Team Sawetachote, Thailand

I am Team Sawetachote from Thailand. You can call me 蔡德明 in Chinese!

It's fantastic how time seems to fly by in the blink of an eye and how rapidly our world is evolving, but some things never change - like the warm and welcoming nature of Taiwan and its people. In the previous year, I was thrilled to receive the E-SUN Bank ASEAN Talent Scholarship for 2022. This scholarship provides me with the opportunity to pursue my master's degree. I am grateful for this valuable opportunity, as it not only enhances my academic journey but also allows me to establish a network with fellow Southeast Asian students studying in Taiwan.

As a graduate student in the International Program on Urban Governance (IPUG) at National Taipei University, studying in this program marks a significant milestone in my academic journey. “Solving global urban challenges through the Asian lens” is the overarching theme we learn from the IPUG program. While it is a bit disheartening to realize that I have just two semesters left, I am fully committed to making the most of my time here. During my research trial, I aim to expand my knowledge beyond what is found in textbooks as much as I can, and learn from my esteemed thesis advisor who I fondly call my "empowering teacher".

Another noteworthy aspect of my study abroad experience has been acquiring practical knowledge from JGB Smart Property, a leading PropTech real estate firm in Taiwan. I am grateful to my IPUG director for recommending me to work with them and to CEO Joanna for her guidance, as this opportunity has provided me with valuable real-world work experience.

I would say that my perception of Taiwan as a country I love and a destination where I can fully immerse myself in modern Asian culture remains unchanged. I can't imagine my Taiwan adventure without the lovely people I've met along the way - my awesome classmates, inspiring colleagues, and dear friends from both Thailand and beyond. You guys always put a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart. I want to say a big "Thank You" in every sentence since you all have played such an important role in shaping who I am today. So, let's dive into these incredible stories and celebrate the journey together!

Team Sawetachote