WRITER: SCOTT MICHAEL SMITH

Asst. Prof. Dr. Jirayu Poomontree Kasemsant
Director, Career Training Center
Fulltime Lecturer, Department of Marketing, MSME
Vice President, Thailand Marketing Research Society (TMRS)
Specialties: Advanced Statistics, Market Research, IT and Data Mining

Dr. Jirayu’s commitment to lifelong learning is evidenced by his three Master’s degrees to complement his PhD. Bangkok born, Aj Kaew, as he is known on campus, studied at Saint Gabriel’s (SG Batch 63) before earning a Bachelor’s degree in applied statistics (2nd Hons) from KMITL. Then, Dr. Jirayu earned two Master’s degree; Chulalongkorn University for statistics and the University of Wollongong for Business Information System (AU Scholarship) before completing his Ph.D. in Management from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), followed by a third Master’s degree from NIDA in Business Economics. He has also received 2 Senior Executive Certificates in Public Economics (Batch 5) and AEC (Batch 4) from King Prajadhipok's Institute. Aj Kaew enjoys reading about the Three Kingdoms and shares Zhuge Liange’s adage “Know him, know us, a hundred battles, a hundred wins”.

From 2009 till now, Asst. Prof. Dr. Jirayu led an elite team from Thailand Marketing Research Society (TMRS) to reinvestigate how the Social Economic Status (SES) of Thais has progressed due to Covid-19 pandemic and has been a member of TMRS since 1989 and a board member of Marketing Association of Thailand (MAT) between 2017 and 2018.

Short Answer Questions

1. What/Who inspired you to be a teacher?

“Rev. Bro. Martin is a wonderful role model. I have great respect and admiration for Brother Martin. When he asked me to join the faculty at Assumption University, I could not refuse.”

2. What do you like most about teaching at Assumption University?

“I like the people. My colleagues are wonderful to work with. I can teach in my style. Our University is well known for business and well respected.”

3. What one piece of advice would you give to your students?

“Don't think of situations as difficult. Think of your obstacles as challenges."

4. What values are most important to you?

"Try your best. Perseverance, Striving for Excellence and Mastery are guiding principles of MSME Business School.”

5. What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

"I mange my financial portfolio, read, study, learn.” Actually, when I am studying, I am very focused and not easily distracted. If I am in the process of learning, I like to give it my full attention.”

6. What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

“Students seem to think I am a tough Ajarn, but they discover quickly that I am a sincere and kind lecturer.”

7. What is your favorite quote?

"Work Hard and Play Hard"

8. If there was a book about your life, what would be the title of the book?

“The History of Dr. Jirayu Poomontree Kasemsant”

9. What is “THE NEXT BIG THING” for your industry?

“AU will be number one in non-degree program for executives. Providing opportunities for our students, alumni and business leaders to Upskill/Reskill will be important to succeed in a fast paced and dynamic world.”