On January 28, 2025, CMKL University had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Teerakiat Jareonsettasin, a prominent member of the CMKL Board of Trustees, for an insightful and inspiring interview. Sharing stories from his diverse career, Dr. Teerakiat offered a glimpse into his transformative journey, his leadership philosophy, and his enduring dedication to education.

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From Medicine to Politics—and Beyond

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Dr. Teerakiat’s path began in medicine as a child psychiatrist, but destiny had other plans. In 2014, he was invited to establish the Crown Property Foundation for Education, a role that unexpectedly led him to serve as Thailand’s Minister of Education during a pivotal period of political transition. Reflecting on his journey, he cites the founding of CMKL University as one of his proudest achievements. “Imagine if CMKL didn’t exist,” he shared. “With AI and technology shaping the future, Thailand would be even further behind.”

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Driven by an unwavering passion for learning, Dr. Teerakiat pursued his medical training in the UK—a dream he diligently worked to achieve. He highlighted the importance of action over aspiration, stating: “Purpose emerges from action, not the other way around. Focus on honing your skills, and your purpose will naturally follow.” He further reflected, “Not everyone has the luxury of knowing what they want to do right away, and that’s completely normal. Purpose often finds you when you’re immersed in doing something meaningful.”

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Empowering Students and Shaping Leaders

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As chairman of several educational institutions, including The Newton Sixth Form, The Sathya Sai School, and the Newton Business School, Dr. Teerakiat has dedicated himself to empowering students across diverse fields such as STEM, business, arts, and medicine. His efforts have yielded remarkable results: Newton students are graduating with bachelor's degrees as young as 19 and excelling in international universities. “Seeing students succeed brings me immense joy,” he said, reflecting on his mission to nurture the next generation of leaders.

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Beyond his contributions to education, Dr. Teerakiat serves as the President of a Thai-Indian cultural association, a role that underscores the deep historical ties between Thailand and India. He highlighted Thailand’s little-known but vital role in India’s fight for independence, a legacy of collaboration and mutual respect. “It’s a story of deep alliances that I’m incredibly proud to represent,” he shared.

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Innovating for the Future

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Looking ahead, Dr. Teerakiat is enthusiastic about the launch of a groundbreaking MBA program in collaboration with Mahidol University. Tailored for working professionals, the program integrates innovative topics like climate change and global business strategies, offering students practical tools to tackle real-world challenges.

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Words to Live By

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With a career spanning education, culture, and leadership, Dr. Teerakiat embodies a lifelong dedication to building a brighter future. Through his impactful work at CMKL University and beyond, he continues to inspire students and educators to embrace innovation, resilience, and collaboration in an ever-evolving world.

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When asked for advice, Dr. Teerakiat offered simple yet profound wisdom: “Work hard, be nice.” He highlighted the timeless importance of diligence and kindness as guiding principles for both personal and professional success—a message that resonates deeply with people from all walks of life.

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