Mr. Jiraht Intachan, a fourth-year student from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University (KKU), brought immense honour to Thailand by being selected by the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok as an “Honoured Thai Youth Representative.” Mr. Intachan participated in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program – Spring 2025 cohort, focusing on the ‘Society and Governance’ track. The programme took place at James Madison University in Virginia, USA, from 17 April to 22 May 2025.
During the five-week programme, Mr. Intachan joined emerging leaders from ASEAN and participants from ten universities across the United States. The intensive academic training provided in-depth exposure to the American political and governance systems, including public administration structures, policymaking processes, public health governance, and anti-corruption mechanisms. The programme also emphasised dialogue, critical thinking, and cross-cultural exchange among young leaders with diverse backgrounds.
In addition to the academic sessions, the programme included educational tours to significant historical and political locations in the U.S., such as Richmond, the capital city of Virginia; Boston, Massachusetts; the Lincoln Memorial; the U.S. Senate; and the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. These visits significantly broadened his perspectives and enhanced his understanding of the country’s social, political, and historical contexts.
Reflecting on his experience in the programme, Mr. Intachan stated: “Being here made me realise that a robust system of governance does not occur naturally; rather, it is the result of careful institutional design and the genuine engagement of all sectors of society. The most profound takeaway from this programme was not just academic knowledge, but the friendships, the network, and the diverse perspectives shared by the young leaders across ASEAN. Although we come from distinct backgrounds and face different challenges, we share the common goal of advancing our region.”
In the final week of the programme, Mr. Intachan and fellow Thai participants were granted an audience with Her Excellency Juliephon Isarangkoon Na Ayutthaya, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, at the Royal Thai Embassy Washington, D.C.. The Ambassador encouraged the students to view themselves as cultural representatives of Thailand and urged them to apply the knowledge and experiences gained to support Thailand and the ASEAN region, while upholding national dignity on the global stage.
Beyond academic learning, the YSEALI programme places significant emphasis on fostering social responsibility through various community service activities, such as sorting clothes for donation to underprivileged community members. This practice underscores the concept that true leadership begins with understanding and caring for societal issues.
The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is directly supported by the U.S. Department of State. It is recognised as a premier youth leadership development initiative, annually selecting only a few dozen participants aged 18–25 from ASEAN member states for intensive training at leading educational institutions across the U.S. The programme focuses on four core themes: Natural Resources Management, Civic Engagement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Society and Governance.
Mr. Intachan’s achievement highlights the global potential of Khon Kaen University students and reflects the university’s role in nurturing graduates who can contribute knowledge, international experience, and professional networks to the sustainable development of Thai society and the ASEAN community.
