov- popularly used since the reign of King Narai the Great in the uary, 1st 2013 ) because of low price fixing by ernment. With the government agencies’ ac- Ayutthaya period (1565-1688) (Junrat, 2014). According to the middleman (Alexander et al. (2013).” tions to help the Soft-Prepared Chalk village at King Narai’s statement: Lopburi, entrepreneurs and local workers will be Moreover, to be more insightful of the issue, gratified. Eventually, it’s like a saying: “Soft-Prepared Chalk could cure people from thirst and Khun Kae clarified downhearted that: apthous ulcer very well (Muslim Thai post, 2014).” “Soft-Prepared Chalk business remained in Lop- “the price of a single unit at the factory is Baht buri province for a very long time. Without in- Nowadays, Thais become aware of this special herb only 35 per 20 kilograms while the retail price Baht is terest and conservative attitude of this business during the popular Thai Songkran festival in April every year. 50 per 20 kilograms. The wholesale price used and Thai values, its profit, and growth will disap- for industrial production is only marked at Baht pear. Soft-prepared chalk production will be Several other benefits of Soft-Prepared Chalk are researched 1,100 per ton.” lost in the next generation.” and listed by the Geological Society of Thailand (GST ). Soft- price supposedly set by Department of Internal Prepared Chalk can possibly cure body allergy and protect After a long discussion, Khun Kae demonstrated Trade (DIT), Ministry of Commerce; however, this Definitely, we should use it for its benefit much from harmful sunlight. It can be used as a component of lime the long and complicated process of making has been ignored. Hence, the market price is- more than using and enjoying in Songkran Fes- and lemon juice or turmericed to exfoliate and brighten hu- Soft-Prepared Chalk. ASTV online manager sue should be researched and applied. Further- tival, then this traditional Thai herb will com- (2009) explained the process of producing Soft- pletely disappear from our country soon. (ASTV man skin (Muslim Thai post, 2014). more, DIT officers should provide feedback, ad- Prepared Chalk. It is divided into three steps dress the right problem, and provide solutions Online Manager, 2009). shown as follows: right along. Along with sufficient government The aim of this article is to reflect explicit opinions correspond- subsidy policy, Soft-Prepared Chalk can be a Bibliography 1. Separating Marly soil in the primary pool and 1. Alexander, S., Salze-Lozac’h, V., and Winikulchai, A. (2013), ing to an interview result and feedback based on an aca- profitable product of Lopburi province both lo- “Thailand Adopts Nationwide Minimum Wage Policy Amid demic trip to the owner and general manager of Kae Factory using water is released to mix it. After Marly soil cally and internationally. At least, there should Controversy,” Asian Foundation Organization, or available at nd and water are mixed, water from the primary be a relevant and fair market price for them to website http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2013/01/30/ at Lopburi on Saturday, February 22 2014 . pool into a draining pool to sort out gravel and thailand-adopts-nationwide-minimum-wage-policy-amid- guarantee that if they produce Soft-Prepared controversy/ accessed as of Wednesday, Janaury 26th 2014. pebbles. Chalk, no matter how much they produce, they 2. ASTV Online Manager (2009, April, 13th),”Should legendary 2. Fill water from the draining pool into the pro- can make some profit based on the proposed “chalk” Lop shall be passed by from the Songkran festival”, or duction pool and leave it for a night, after that standard price to sell. available at website http://www.manager.co.th/iBizchannel/ the white soil will settle down at the bottom of ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9520000040423 accessed as of Monday, March 23rd 2014. the production pool, then we must pump out In our opinion, after we became aware of this 3. Junrat, W. (2014), “The King Narai Reign Fair to Take Place in the water which appears on the surface of the business and also learned about the problems Lopburi,” or available at website http://wherethailand.com/ production pool. Then, only white soil will be left king-narai-reign-fair-takes-place-lopburi/ February 12th that need to be solved, we would like to sug- accessed as of Monday, March 24th, 2014. at the bottom of production pool. gest and recommend that the leader of the 4. MuslimThaipost (2014), “What is marly limestone? Songkran 3. Finally, bring white soil to the mold and make village or any leading soft-prepared chalk rep- festival with marly limestone,” or available at website http:// a single unit of Soft-Prepared Chalk or make resentative leading association, should discuss truepanya.muslimthaipost.com/main/index.php?page=sub&c bigger pieces for industrial sale. ategory=13&id=17755 accessed as of Monday, March 24th among themselves all the related problems. So 2014. that, they are able to create several promo- 5. Rungtrakool, N. (interviewer) and Pongthaipan, K. (interviewee) According to the interview we had made with tional campaigns towards Soft-Prepared Chalk (personal communication, February 22nd, 2014) the owner of the Soft-Prepared Chalk factory, 6. Samboonying, A. (2014), “The Biography of H.M. King Narai benefits and to set a fair price. the Great”, or available at website http://www.lopburi.go.th/ several problems were found which destabilize king_narai_e.html accessed as of Tuesday, March 25th 2014, this business. The most serious issue that needs As well, new products, new production pro- edited by Timothy Nobel. to be considered immediately is the market cesses should be technologically developed. 7. Khun???
Edited By: Aj. Glen V. Chatelier CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 016 Learning Experience out of class 017
a Fun-tastic learning experience through learning by doing
At Thai Airways International Catering Suvarnabhumi Airport
...... Wednesday, 26th March 2014 ......
Fourteen TRM MBA students and Dr. John Barnes visited the Thai International Catering Department at Suvarnabhumi International Airport to observe all functions and features associated with the fa- cility. This was a part of the class study on airline industry covered in their TR6109 International Tourism and Environment. Our group was welcomed by Ms. Piamboon Kungvariwongse Duty Manager.
Khun Piamboon (Tem) gave us a very detailed makes managing employees and security ISO 9002; GMP 1997; HACCP, DHS2000; OHSAL explanation of all functions of this impressive fa- much easier than would otherwise be the case. 9001:2008; ISO14001: 2004 and is permitted to cility along with PowerPoint slides laced with her Quite apart from meals for airlines the Cater- store and to deliver HALAL meals since 2008 own humorous anecdotes. ing Department also prepares meals for those &2011. All Halal storage and preparation areas wishing a catering service such as Puff and Pie are isolated from all other storage and prepa- This huge facility employs 1,500 Thai and inter- outlets, or providers for tourism MICE activities ration and delivery areas. national staff, 3,500 outsourced staff working on or social gatherings funerals etc. three rotating shifts and working 365 days per The class enjoyed an À la Carte meal after the year. Great details are paid to cleanliness of the visit at the adjacent Thai cafeteria facility, workers attire, raw materials and ingre- 60,000 meals are prepared and delivered per dients, dinnerware and trolleys to be loaded We thank Ms. Piamboon at Thai Catering Ser- day to 61 airlines. All staff working on site are onto and being returned from airplanes. vices and also our visiting lecturer Dr. Ruangyot provided with four meals per day so that they Sanposh for facilitating this visit through Thai In- do not have to leave the site to eat out. This Thai International Catering is accredited by ternational head quarters.
Dr. John Barnes (Head of Tourism Research, Assumption University, Thailand) CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 018 University Announcement The New AU Counseling Center
Late February of this year marked the re- staff and faculty. A small reasonably priced fee opening the AU Counseling Center located in will be charged to those not associated with As- Coronation Hall, 9th floor on Hua Mak Campus. sumption University. One of the best reasons to There have been counseling services offered at attend counseling, unless one is a danger to self Assumption University in the past, however this or others, is that it is confidential and can only time the counseling services are available to be shared between the counseling staff, that, is all students, faculty, staff and member of the the counselors and their supervisors. In addition, general public with a different focus in two im- all counselors will be supervised by Ph.D. level portant ways. Firstly, our new aim is to diversify experienced psychologists. our services as well as enlighten students to the many useful reasons to talk to someone at the The second new line of focus for the new AU counseling center. It is noteworthy that many Counseling Center is its focus on “Positive Psy- students and other people here in Thailand and chology.” This is an effort to help people who this region of the world regard going to coun- are not necessarily struggling with some of the seling and therapy as only for those who are go- traditional reasons to attend counseling as not- ing “crazy.” To educate people to the contrary, ed above. The goal then is to help people to our advertising campaign covers a wide array reach new levels in their life goals and lives. Ar- of reasons a person might want to seek coun- eas that increase life satisfaction that research seling. For example, along with some of tradi- has shown can be increased are depicted by tional reasons for seeking help such as dealing the acronym PERMA in which P is pleasure, E is with depression, loneliness, anxiety, grief, family engagement (involvement in a focused activ- problems etc. some additional reasons to think ity), R is for relationships, M for meaningfulness about going to counseling include: and A for Accomplishment. These are aspects of life when increased help one to “flourish” in • Test Anxiety their lives. This term and the PERMA concepts • Adjusting to a new culture are coined by Dr. Martin Seligman father of posi- • Career Counseling tive psychology. Therefore, the new AU Coun- • Substance abuse, like quitting smoking or seling Center will set a goal to reach out to the reducing or stopping drinking AU and general communities through face to • Help with relationship issues, breakups, face counseling, workshops, lectures, offers of couples counseling free testing, like strengths testing for example, to • Practicing Positivity (discussed below) help enhance the goals within both the tradi- • Internet, Video game and Social Website tional counseling and the realms within positive addictions psychology. • Promotion of a healthy lifestyle, proper diet, exercise etc. If this sounds interesting to you and you would • Eating disorders: binge eating, anorexia like more information please contact the AU nervosa, over-eating etc. Counseling Center for a free and confidential • Effective communication and assertiveness consultation by calling (66) 02-300-4543 ext. skills 3636 or 3621. You may also e-mail us at AU- [email protected]. For even more These are just a small list of the many reasons one information such as some interesting articles might consider going to counseling. Other rea- that are sure to enhance your knowledge and sons include that counseling is free for students, life please see our website at www.aucoun- selingcenter.au.edu. CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 020 Student Interview 021 Can you give us a brief background How is University life in Thailand about yourself? different from Germany?
Hello, my name is Benjamin Schmitt, 24 years old and I am from Darm- In Germany the city where I studied (Mainz) and the city where I lived (Darm- stadt, Germany. After graduating from the university of Applied Scienc- stadt) are more than 40km away from each other so it was hard to partici- es, Mainz (which is a partner-university of ABAC), I decided to continue pate in student activities. This is unfortunately the reason why my studies and with my M.B.A at Assumption University, Thailand. All in all I stay in Thai- my personal life were pretty much separated. In Thailand I experienced that land for nearly 1.5 years now. The first time I came to Thailand was in 2012 my life takes place in and around the university. Everyone gets to know each as an exchange student in ABAC. I came again in 2013 for an internship other very quick. During the day you can meet most of the students some- in a German company, located in Bangkok, where I wrote my bachelor where around the campus, in coffee shops, restaurants or the cafeteria on thesis. In January 2014 I started my M.B.A day program at the Hua Mak the 6th floor. I have the feeling that the student community in Thailand with campus of ABAC. all its activities is much bigger than it was in Germany for me. How did you choose to study at Assumption University? What is the most demanding part of your studies? The first time I got to know Assumption University was in 2012, whenI came here as an exchange student during my undergraduate pro- The way of studying in Germany and studying in Thailand are completely gram. As I said, the university where I did my undergraduate program different. There are many things that I need to get used to. During my un- has a partnership with ABAC and after looking at the pictures of ABACs dergraduate studies in Germany I never had such a thing as attendance, Bangna campus and listening to the experiences that former exchange midterms or a lot of project work. It is sometimes hard to deal with all the students made here, the decision to participate in this exchange pro- different subjects and organize myself at the same time but I feel that I come gram was not too difficult. The support of the German university and As- along with that pretty well. sumption University was great and the partnership between them works very well. Since the first day that I arrived at Assumption University I felt safe and comfortable with the whole environment. To choose ABAC as the university for my M.B.A was then easy. I was in contact with ABAC all the time after my exchange semester and experienced a great accept- ance and support. I really enjoy that the What do you like the most about the student” life at student life at Assumption Assumption University University? is completely I really enjoy that the student life at Assumption University is completely international. international. I get to know a lot of interesting people from all over the world. Assumption University offers a lot of different student activities and the student community is great! I really enjoy that the student life at Assump”tion University is How has your time here helped you completely international. I get managing cultural differences and “ to know a lot of interesting What are your short-term and solving problems? long-term future plans? people from all over the world. First of all I need to say that it is my first time living alone in another coun- try, far away from home. When I came here, I had to deal with problems First of all I want to finish my M.B.A at ABAC as well as possible. I will probably on my own without the help of my family, which was a big step for me take Entrepreneurship or Marketing as my major. I am not planning to open already. I am very happy that I always have and had an open ear at my own business right after my studies, but I could imagine doing that one ABAC and never felt being left alone here. Before I came to Thailand, I day. If everything works out I would like to work in Bangkok for at least a few tried to read and learn about the Thai culture, but you won’t learn that years after graduating. By now I can’t tell if Thailand is the final destination out of books or the internet. I had some doubts of being able to live in in my life, but it is definitely the place where I want to be for a certain time. Benjamin Schmitt Thailand on my own but I experienced the Thai culture as very open and “ I think I adapted myself pretty well. I can say that many parts of Thai cul- From : Germany ture fit with my personal values which made it easier for me to feel com- fortable in Thailand. Still there are some huge differences between Ger- What is your advice for international Program : MBA Day man and Thai culture and it takes time to understand all of them. I stay in Thailand for nearly 1.5 years now and I can say that I am still learning. freshman students? Open your mind for new experiences and new people. Try to learn as much as you can about Thailand and its culture. Make new friends, Thai and for- eigners! Think out of the box sometimes. CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 022 Speaker of the Month 023
February March Speaker: Mr. Robby Hill Speaker: Dr. Ye Hu Topic: E-Commerce and Entrepreneurship Topic: ICBC’s Outlook on Business Development Wednesday, February 26 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm between the Economies of China and Thailand Assumption University Salle D’ Expo Wednesday, March 12 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Students have received a very enthusiastic presentation on the history Assumption University, Hall of Fame and forming of Hill South Company limited. It indeed was a great les- son on leadership skills and leadership performances. Some of these The graduate school of business had the honor of receiving Dr.Ye Hu, lessons are that leadership come naturally and the importance of Chairman of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China PLC as Speaker growing and learning out of own mistakes. Positive thinking and seeing of the Month March. The event, which took place at the Hall of Fame, mistakes as an opportunity instead of a failure were some of his key a large number of students witnessed a speech which went beyond messages. the framework of economic relationship between the two countries of the People’s Republic of China and Thailand. In his future outlook Dr.Ye Hu emphasized on the importance of peace for stable economic growth in the region of South East Asia.
March April Speaker: Dr. Conchita L. Manabat Speaker: Ms. Sandra Selmanovic + Book Launching “MAKING IT TO THE BIG FOUR: A Topic: “EU-AEC Trade Expansion” JOURNEY OF A DECADE” By Dr.Perla Rizalina M. Tayko Wednesday, April 2 at 1:30pm - 5:30pm Topic: Growing the Seed of an Enterprise Assumption University, Hua Mak Campus, Room A.72
Friday, March 7 at 1:30pm - 4:30pm On the 2nd of April MBA students had the opportunity to join a Speaker of the Month session which gave a deeper insight to the history of the Assumption University Salle D’ Expo European Union and the outcome for its member countries. Attend- ees joined for a geographic exercise, which was handed out by Ms. Dr. Conchita L. Manabat: A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), holder Selmanovic and learned very efficient about the complex structures of MBA and Ph.D degrees and participant in executive programs, Dr. which exist in the European Union, not only geographically but political Conchita L. Manabat studied at the University of the Philippines, the and economic as well. Issues on migration are only one out of many Ateneo de Manila University, the Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Devel- topics that Ms. Selmanovic has touched. opment Institute, the Harvard Business School and Pennsylvania State University.
Program: 1. Speaker of the Month Dr.Conchita L. Manabat: Growing the Seed of an Enterprise 2. Book Launching: “MAKING IT TO THE BIG FOUR: A JOURNEY OF A DECADE” By Dr.Perla Rizalina M. Tayko, OD Program and OD Institute Director, GSB.ABAC 3. Reading of Endorsement from the GSB Appointed Reviewers: - Dr. John A. Barnes, PD Hospitality and Tourism Management, ABAC GSB - A. Bhumiphat Gilitwala, Director Special MBA, ABAC GSB - Dr. George L. Dorros, International Consultant, OD & Change Management, WHO (Ret.) Geneva, Switzerland - Dr. Douglas O’Loughlin, Principal Consultant, Singapore Civil Service College. 4. Launching of the OD Index: Dr. Marissa L. Fernando, Dr. Sirichai Preudhidulpradab, Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Dr. Perla Rizalina M. Tayko 5. Book Signing by the Author and Reception CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 024 Alumni Interview 025
Europeans countries. Can you give us a short Can you tell us about your educational background? company’s background, working For the first goal, getting work in Germany environment and outlook consid- was not easy, since there were many good My first experience with this catholic educa- candidates. The Germans are very good in tion institution started when I was young. I ering ASEAN 2015? education and are very systematic in think- was at Assumption Primary School and As- ing. And importantly it is required to under- sumption College. Bangkok Fastening Co.,Ltd. is a leading stand some German language for the daily manufacturer of bolts, nuts, nails, and wire life. The German education system is also After grade 9 I have shifted to the Triam products in Thailand established since 1963 different from Thai in many aspects. The first Udom Suksa for another two years before I by my grandfather, Mr. Kitti Kongtoranin. Our lesson that I learnt from the education life in enrolled to Chulalongkorn University, where major markets are 60% domestic and 40% Germany was how to be survived in such an I had my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineer export. We deliver good quality products environment. in 1999. It was a good opportunity, that with reasonable price to our worldwide cus- during the study I had joined two intern- tomers and continuously develop process For the second goal, exploring European ship programs in Krupp Kautex, a machine and product innovation for competitive countries and people, I have spent my lei- builder for plastic extrusion products in Bonn, cost and service quality. sure time with some friends. It was from differ- Germany and Thonburi Panich Co.,Ltd., a ent trips that I can learn differences between Mercedes Benz service point in Bangkok. ASEAN market is not a new market to us, different cultures or people from different From that point I have exposed myself to the since our products are already used in the countries. They think and believe differently; German interest, especially in the mechani- regions. However, it is a challenging task to therefore they act differently. I got a second cal and electrical fields; therefore I have create a new business model to penetrate lesson that the world is not what we think it is. decided to continue my further study in Ger- these fast growing and complex-structured many. My master degree was sponsored by markets, which seems to be a big cake that Siemens, the leading electronics German we and also the competitors around the firm, and the DAAD, The German Academic world want to get. We started to build up What are some of the key success Exchange Service. I have graduated in 2001 more confidence in the market by joining factors in the management of a in Master of Science (Mechatronics) from trade fair in a particular market segment, Family Business? Technical University Hamburg-Harburg and e.g. construction material or machinery. Af- ter that we select interested local partners have worked with Siemens VDO AG, an in- In my point of view, there are two main ques- and build a business model together with ternational supplier of automotive electron- tions for family business, one, how to deliver them. It is important to select local partners ics and mechatronics for powertrain, engine the business to the next generation without carefully, since our brands and products are management system and fuel injection sys- having a severe transition and two, how in their hands. So far we have successfully tems in Regensburg, Germany, as a function to solve the family conflicts between fam- established connection in Myanmar, Laos, engineer for another two years, before I de- ily members to keep a good relationship Indonesia, and Vietnam. cided to come back to work with my family among them. In family business we cannot business, Bangkok Fastening Co.,Ltd., a bolt hold only the business, but also the relation- and nut manufacturer. Though my responsi- How did you adapt and apply what ship between the family members, both in bility was in production department focusing you have learnt during your and out of the business. On one hand, the mainly on the technical stuffs, I have to work family should provide key business principal with people in the organisation and later on studies to the business? to all family members, so that they are proud in sale and marketing department. It was to- to be one of the business owner and/or man- tally a big shift from engineering to the busi- From the core subjects of the business ad- agement. On the other hand, participate in ness field. Then, I decided to study more in ministration program, I have learnt many mi- the family family members should participate business administration. I got my Phd. in Busi- cro and macro-economic principals, which the family activities to keep their relationship. ness Administration, major finance, from As- are fundamentals for the business and envi- The family should organise to have an oppor- sumption University last year. ronment analysis and decision making. The tunity to communicate among themselves organisation theories can enhance my un- and set a good strategic family planning to From your point of view, why did derstanding on organisation structure and avoid the future problems. how to motivate my team. Last but not least, you choose ABAC for your gradu- the research methodology and economet- ate studies and your selected rics help me understand how to make good As an ABAC Alumni and successful Program? reliable researches. business man, what do you sug- From the major subjects in finance, I have gest young global professionals Dr. Treerapot Kongtoranin Frankly speaking I chose ABAC firstly learnt how to manage money within and in terms of study and career because the university is near my working During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Treera- outside the of the corporate to minimise risks development? place and house. Secondly, I prefer to study and maximise returns on the business, such Dr. Treerapot Kongtoranin in English since it is a language that is widely pot discovered the interest for the machinery as using suitable financial instruments and Everybody has his own dreams. It is a mat- used in academic. Thirdly, the facilities and financial policies. ter of making decision (not choices). Once Bangkok Fastening Co.,Ltd industry in Germany, which later would influ- people are good. ence his career path significantly. Dr. Treera- you have made your decision, you will know Bachelor’s Degree : Mechanical Engineer there are many choices to get there. Then I have enrolled to PhD. program in Business How do your studies in Germany Chulalongkorn University pot shows us how important it is developing you make decision again and again, but Administration against Master program by benefit you as a business man and importantly you have to remember that you a passion, creating a clear vision and having the advice of Dr. Cherdpong Sibunruang, Master’s Degree : Mechatronics Technical keep closer to your dream. If career develop- former Dean of ABAC Martin de Tours School a private person? university Hamburg-Harburg a plan which leads to one person’s ultimate ment is your goal, you would need to know of Management. He suggested that study- goal. In the second part of the interview you Actually, it is not only the study itself that which skills do you need to be improved. ing PhD suited me better since I already had Ph.D. Degree : Business Admnistration gave benefits to me, but also the life in Ger- Once you know it, you can choose what you will read about strategic planning in order to a master. Until today I have to thank him for major Finance Assumption University many did. It was always my goal to work in want to study. At ABAC, there are plenty of this precious advice. remain successful in the 3rd generation of a Germany after the study and also to explore courses conducted by experienced profes- family business. sors. I am certain that one of the courses can match your demand and make your dream comes true. CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 026 Spotlight 027 From the Hotel and Tourism Classroom to the Mr.Thailand 2014 Competition: Mr Anurak
Our students participate and succeed in I am very pleased to have improved my various sport competitions national and in- personal level of health and vitality and so I ternational wide. One of these students is recently entered into the Mr. Thailand Body Mr. Anurak who found his passion in the dis- Building Competition staged in Pattaya City. cipline of bodybuilding. Certainly a scene which popularity is on the rise, also due to The competition was arranged under the encouraged young people like our MBA sponsorship of the Body Building Fitness As- Tourism Management student Mr. Anurak. sociation of Thailand and acknowledged What drives a young man being success- and supported with trophies by Princess ful in Body Building and how important is it Maha Chakri Sindhorn. This competition be- to succeed in competition, such as in Mr. gan in1980 and has been 34 times yearly Thailand 2014 (a Bodybuilding competition during April-May. The competition includes supported by The Bodybuilding and Fitness 10 categories. Winners and place holders Association of Thailand)? Find the answer in are eligible to represent Thailand in similar Mr. Anurak’s article: regional events.
So to brighten up your life and improve your As active young people we engage in a va- health why not start an exercise regime, riety of sports and athletic events. take care of your eating habits and take your vitality to the next level. Around two years ago I became interested in improving my personal fitness and started exercising and taking care of my diet. I liked it so much that I took it to the next level namely body building.
Anurak L. (MBA TRM Student Batch 563) CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 028 OGS Around The Campus 029 The Innovation, Frequently Asked Questions Creativity and OGS: A Service Center for Enterprise (ICE) Center for Current Students With support and cooperation from the government sector, GSB Graduate Students started the INNOVATION, CREATIVITY AND ENTERPRISE (ICE CENTER) which gives consultation and advice to Small and Medium Enter- How much do I need to spend for prises to compete at international standards. a program? Per term? The whole ABAC DATA SIM The agreement of cooperation between Assumption University program? and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (Office The OGS will provide special 3G Data Sim Packages of SMEs) was signed on 27 April 2006. In the first year of its success exclusively for graduate students. Students will have AU ABAC In average, expenses for the whole pro- eBookstore On App Store as the business incubator unit for 13 SMEs, the second year of MOU the opportunity to purchase Data Sim Packages at a was signed on August 16, 2007. gram is approximately 300,000 – 400,000 discount price by showing their AU student ID card. baht, the exact number is depending Data sim will be avaiable in the near future at AIS The newest version of the AU The new version of the ABAC upon the program because different outlets. We will inform our students, once the promo- eBook store provides free e- iPhone app will be developed The ABAC Social tion is avaiable. programs have different expense struc- contents for every student of with more features and data innovation in Management Assumption University as well integrating the graduate ture. The expense per term will be in the AU SIM for calling FREE amongst and Business Analysis ABAC group for 24 hours as paid versions for other uni- website. AU Information can range of 40,000 – 60,000 baht which is versities’ students. ABAC grad- be easily accessed on iOS Ap- (SIMBA) based on the number of credits that will uates will enjoy exclusive privi- ple mobile devices. The AU Exclusively for ABAC member (students, staff, faculty The ABAC SIMBA is a research center running under the cooper- leges when using the ABAC app provides users with useful be taken in that specific term. and alumni) offering by AIS and True for you with ation between the Graduate School of Business and the ABAC eBook store. information relevant to their • Free calling amongst ABAC community for Poll Research Center to contribute to and support the academic 24 hours. study at ABAC, such as ABAC Students can buy any avail- community and society with research services and innovated • Free calling to ABAC at tel. 023004543 and Academic news, calen- able magazine and books at knowledge to help strengthen the academic programs of As- dar, make up or cancelled I need to register 2 foundation student prices which will be sumption University. classes, exam schedule and cheaper than the price offered courses this trimester, but I Coffee Breaks & Snacks course information. Students complementary service for students by other eBook stores. More cannot study right now, what can access seamlessly updat- The ABAC Business Legal content are uploaded and ed information on iOS device should I do? Available at Hua Mak Campus on the 5th floor at partners are working on it. advisory Center (BLAC) the same way they access Café De Lux and 6th floor at Café du Brésil. Students As for the 24th years of Graduate School of Business and for the 40 who study at City Campus can have the service at The magazines can be easily information on the graduate You can join with next batch but main- years of Assumption University, Graduate School of Business was the Student’s lounge. Contact the staff at each café accessed, downloaded and website. taining status is required to do if there is for receiving your coupons with your registration slip read via the students’ iOS Ap- launched the ABAC Business Law Advisory Center (BLAC) on 19 no course work registration. when the trimester starts. ple as well as Android mo- June 2009. The ABAC BLAC will serve as a legal solutions and ad- vice for Small business, entrepreneurs and professionals and me- bile devices anywhere and iTouch& Learn anytime. The eBook Store is dium enterprises business and law consultation. Access to the Internet on campus available for download at the Could students join double major Apple App Store and Goog- To access WIFI Internet inside campus, the OGS pro- Organization le Play Store. Students can in master program at the same vides a personal Internet User ID for each student. Development Institute This ID is used for accessing the Internet while using search by typing the keyword time? AU WiFi internet on Campus as well as the student’s “Assumption” and then click (ODI) personal mailing ID. the app “ABAC Discounted GSB in cooperation with Ap- Only at Assumption University, we offer a real consulting body for It’s possible to study if there is no time eBook- store”. ple (Thailand) provides ex- enhancing multiple action learning experiences. The Organization conflict between two programs. clusive portable devices for Development Institute (ODI) is our truly consulting institute that pro- students to access class lec- vides OD services to many well-known private and government Self-Service Copy & Print Petition Online turing anywhere and anytime. organizations such as Singha Corporation, Krungsri Bank, IBM, Port All MBA students will have Authority of Thailand (PAT), Designated Areas for Sustainable Tour- OGS operates a combined self-service copy & print Graduate students can sub- I want to change my program user name and password to ism Administration (DASTA) and others. Therefore, students learn service for students to send print jobs from PC to self- mit your request for the aca- access class content of MBA from the real OD practitioners and experts in the OD fields, plus stu- to (name of the program), what service print stations located at Hua Mak Campus demic actions and approval computing lab at “A” building, 4th flr., and ABAC subjects. This allows students dents can explore opportunities in assisting ODI in real OD cases. via petition online form on the should I do? What documents City Campus student lounge. to access class content both graduate studies website. A PowerPoint slide and lecturer should I need? separate petition is required videos at real-time when ac- ABAC New WiFi Channel for each request and cov- cessible with public Internet Travel Services (ATS) You should fill up the petition form on ered only the specific request using iPhone or iPad or on The ATS office is the tourism service center to facilitate the students which either deans or program direc- Free WiFi access at ‘A’ Building exclusively for you are making. Students can demand when accessible to graduate students. Wireless network connected and faculty members’ hotel and air ticket reservations, tours, and tors should sign for approval and submit access the online petition af- website on PC. to:”Graduate Student wifi by OGS” which login for in- ter logging with student user Meeting Incentive Convention & Exhibition (MICE). to OGS and pay 1000 baht. Also, you ternet access: Username : Student ID and Password: name and password on the need to fill up application form and Citizen ID or Passport ID. current student page and Contact: I.T.C Assumption University Ramkhamhaeng Hua Mak Of- submit required documents again. clicking on the “Petition Req- fice of Graduate Studies, A -Building 3rd Floor uisition” on the left Phone: 02 719 1089 [email protected] CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 030 great escape 031
Swiss Fitness TRIP HILTON Centre at HOTEL AT Zurich FRANKFURT Airport AIRPORT
Dear Readers, I bring you to Frankfurt, Germany! I decided to stay at the Hilton Frankfurt Airport and found it The first Swiss Fitness Center with its own interna- a delightful place to call home during my brief tional airport airport seemed to be colorful for visit. The Hilton Frankfurt Airport is of the modern everyone who fancy at this! Generally at airport, design popular with Germans: lots of glass, sleek people travelling around, probably with fast pace lines, and modern furniture and fixtures. It was and seem stress. Hence, chilling and relaxing are constructed in a new mixed-use office, retail now possible at Zürich Airport, too. I could say that and conference complex built of steel and glass. you can enjoy special moments in a wonderful The hotel is very new and modern. This was the wellness and fitness oasis at the airport! Warm and perfect hotel to combine a day of sightseeing in friendly colour shades make the guest feel in an- Frankfurt. other world –far away from daily stress and hectic airport rush. The wellness and fitness offer meets An excellent hotel is connected directly to Termi- any taste. nal 1. The hotel is perfectly situated above the Air- port train station, which allows you to be in cen- Zurich Airport is with more than 120 destinations tral Frankfurt within 20 minutes. If you are catching flown to, one of the most important international a long haul train, the hotel is almost right on top of hubs in Europe Airport. This fitness is reachable the station. The hotel is in a new space called The in only 5 minutes by walking! They provide wide Squaire, a combination of the words “square” range of services: and “air,” which is connected to both the airport • Fitness with the expert guidance and the train station beneath, so travelers can • Back check (analysis of trunk muscles) get off their planes, go through customs, get their • InBody (Body Composition Analysis) bags, and even do some shopping as they walk • Power Plate to their hotel or connecting train without ever • Sauna mixed having to go outside. • Women’s sauna and man sauna • Sleeping room with water beds and aquarium The service at the Hilton Frankfurt Airport was top And one thing that you cannot miss, which is “Hot notch. Being welcomed by its management Mr. Chocolate Massage”. I tried this and felt like my Marc Snijders, and his team, the front desk staffs body was scented as Swiss chocolate! are friendly and efficient. Check in and out was very quick. Service at the hotel was distinctly old
Photo : www.zurich-airport.com Photo : www3.hilton.com CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 032 Academic Calendar 033
ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MBA PROGRAM 4/2013 ACADEMIC CALENDAR (Transitional Session) (May-August 2014)
Now - April 17, 2014 Application selling period for MBA (564-xxxx) Sun, 20 April 2014 MBA Written Entrance Examination (English) Sun, 27 April 2014 MBA Interview Entrance Examination Wed, 30 April 2014 Entrance Examination Result (English & Interview) 5-10 May 2014 Registration for New students (student admission ID 564-xxxx) Mon, 12 May 2014 Last day for final examination grades submission for 3/2013 fashioned in a very positive way. Team 14-21 May 2014 Registration period for Written Comprehensive Examinations members at the hotel pressed past their Sat, 10 May 2014 Induction Day for student admission ID 564-xxxx cultural tendencies and were uniformly Mon, 12 May 2014 Instructions begins for trimester 4/2013 (For Weekday Program) friendly and welcoming. Everyone I en- Sat, 17 May 2014 Instructions begins for trimester 4/2013 (For Weekend Program) countered welcomed me with a smile Sun, 18 May 2014 Late Final Examination for trimester 3/2013 and either a “Good morning,” “Morgen,” 12-19 May 2014 Mon, Sign up for Freshmen Seminar (564-xxxx students) at OGS “Hallo” or “Guten tag.” Most everyone 12 May 2014 Final examination grades release for 3/2013 spoke excellent English but also helped TRIP UBIS Last day to late register, adding/changing with fine and withdrawing courses without “W” on me out when I attempted to use what I will bring the readers to know a good national experience and is dedicated Mon, 26 May 2014 the transcript & to refund 50% of tuition fee German I speak, whether ordering break- university in Switzerland. I was invited to to meeting the needs of students. These (Apply for all MBA Programs) fast or dinner, or check-in and checkout be the guest speaker at the University professors come from the academic at the front desk. of Business and International Studies in world, international organizations and Wed, 4 June 2014 Eligible students to take Written Comprehensive Examination announced Written Comprehen- Geneva, Switzerland or UBIS. The topic from the business world and they offer Sun, 15 June 2014 sive Examination ( MM ) The elevators to the guest floors are glass which I went to give speech were individual attention and support to all 14-15 June 2014 Freshmen Seminar (for 564-xxxx students) on all four sides, contributing to an open students. Sun, 22 June 2014 Written Comprehensive Examination ( SM ) “Doing business in Thailand” feel as they ascend within the five-story Sun, 29 June 2014 Written Comprehensive Examination ( FM ) “Value Creation and Innovation in Asia” open lobby. Double glass doors that lead UBIS offers degrees in Dual SWISS/U.S. 23-30 June 2014 Mid-term Examination period from the elevator lobbies to the guest And I had a good opportunity to meet Bachelor and Master Level in Business Sun, 6 July 2014 Written Comprehensive Examination ( GM 1: MA, MIS, ME ) room hallways are triggered by motion the Dean Professor Philippe Laurent, he Administration and International Rela- Sun, 13 July 2014 Written Comprehensive Examination ( GM 2: OB, OM, IBM ) sensors and open automatically as the is a good friend of our Dean Professor tions as well as customized Industry Spe- & Field Trip Examination guest approaches. Kitti. This will be great to get to know cific Programs. 10 July 2014 Last day to petition for late mid-term examination UBIS more! Let’s take a look at UBIS, it Sun, 27 July 2014 Late mid-term examination day Rooms are large, very clean, and well fur- provides: UBIS is presently developing partner- 22-23 July 2014 MBA Online Pre-registration period for trimester 1/2014 (Only MBA Day/Evening Students) nished with lots of English TV channels. The 1. Swiss quality education, because ships with universities in the USA and Wed, 23 July 2014 Written Comprehensive Examination results announced room was nicely furnished - exactly what I Switzerland is internationally recognized elsewhere in the world, which would al- 24-31 July 2014 Period for Q & A on Written Comprehensive Examination papers would have expected of. as a center of excellence for educa- low students to study for a semester in (only for students who failed) tion. With 52 Faculties from The Geneva other schools and thus obtain broader Registration period for Oral Comprehensive Examination The hotel has an Executive Lounge on International Scene, UBIS maintain the international experience. 2 days before exam date Eligible students to take Oral Comprehensive Examination announced the 10th floor and access included with reputation of the Swiss reputation. certain rooms and rates. The lounge pro- 2. Flexible program because students That’s quite impressive when I arrived 15-21 August 2014 Submission of final examination papers for 4/2013 vides free Internet terminals, space to can choose program and adapt it to at UBIS, and gave speech there. Be- 22-31 August 2014 Final examination period meet with colleagues or clients, a buffet needs. You can study in or study online, cause university is in the international Fri, 15 August 2014 Last day to withdraw with “W” grade Frühstuck (breakfast) in the morning and wherever you are, on your time. environment, and with the interactive 8 August 2014 Oral Comprehensive Examination Period for MBA Professional Day (Batch 15) students a manager’s reception with complimen- 3. Personal touch because of personal class, I can get the full response from 9-10 August 2014 Oral Comprehensive Examination Period for MBA Fast Track, Hua Mak (Batch 13) students Oral tary beer, wine, and spirits accompanying attention to students’ needs, and an students. And they are willing to learn 15 August 2014 Comprehensive Examination Period for MBA Professional Evening (Batch 16) students Oral light hors d’oeuvres in the evenings. individualized curriculum, a lot of flexi- a new thing. Hence it seemed that the 19-20 August 2014 Comprehensive Examination Period for MBA (Day/Evening) students Breakfast, lunch and dinner are also avail- bility. It offers students personalized pro- knowledge they obtained from my lec- 8 August 2014 Oral Comprehensive Examination Period for MBA Double Degree (Batch 12) students able in the RISE Restaurant on the hotel’s gram adapted to students particular ture might inspire them to consider do- 16 August 2014 Oral Comprehensive Examination Period for MBA Fast Track, City Campus (Batch 18) students main floor. The FIFTH Lounge & Bar in the needs. Students have direct and per- ing business with Thai companies in the 27 August 2014 Oral Comprehensive Examination results announced atrium offers snacks to sandwiches and sonalized contact with the professors. future when graduation. According to 22-30 August 2014 Registration e-payment for 1/2014 trimester salads for lunch, dinner, and into the 4. International Environment because the location, it is easily access because (manual payment period for 571-xxxx MBA students) evening. of students from all over the world. Lo- it is quite close to the Geneva train sta- Sat, 30 August 2014 Induction Day for student admission ID 571-xxxx cated in Geneva, Switzerland, I can tion. I reached there easily with just a Mon, 8 September 2014 Last day to petition for late Final examination Breakfast was far better than expected. say that Geneva is arguably one of the few bus stops then I was there! Mon, 1 September 2014 Instructions begins for trimester 1/2014 (For Weekday Program) Excellent buffet breakfast: Fresh cooked most influential business capitals of the Sat, 6 September 2014 Instructions begins for trimester 1/2014 (For Weekend Program) waffles, omelets, eggs, and lots of good world with 200 international organiza- See you in the next volume. Sun, 21 September 2014 Late Final Examination for trimester 4/2013 fresh food. tions and 160 diplomatic missions.
Breakfast in the lounge was also good, Students today are more adaptable The Academic Calendar can be downloaded to your PC, iOS or Android device with a reasonable selection. On one of and open to experiential learning than Written by: To subscribe for the Online Calendar follow these Steps: the mornings we had breakfast down- the traditional theoretical/lecture learn- Dr. Voravee Pattaravongvisut 1. Visit http://grad.au.edu/ stairs, where there was a huge selection ing. The teaching staff of UBIS has inter- (MBA Full-Time Lecturer) 2. Click “Academic Calendar” of hot and cold items. 3. Click “MBA Online Calendar” 4. Follow Instruction in “Subscribe MBA Calendar Click Here” (http://www.graduate.au.edu/onlinecalendar/gradcalendar.html) CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 034 Insight Technology 035
How cool could a That’s not all. Most surprisingly, it talks. ‘Nest Protect’ could speak As we are in the ‘Smart Era’ where there to you with a human voice. It tells you what the problem is and are Smart Phones, Smart Watches, and where it is. And, if you have several ‘Nest Protect’ in your house, they could link to each other, and speak the same even if Wi-Fi is Smart TVs and so on. Security Appli- down. According to Nest Labs study, children can sleep through ance has no exception. That’s why Nest a beeping alarm. That’s why, ‘Nest Protect’ sounds the alarm and ‘Smoke Labs has launched the stunning prod- uses a human voice to wake up the kids. uct called: “Nest Protect”. It’s the ‘Smart’ In addition, ‘Nest Protect’ comes with ‘Pathlight’ function. It senses when you walk under it in the dark and gives off a soft white light Smoke Alarm unit that could operate like to help you find your way. After you pass by, ‘Pathlight’ automati- nothing else. Cnet ‘s review concluded cally turns itself off. Also, to avoid waking you up at night because of low-battery chirping, ‘Nest Protect’ will glow green after you that: “For $129, it is the best smoke de- turn off the light,which indicates that batteries and sensors are Detector’ be? tector in the market”. functioning perfectly. Once it glows in yellow, this means it has de- tected something is wrong. You simply need to stand under ‘Nest Protect’ and wave at it to hear its message. So, what exactly makes the Nest Protect Smart? It comes with the online connectivity feature (connected via Wi-Fi) that allows it to For easy self-installation, ‘Nest Protect’ could operate with 6 AA En- report its status remotely via a web browser, iOS or Android apps. ergizer Lithium batteries that would last for multi year of operation. Via apps, you will receive a notification once smoke or carbon Sadly, it is not yet officially available in Thai’s territory, but it is widely monoxide is detected. Furthermore, the motion detector allows available in most US top ecommerce site. you to silence the alarm by waving your hands in front of it. This is to avoid inaccessibility if ‘Nest Protect’ is mounted on a high ceiling. Edited by: Narachai TREETIPBUT E-commerce Merchandise Manager, Siam Makro Public Company Ltd CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 CONNECT GSB Newsletter June 2014 036 life style University Collaborations 037
My Name is Echo Wang and I am a 28 year old MBA Program Chinese girl who is presently studying a MBA Program at Assumption University in Thailand.
I am older than most of the students in my class because during my col- lege years, I had a strong desire to see the world. So, when my friends left college and went to University, I want to work to save enough money to start my travelling. I have been able to travel to 40 countries because as a student I realized how important learning English was. English became my passport to the world. While my friends were show- ing each other their Guccii and Hermes bags, I was saving and spend- ing my money on air tickets and started travelling the world on a shoe string budget. I did not travel in a tour group except for one time when I joined a backpacker tour because a friend was going. I have had to shake off the expectations of my family and friends who believed that life was getting married, and acquiring wealth and security. I consider myself fortunate that I was able to resist these pressures and live my life as I wanted to. I often have to remind my family and friends that” I am not in this world to live up to your expectations”.
I remember a good friend once telling me that “There is no job in the world worth dying for and if you don’t like what you are doing then go do something else.” This was probably the best advice I have ever been given.
During my travels, I met some incredible people and had some amaz- ing experiences. It was in Israel that I overcame my fear of heights by doing a tandem sky dive.
Once I overcame the fear of heights I found myself getting into other activities in different countries. I went bungee jumping in Thailand, paragliding in Austria and Australia. I was able to experience a flight in an acrobatic plane, a glider and got to fly a helicopter during my This is an innovative AU MBA butterflies visits to Australia. Program with only one semes-
I love adventure and from being a non-swimmer, I have managed to ter (3-4 months) studying in learn to swim and scuba-dive. However, the greatest pleasure, I have Yunnan University Kunming, China. It is intended had doing these things is meeting people and sharing the passion of and designed for those MBA what they do. These people are living their own life and are willing to students (international and/ are free share them with others. or Chinese at AU) who want of Finance and In the past 3 years, I have learnt to ski, ride a motorcycle and drive a to have an opportunity to ex- car. All of this has happened because of my own desire to learn new pose themselves to the Chi- skills and the assistance and encouragement from people I have met nese business environment during my travels. Economics and Chinese culture by taking No matter where I have been and the things I have done, I believe some relevant courses, con- that people in all countries are happy to share their culture with peo- AU MBA Plus Program (English/Chinese) ducting field studies, and es- ple from different cultures. Unfortunately, many tourists miss out on the tablishing professional ties in opportunity to meet people because they travel in groups, stay with the same group in a five star hotel and make little effort to know the China. people in the places they visit.
I am often asked what my favorite city was and that is a very diffi- cult question to answer as I have great memories from dozens of cities AU encourages its MBA students to take four courses/subjects (12 credits) in China and acknowl- around the world. If I am pushed for an answer I probably would say edges the transfer of these 12 credits taken at YUFE.(When YUFE has full-time MBA students en- The expenses involved in this China “Jerusalem”. This is a city I will never forget. I felt I had stepped back in rolled, they will enjoy the same opportunity in AU.) study semester will be: time and I found the people both intelligent and friendly. Also people often ask what my favorite country is and that when I think about the Upon completion of all academic requirements, students are conferred with the AU MBA degree. • A fee for taking the 12-credit John Lennon song “Imagine”. Imagine all the people The study at YUFE could be arranged in the beginning semester or any of the semesters AU con- courses and other activities: RMB 12,500 (62,500 baht) Living for today... siders appropriate. The courses and other learning activities offered at YUFE can be in Chinese Imagine no possessions or English, depending upon the participants’ language preference. The courses and learning • Cost of 4 months’ accommodations: I wonder if you can activities include: RMB 2000 (10,000 baht) for 2-person No need for greed or hunger on-campus room A brotherhood of man • Chinese Economy and Business Environment (3 credits) RMB 6000 (30,000 baht) for food & misc. Imagine all the people • Cross-Cultural Business Communication (3 credits) Sharing all the world... • The ASEAN Market Analysis and Investment Strategy (3 credits) • Guest Lectures (series) on Chinese Society and Humanities (1.5 credit) Estimated Total: RMB 20,500 (102,500 baht) I think the lyrics of this song says it all and when I am asked my favorite • Corporate Visits/Projects/Internship (1.5 credit) country I tell people “I have no favorite country…only favorite people. • Culture study trips in Yunnan, China (non-credit) Graduate School of Business Master of Business Administration University of Brighton, UK • M.B.A. Day & Evening (Marketing, Finance, General - MBA+MSc Management (General) Management, Entrepreneurship) - MBA+MSc Management (Entrepreneurship) • i M.B.A. (Mobile Learning Integration) - MBA+MSc Management (Human Resources) POSTGRADUATE • M.B.A. (Innovation Management) - MBA+MSc Management (Innovation) • M.B.A. (Computer for Organization Management) - MBA+MSc Management (Public Services) and • M.B.A. (Automation and Industrial Management) • M.B.A. (Weekend-Track) Cesar Ritz Colleges, Switzerland • M.B.A. Professional (Day Program) - MBA+MA.IB (Master of International Business in • M.B.A. Professional (Evening Program) Hospitality and Tourism Management) DOCTORAL • M.B.A. Fast-Track (Hua Mak Campus, City Campus) • M.B.A. Special Program (S-M.B.A.) Graduate Graduate School of English School • Mini M.B.A. (Professional Management Certificate) of English • M.A. (English Language Teaching) M.B.A. (Technology Management) PROGRAMS • M.A. (Professional English Media Studies) M.B.A. (Tourism Management) M.S. (Investment Analysis and Management) • Ph.D. (English Language Teaching) M.M. (Organization Development and Management) Ph.D. (Management and Organization Development) Graduate School of e-Learning (GSeL) Ph.D. (Hospitality and Tourism Management) • M.S. (Management) • M.S. (Information and Communication Technology) Double Degree with Overseas Universities • M. Ed (Teaching and Technology) University of the West of England, UK (Double Degree) • Ph.D. (Teaching and Technology) • M.B.A.+MSc. (International Management) • Ph.D. (eLearning Methodology) • M.B.A.+MSc. (Marketing) Faculty of Science and Technology She eld Hallam University, UK (Double Degree) • M.S. (Computer Science) • M.B.A. + MSc. (International Marketing) • M.S. (Information Technology) Anglia Ruskin University, UK (Double Degree) • M.S. (Technology Management) • M.B.A.+MS. (Management) • M.S. (Communication and Computer Network Technology) • M.B.A.+MA. (International Business) • Ph.D. (Computer Science) • M.B.A.+MA. (International Logistics) • Ph.D. (Information Technology) • M.B.A.+MA. (Human Resource Management) • Ph.D. (Communication and Computer Network Technology) • M.B.A. MA. (International Sustainable Tourism Management) • M.B.A.+MA. (Accounting & Financial Analysis) Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics University of Applied Sciences Mainz, Germany • M.S. (Supply Chain Management) (Double Degree) • M.S. (Finance and Economics) • M.B.A.+MA. IB (Master of Arts in International Business) • Ph.D. (Business Administration) City University of Seattle, USA (Double Degree) • M.B.A.+M.B.A. (Marketing Management, Global Graduate School of Education Management, Project Management) • M. Ed. (Educational Administration) • M. Ed. (Curriculum and Instruction) La Trobe University, Australia (Double Degree) • M.S. (Counseling Psychology) • M.B.A.+LMFA (Master of Financial Analysis) • M.A. (Psychology) • M.B.A.+LMFAF (Master of Financial Analysis Investment) • Ph.D. (Educational Leadership) • M.B.A.+LMPA (Master of Professional Accounting) • Ph.D. (Counseling Psychology) • M.B.A.+LMMM (Master of Marketing Management) • M.B.A.+LMIB (Master of International Business) Graduate School of Philosophy & Religion • M.A. (Philosophy) Australian Catholic University, Australia (Triple Degree) • M.B.A.+2 Degrees : Master of Human Resource • M.A. (Religious Studies) Management and M.B.A. (ACU, Australia) • Ph.D. (Philosophy) • M.B.A.+2 Degrees : Master of Marketing and M.B.A. • Ph.D. (Religious Studies) (ACU, Australia) • M.B.A.+2 Degrees : Master of Professional Accounting and Faculty of Law M.B.A. (ACU, Australia) • M.A. (International Law and Diplomacy), • M.B.A.+2 Degrees : Master of Business Information Systems (International Program) and M.B.A. (ACU, Australia) • LL. M. (Business Law), (Thai Programs) • LL. M. (Public Law), (Thai Programs) Yunnan University of Finance & Economics, China • LL. M. (Business Law), (International Program) • M.B.A.+ M.B.A. • LL. M. (Taxation Law), (International Program) Application for Admissions is all year round Toulouse University, France • M.B.A.+M.Sc. (Marketing of Innovative Technologies) Faculty of Arts • M.A. (Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language) Classes start: Jan. | May. | Sep. Faculty of Biotechnology • M.S. (Food Biotechnology) • Ph.D. (Food Biotechnology)
Tel : 02 719 1929 [email protected] 081 815 1237