AIT, 05 August 2026 — Following the orientation program for new students of the Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development (FPSD), a special FPSD Alumni Talk quickly followed at the Milton E. Bender Auditorium featuring Dr. Napaphat Satchanawakul from UN ESCAP. This FPSD Alumni Talk is the first of many more that the faculty will be organizing in the future.
Returning to Roots: A Story of Inspiration
As a proud alumnus of FPSD’s Gender and Development Studies (GDS) program, Dr. Napaphat’s return offered incoming FPSD students an inspiring glimpse into their potential future careers. Seeing a former student who once sat in their shoes now addressing complex global challenges at the United Nations provided a powerful boost of motivation as they begin their academic journey.
Key Takeaways: Megatrends Shaping the Asia-Pacific
In his presentation, “Megatrends Shaping Asia-Pacific Development: Preparing Future Development Practitioners,” Dr. Napaphat outlined crucial regional shifts transforming public policy:
- Demographic Transitions: Navigating the economic and social impacts of population ageing.
- Digital Inclusion: Bridging technology gaps to ensure equitable regional growth.
- Long-Term Care & Social Protection: Strengthening intergenerational solidarity and care systems
He emphasized that future practitioners must master cross-disciplinary skills and inclusive policy analysis to effectively address these evolving trends.
About the Speaker
Dr. Napaphat Satchanawakul serves as a Social Affairs Officer at UN ESCAP’s Sustainable Demographic Transition Section. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from King’s College London alongside his academic background from AIT’s GDS program, and previously served as a faculty member at Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research.
The event wrapped up with an engaging Q&A, leaving AIT’s newest cohort inspired and ready to tackle future’s global challenges.
