AMCHAM Thailand Foundation Scholarship Student: Rujiraporn “Boom” Khamlong

Meet Rujiraporn “Boom” Khamlong, an outstanding alumna of the AMCHAM Thailand Foundation Scholarship Program, Class of 2016. She holds a B.A. in International Development from Mae Fah Luang University and a Master’s in Public Administration, specializing in Public Policy and Management, from Mahidol University. In February, Rujiraporn was instrumental in organizing the AMCHAM Parliament Visit. With a deep passion for community service and language, she now serves as a Foreign Relations Officer at the Secretariat of the House of Representatives, National Assembly of Thailand.

My name is Rujiraporn Khamlong, affectionately known as Boom, I embody the dedication, resilience, and thirst for knowledge that have defined my academic and professional journey. Born and raised in Phitsanulok, Thailand, I discovered my passion for language early on, marking my first significant academic and personal achievement during my secondary education. Driven by this passion, I practiced language and communication skills through various projects, field work research and questionnaires, volunteer work with foreigners, and environmental initiatives. These efforts aimed to develop my potential and my pursuit of higher education has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, despite numerous challenges.

My educational odyssey began with a Bachelor’s degree in International Development from Mae Fah Luang University, where I cultivated a passion for community service and social responsibility as an AMCHAM scholarship student. Navigating higher education while balancing financial responsibilities posed significant hurdles, but I persevered, leveraging every opportunity to expand my horizons and make a meaningful impact. During my undergraduate studies, I was awarded the AMCHAM Scholarship, a beacon of hope for aspiring scholars seeking to fulfill their academic aspirations. Motivated by a desire to excel and a commitment to lifelong learning, I applied for the scholarship, recognizing AMCHAM’s reputation for promoting educational excellence.

Receiving the AMCHAM Scholarship was transformative, providing financial assistance and serving as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. This support enabled me to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on public policy and management at Mahidol University. The AMCHAM scholarship alleviated the financial burden and opened doors to opportunities that were previously out of reach. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, I embarked on a path to success in foreign affairs and public service.

Participating in AMCHAM Orientation and Career Camps further fortified my professional development, offering practical insights and tools for navigating the workforce, such as drafting CVs and resumes. Through workshops, mock interviews, and networking sessions, I honed my interpersonal skills and expanded my professional network, preparing me for the challenges of the corporate world.

Currently, I serve as a Foreign Relations Officer at the Secretariat of The House of Representatives, National Assembly of Thailand. Over the past seven years, I have gained valuable insights into international relations and diplomacy, through roles in top private companies like CP ALL Pub Co., Ltd., and in the public sector with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Industry. I am grateful for the support and opportunities afforded to me by the AMCHAM Scholarship. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to lifelong learning, cultural exchange, and community service, and I am excited to continue making meaningful contributions to society.

“The impact of the AMCHAM scholarship on my life and academic journey cannot be overstated. It alleviated the financial burden and opened doors to opportunities that were previously beyond my reach.” — Rujiraporn “Boom” Khamlong