Preparing for Tomorrow: ATF Welcomes Scholarship Recipients for 2024-2025 Academic Year

Preparing for Tomorrow: ATF Welcomes Scholarship Recipients for 2024-2025 Academic Year

The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand Foundation (ATF) warmly welcomed its 2024-2025 scholarship recipients during a two-day orientation camp held in Bangkok from January 20 to 22. The event featured a series of engaging workshops and activities aimed at equipping students with essential life skills and practical insights as they prepare to embark on their academic journeys at universities and vocational schools across Thailand.

Heidi Gallant, the Vice President of the ATF and Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM ), highlighted the significance of the program, saying:

“Our ATF Scholarship program and the orientation and career camps, empower students with the tools they need to navigate their educational and professional paths. AMCHAM member companies play a crucial role by raising funds, providing resources for impactful workshops, and generously sponsoring goody bags for the students.”

During the orientation camp, AMCHAM member companies conducted workshops on essential skills and personal development, including:

• Ice-Breaker Activities by Nathapong Saelim of Dale Carnegie, fostering teamwork and communication.
• CPR Training by First Aid Training Bangkok, teaching life-saving skills.
• Digital Literacy and AI Awareness by Petcharat Keawsuttha and Natthapong Rattanaprasart of HP Thailand, covering topics like generative AI in academia and practical AI applications beyond the classroom.
• DrinkiQ Workshop by Shutchada Chandrangsu of Diageo, educating students on the risks of excessive alcohol consumption and strategies for staying safe.
• Designing the Life of Your Dreams with Ikigai by Samantha Lauver-Marion from AIHM & Minor Education, inspiring students to explore their life purpose and passions.

The workshops received enthusiastic feedback from participants. Chutikan Phatthasathienchai from Lamphun College of Agriculture and Technology remarked, “As a hill tribe descendant from the North, visiting Bangkok for the first time—it is nerve wracking; but I not only received a warm welcome from the ATF team but also had the pleasure of meeting friends from universities and vocational colleges across the country.”

In addition to the program, the trio Natthawut Khaderee from Walailak University, Tai Saichan from Khon Kaen University, and Sarawoot Promwijit from Prince of Songkhla University shared their appreciation for the well-organized facilities that embraced diversity and inclusion, from hospitality to food. Sarawoot commented, “It is more than a camp. It is a journey—a source of essential knowledge gained from incredible sessions with experts from AIHM, Diageo, HP, and CPR training. It is an experience I will truly cherish.”

In 2024, the ATF raised over 3 million baht, enabling scholarships for 84 deserving students. The AMCHAM Thailand Foundation has set its sights on even greater impact for 2025, aiming to expand the program to support 100 students pursuing university and vocational education. By investing in these future leaders, ATF is not only transforming individual lives but also strengthening the skilled labor force critical to Thailand’s continued growth and development. 

The ATF focuses on supporting disadvantagedstudents by providing access to academic, vocational, and professional opportunities. Through partnerships with AMCHAM member companies, the foundation equips scholarship recipients with critical skills to thrive academically, professionally, and within their communities.

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 donation money goes overhead, as administrative support is provided entirely by AMCHAM staff and the Community Projects Council. Contact  foundation@amchamthailand.com for more information.