1st Graduation Class (1995)

   Before the story, I would like to thank Assoc. Prof. Sujitra Wongasemjit and Assoc. Prof. Tim White who gave me a chance to transfer some of my good experiences in Singapore. Moreover, I could not forget to thank the Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University for the permission to let my story be a part of PPC newsletter.
   My life in Singapore was started since May 2006 after Prof. Sujitra and I met Prof. Tim, my boss whom Prof. Sujitra and I agreed that his side view looks like Prince Charles of Wales, at a conference in Italy. He is interested in Prof. Sujitra’s works and had mentioned with her about the recruitment of research fellow position for his group. Prof. Sujitra suddenly introduced me as one of a good competitor (strongly and confidentially supporter!) and I am deeply indebted to thank Prof. Tim that he also gave me a chance to join his team.
    In my working life, Prof. Tim challenged me with the first work in catalytic hydroxyapatite (HAp). As well known, HAp is a biomaterial that is mostly used in biomedical applications, but surprisingly it can present very good catalytic activities. Learning deeply in this new catalyst except well known catalysts (reducible, irreducible oxide or zeolite) that I am familiar. My current works can divide into two groups of materials, HAp based catalysts (semiconductor, phosphate apatite, metal-substituted and metal loading) and nanomaterials for catalytic and biomedical applications (TiO2, SiO2 nanosphere, gold nanoshell, and metal oxide encapsulated gold). All of them give me enormous experiences in term of toughness, knowledge and attentiveness. One advantage of working in Singapore is the completeness of research facilities and grants so this is the reason why researches here have done very well.
    Another experience I could not forget to share is teaching, an important chance that changes my attitude and standing point. Last two semesters I had a chance to teach the XRD, SEM and TEM analytical techniques in laboratory course and this is the sparking point to let me know how much I like to teach. Previously, to be a lecturer was out of my mind, only industrials those I would like to join. Because of this valuable chance I can find out what I actually would like to be. Beside teaching and my own researches, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research works are also allowed me to improve my socialization and leadership skill. Moreover, being a part of their success is my appreciation (I could be Miss Universe, love children).
    Except my working life, the Singaporean life style is also interesting to understand. The organization strategies involving the safety, transportation, and cleanness of this country are so impressive, but there are a lot of pressure and stress for living here. One thing I have found and really appreciate is that Singaporean love to travel in Thailand because of very delicious foods, cheaper products, especially our nice characters as a land of smile.
    It is only less than two years for staying here, the experiences that I have received are enormous, even my working or life style attitudes. It is my pleasure to be a small spot of Thai who can promote our country in different ways and always be proud to say “Yes” when someone asks me, “Oh! Is it really that you graduated from the Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand?”
   Mei-ing has been a great addition to our research team, bringing essential skills in catalysis and chemical processing. She has also been able to play a mentoring role through the supervision of final year project and graduate students. Another important task has been building a collaborative research program with the Institute of Chemical & Engineering Science that is creating a sophisticated synergy for investigating correlations in nanomaterials processing, advanced characterization and catalytic activity. Not the least of her contributions of course, has been an infusion of the happy Thai disposition to the laboratory!