Published Monday, November 10, 2003
Sky’s the Limit: An HGSE Student Profile
By Julia Laughlin
APPIAN STAFF WRITER

Jomphong Mongkhonvanit, an Ed.M. candidate in the International Education Policy program, has already accomplished more than many people will accomplish in a lifetime. He has taught at the college level, has founded an educational foundation in his native Thailand, and is currently working on his third degree from a major American university. And this 27-year-old (yes, 27) is not finished yet.

Mongkhonvanit originally came to the United States to pursue his bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Wisconsin. And although he doesn’t tout his impressive work experience, a conversation with him that post-college, he taught social science in Thailand at one of the two universities that his father founded—Siam University.

Still enthusiastic about higher education, he soon returned to the States to earn his master’s degrees in public affairs from Columbia University. He finished the degree early last year, traveled back to Thailand to continue his work for his family’s institutions, and is now back in the U.S., studying at HGSE. He plans to return to his homeland post-graduation. When asked exactly what he hopes to accomplish there, he smiles, “I have many ideas.” After some nudging, he gradually reveals one goal--to facilitate educational reform.

Jomphong informs me that Thailand is presently undergoing pedagogical and administrative reform. “Right now,” he calmly explains, “educational decisions are centralized in the capital, Bangkok. Reformers are striving to decentralize education in order to empower individual districts.” Ultimately, he believes, such administrative reform, in conjunction with curriculum alterations, will provide students with more choices; he hopes that Thailand’s children will develop better communication and creative thinking skills.

For instance, curriculum is beginning to focus on culture and art, while also emphasizing English language and computer literacy. “After [Thailand’s] national economic crisis in 1977,” he adds, “we realized the importance of competitive human capital for sustainable development in this globalization era.”

Mongkhonvanit wants to help Thai students live up to their fullest potential. This unassuming gentleman is up to the challenge, showing only enthusiasm and optimism for such soaring goals.

Perhaps his quiet self-assurance stems from his family’s successful history: his father and other family members have already developed two of the largest educational institutions in Thailand: Siam University (15,000 students) and the Siam Institute of Technology (10,000).

Nevertheless, Jomphong insists that his passion for education was not related to his family’s endeavors, but that it is actually a direct result of an eye-opening community service venture in rural Northeast Thailand in 2002. He recounts, “the schools there are very poor, and I couldn’t believe that only 1-2 percent of [those] students go on to secondary school…none went to college.” “Most girls there,” he adds, “have few choices, the boys, no future.” On this trip, Mongkhonvanit and others built a library and provided various services to local children. He envisioned a goal and made it come to life.

His philanthropic service did not end when the trip was over. These experiences in Northeast Thailand prompted the development of the Foundation of Art for Student and Social Development, which Mongkhonvanit founded in collaboration with friends. In this program, children in Thailand’s disadvantaged areas are encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards “education and life in general.” He modestly adds, “We are lucky to be sponsored by foundations in Thailand.”

Not one to quit while he’s ahead, Mongkhonvanit also hopes to evoke change in the ever-changing world of technology. He wants to bridge the technology gap by encouraging computer and technology providers to donate instruments to underprivileged schools and community centers that need them.

This challenging venture, similarly to his others, might ordinarily sound idealistic and strenuous. However, Jomphong is bewilderingly both animated and calm when pushed to elaborate on his interests and goals. His subtle confidence makes his listener feel at ease.

In the meantime, back in the U.S., Mongkhonvanit is enjoying himself.

Academically, he is taking advantage of cross-registration at HGSE; he is registered in a Harvard Business School course called, “Entrepreneurships and Social Enterprises.” Always upbeat, Mongkhonvanit notes that the course is “wonderful” because it has opened his eyes to the social sector in the U.S. The case study methods provide him with the helpful opportunity to learn about classmates’ experiences and perspectives.

In addition to his grand career goals, Mongkhonvanit said he loves studying Eastern history and philosophy. Perhaps not surprisingly, he is especially interested in the philosophy and history of Thailand. However, when asked if he hopes to teach these subjects, he chuckles, “I will stick with management positions.”

But his interests are not limited to academia. He happily proclaims, “I’m interested in dining!” For instance, yesterday he traveled to Maine for fresh lobster. He also likes to take advantage of the Mecca of Japanese restaurants in Porter Square. For Thai food, Jomphong heads to Bangkok Basil on Beacon Street, and Ocha on Harvard Street.

Looking at his family’s history, it may seem obvious that Mongkhonvanit would pursue a career in education. “Actually,” he laughs, “I wanted to be a politician!” Fortunately for Thailand, he changed his mind.

For Mongkhonvanit, the sky is most definitely the limit.

Julia Laughlin, a masters candidate in the Specialized Program, is a member of the Appian Board of Editors.