Investing in Thailand’s Future through Education: AMCHAM/FedEx Career Camp 2022

On August 21 - 24, 2022, the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand Foundation (ATF) hosted a four-day orientation camp for students of its scholarship program. AMCHAM’s diverse member community dedicated their time and resources to conduct in-person workshops, site visits, and give presentations to ATF’s new scholarship recipients.

During the camp, participating students gained valuable training on key career and life skills to prepare them for the working world. “Through the ATF Scholarship program and the Career Camp, we are investing in future leaders of Thailand. Our member companies step up each year to raise critical funds for the program, provide their HR professionals to conduct mock-interviews, and sponsor gifts for the student goody bags.”  said the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) Executive Director Heidi Gallant.

The workshops focused on job interviewing and resume writing skills, effective communications, and growing their connections and professional networks to equip these students for the world of tomorrow and aid their personal and professional development. They also gained first-hand experiences in a mock job interview session where they were interviewed by Human Resources personnel from AMCHAM member companies. ”This is one of the greatest camps I have ever joined because the camp has different activities from others. I had a chance to listen to several talented guest speakers who shared their experiences and taught us how to apply skills learned from the camp in the real business world.” said AMCHAM scholarship student Kittiphong Chusen from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi.

During the last two years, due to the pandemic, the Career Camp was organized virtually but with the easing of restrictions this year, the event was organized in-person and was generously sponsored by AMCHAM Silver member FedEx.

Goody bag items for the students were sponsored by 3M Thailand, Aditya Birla Group, Anoogo, Colgate-Palmolive, Equator Pure Nature, Jelly Belly Candy Company, and Procter & Gamble.

Despite the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, with generous support from AMCHAM members, the ATF provides scholarships to more than 60 deserving students each year to complete their university studies in the Kingdom. For 2022, funding has been raised through various events and sponsorships from AMCHAM’s exclusive tier members including Agoda, Citibank, C.P. Group, Ford, Johnson & Johnson, Mastercard, Netflix, WHA Group, and corporate and individual donations from members. The 2022 scholarship application period is open until August 31, 2022.

Education has always been a core value for AMCHAM. Over the past 30 years, the ATF has supported university education for over 3,000 deserving Thai students from disadvantaged backgrounds through its scholarship program. The scholarships play a crucial role in providing financial assistance to the students and motivating them through their higher education.

About ATF

In 2004, AMCHAM formally registered the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand Foundation (ATF) to carry out its charitable activities. The ATF is recognized by the Ministry of Finance as a Public Charitable Organization (number 632) and donations are deductible in Thailand.

100% of all cash donations go to scholarships and direct program costs. No donations are applied to overheads, as administrative support is provided entirely by AMCHAM staff and the Community Projects Council.