Dr. Wisuwat Wannamakok is a lecturer at the Graduate School, Dusit Thani College, Bangkok, Thailand. He receives his doctorate in Business and Management at Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan (STUST).  Dr. Wannamakok teaches postgraduate-level courses, such as Strategic Strategy for Business Competitiveness. With his keen research interest in entrepreneurship, social innovation, and entrepreneurial education, Dr. Wannamakok has published research papers in numerous academic journals, such as Gender in Management, Studies in Higher Education, Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, etc. His work was recognized by the academic communities, including Brad Hosler Award for Outstanding Student Paper at the 2019 PICMET International Conference (USA), Samaggi Abstract Competition at the Samaggi Samagom 2022, the Thai Association in the United Kingdom, and the 2021 TSC Award for Excellent Ph.D. Dissertation (Taiwan). As a result, he has been selected to be distinguished foreign alumni of STUST supported by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan this year.

My studies in Taiwan were decisive after receiving a Ph.D. scholarship at Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST) back in 2017. I, therefore, attended Taiwan Freshmen Seminar for Thai Students 2017 held in Bangkok, Thailand. My understanding of Taiwan and preparing for my Ph.D. journey at STUST has begun ever since. 

The College of Business of Southern Taiwan University of Science and  Technology has been authorized by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan to offer undergraduate and graduate programs since 1996. The general goal of having international degree courses is to share Taiwanese experience in economic development and contribute knowledge to international students. In addition, more specific goals of The College of Business, STUST are to train management professionals to have an international outlook, to cultivate Taiwan’s educational links and cooperation within Southeast Asia, and to pursuit advance managerial research achievement for enhancing the international academic status of the College of Business at STUST.

In this sense, to push further business globalization, the Ph.D. program at STUST nurtures professionals in both fields of business and management. Recruitments are thus limited to international students only and the courses are exclusively conducted in English. Importantly, the Doctoral Program at STUST aims to produce research scholars who will contribute to new research papers with new techniques. As a result, I have published research papers in several academic journals, such as Gender in Management, Studies in Higher Education, Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, etc.  

Facilitating the research environment at STUST supports my research works and they were recognized by numerous academic communities, including Brad Hosler Award for Outstanding Student Paper at the 2019 PICMET International Conference (USA), Samaggi Abstract Competition at the Samaggi Samagom 2022, the Thai Association in the United Kingdom, and the 2021 TSC Award for Excellent Ph.D. Dissertation (Taiwan).

This is to confirm that the College of Business Administration has a rich faculty to encourage graduate students to explore the important, but still unresolved, economic and social issues. Thanks to the high degree of internationalization in the college and its stimulation of multiculturalism, it is very beneficial to nurturing innovative ideas and cultivating creativity in students. These award-winnings also show the excellent educational quality of the high-level research talent training of Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology.

My college time in Taiwan has passed by quickly and I have found many treasures along the way. Apart from my Ph.D. journey at STUST, I have attended several activities. Especially, the host family program where I have met mindful people and friends through activities.

I also learned more about Taiwanese culture and the way of local life during my time traveling around Taiwan. Especially, Taiwanese food. Taiwan has a variety of cuisine attributed to the different cultures in the country. Foods widely eaten in the nation are rice and soy with seasonings including soy sauce, peanuts, sesame oil, and rice wine. Seafood, such as fish, squids, and various crustaceans, as well as meat, especially pork, are an essential part of Taiwanese cuisine. The Buddhists in the country do not eat beef, making it unpopular, although a large portion of the population enjoys the Taiwanese beef noodle soup. Besides, in the present world, the country produces some of the world’s best teas. Taiwanese traditional made tea is distinctive with quality and art. 

Finally, studying in Taiwan provided me with experiences in new places and cultures, making friends from around the world, and gaining a global perspective–while earning credits for my degree. This allows me to develop highly-valued skills such as intercultural communication, foreign languages, adaptability, and problem-solving. 

As we all know that studying abroad helps us to learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, overcome the challenges of living in another country, and gain a greater understanding of the world. These are all things those modern businesses look for when hiring, and such traits will only become more important in the future. Therefore, I would love to present Taiwan as your priority choice for studying aboard.