"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."
Dedication
This biography is humbly and lovingly dedicated to the guiding lights of my life—my parents, whose love, sacrifice, and values shaped every step of my journey. To my father, whose strength and perseverance taught me to rise above every challenge with courage and dignity. Though his own path was filled with struggles, he gave his family a future of opportunity. His unwavering work ethic and quiet wisdom are the foundations upon which my life is built. His lessons of humility, respect, and kindness remain with me, guiding every decision I make.
To my beloved mother, whose gentle heart and tireless spirit nurtured me with love beyond measure. In her nurturing embrace, I found the courage to dream, the resilience to face life’s trials, and the strength to carry on when the road seemed impossible. Her sacrifices, both seen and unseen, are woven into the very fabric of who I am today. Even in the hardest times, her love was a constant light showing me the way forward.
To my wife, my partner in every endeavor and the steady hand that holds me through life’s storms. Your unwavering love, patience, and quiet strength have been my refuge through seasons of uncertainty and triumph. You have been my anchor when the tides of responsibility threatened to pull me under. Your sacrifices have made my achievements possible, and your support has made every success meaningful.
To my children, who inspire me every day to become a better man, father, and leader. Your laughter and dreams remind me why I began this journey and why I must continue walking it with purpose and hope. I hope that one day, my story will show you that your dreams are worth chasing and that no obstacle is too great when your heart is strong.
To my mentors, colleagues, and dear friends across Thailand, Japan, Myanmar, and beyond—thank you for believing in me when I doubted myself and for walking alongside me as I pursued a vision bigger than myself. Your trust, encouragement, and wisdom have shaped my path in ways words cannot fully express.
Finally, this book is dedicated to every young person who feels limited by their circumstances, silenced by their fears, or unseen by the world around them. Know this: your beginnings do not define your future. With courage, compassion, and hard work, you too can rise beyond the boundaries others have set for you. May my journey be a small reminder that greatness is born not from privilege, but from perseverance, humility, and a heart willing to serve others.
Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom
Phase 1 : Family and Childhood Dreams
“Do every job you’re in like you’re going to do it for the rest of your life, and demonstrate that ownership of it.”
Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom was born on the 7th of August, 1969, in Bangkok, Thailand. He was the eldest among four siblings, a role that naturally placed him in a position of leadership and responsibility from a very young age. His early childhood, however, took a significant turn when, at the tender age of three, his family relocated to Malaysia. This move marked the beginning of a transformative journey in his life, shaping both his character and his aspirations.
In Malaysia, Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom’s formative years unfolded amidst a multicultural environment. His parents enrolled him in Han Chiang Primary School in Penang, a Chinese-medium institution, where he began his primary education. Learning in a Chinese environment, he initially had no proficiency in English. Despite this linguistic barrier, his tenacity and determination led him to excel academically. He eventually transitioned to Methodist Boys School in Penang for his secondary education, where the medium of instruction was English and Malay.
The transition was not without its hardships. Early on in high school, Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom struggled with English, and some of his classmates mocked his lack of fluency. These experiences left him feeling deeply upset. But rather than succumbing to discouragement, he used these moments as fuel for his determination. He made a promise to himself and to those who teased him that he would master English so proficiently that no one would ever laugh at him again. True to his word, he not only improved his English skills but eventually excelled in the subject, scoring impressive marks.
Throughout his childhood, Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom was known for his cheerful and lively disposition. He was a happy-go-lucky child, always bringing joy to those around him.
Despite his playful nature, he was repeatedly recognized for his leadership abilities and was appointed as a school prefect on multiple occasions. These appointments were pivotal in shaping his sense of responsibility and leadership, values that he would carry into his professional life.
Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom’s interests were not confined to academics and leadership roles alone. He developed a passion for Taekwondo, becoming highly skilled in the martial art. His dedication and enthusiasm led to his appointment as the first president of his school’s Taekwondo club. This leadership role was another stepping stone in his journey of self-development, where he honed skills in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
Phase 2 : Academic Pursuits
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
At his school, Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom faced the harsh reality of being teased by his classmates for his initial struggle with English. This period, though emotionally challenging, became a defining point in his life. Refusing to be defeated by ridicule, he made a solemn promise to himself and to those who doubted him: one day, his command of the English language would surpass theirs. With unwavering determination, he pursued his studies diligently, achieving good grades in English despite his earlier struggles. His efforts paid off, and he slowly but surely gained fluency and confidence in the language, fulfilling the promise he had made to himself.
Even as he focused on academics, Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom’s school life was enriched with leadership and extracurricular activities. He was repeatedly chosen as a school prefect, a role that gave him early leadership responsibilities. These experiences helped shape his sense of accountability and duty towards others. His leadership was not confined to academics alone; his passion for martial arts led him to Taekwondo, where he not only practiced the sport but also took the initiative to establish the Taekwondo Club and serve as its first president.
After completing his secondary education and earning his Malaysia Certificate of Education, Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom returned to Thailand to pursue his higher education. He enrolled at the International Hotel & Tourism Industry Management School in Bangkok from 1988 to 1990. There, he completed a Certificate in the Two Years University Transfer Program, majoring in Hotel and Tourism Management. This was the first step towards realizing his childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry, where he had always imagined himself as a hotel owner.
Driven by his aspirations and with a desire to broaden his horizons, Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom continued his education abroad. In 1995, he attended the International Pacific College in Palmerston North, New Zealand, where he pursued a Bachelor of International Studies. He majored in International Business Studies and minored in International Relations, combining his interests in business and global affairs. His commitment and hard work earned him a full board scholarship from the institution, a recognition of his academic excellence and potential as a future business leader.
Years later, determined to enhance his expertise further, Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom pursued postgraduate studies. From 2021 to 2023, he attended Portsmouth University in the United Kingdom, where he completed a Master of Science in the Faculty of Business and Law. He specialized in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, areas that aligned closely with his professional ambitions and business ventures.
Phase 3 : The Professional Rise
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
The professional journey of Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom is a testament to his tireless pursuit of excellence and his ability to lead across diverse industries and cultural landscapes. His career began humbly in 1989 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok, where he first worked as a waiter. His dedication and ambition were soon recognized, and he quickly progressed through the ranks. From 1990 to 1991, he served as a receptionist, where he honed his skills in customer service and front office operations. By 1991, he was promoted to Chief Receptionist, a role he held until 1993. His leadership potential and ability to manage complex situations earned him the position of Duty Manager in 1993, and eventually, Chinese Business Affairs Manager in 1994, where he leveraged his multilingual skills and cultural understanding to bridge international business relations.
In 1997, he took on the role of Front Office Manager at the Renaissance Le Concorde Hotel Bangkok, where he further expanded his leadership in the hospitality sector. The following year, he ventured abroad to Vietnam, taking up the post of Front Office Manager and Acting Executive Assistant Manager of Rooms Division at the Royal Garden Harbour View Hotel & Office Tower in Haiphong. This marked his first significant leadership role outside Thailand and deepened his experience in managing hotel operations in an international context.
In 1999, he transitioned to ESEL Co., Ltd. Japan as Director of Foreign Trade, a role that marked his entry into the business world beyond hospitality. His time in Japan not only broadened his business horizons but also deepened his cultural ties with the country. However, his passion for the hospitality industry remained strong. In 2001, he returned to Thailand to work as the Front Office Manager at the InterContinental Bangkok, previously known as Le Royal Meridien and Le Meridien President Hotel Bangkok. There, he led the front office team, ensuring exceptional guest experiences in one of Thailand’s most prestigious hotels.
In 2003, Dr. Kieatiphon Bunditvorapoom was appointed Operations Manager at Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club, where he managed overall hotel operations, maintaining the luxury standards of this iconic resort. His journey came full circle when he joined Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel, in 2004 as Room Division Manager, where he applied his years of operational expertise to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
In 2005, he returned to Japan, where he rejoined ESEL Co., Ltd. as Director, a position he held until 2009. During this time, he expanded his influence in international trade and business management. In 2009, combining his passion for education and leadership, he joined the Westcoast Language School, where he has served as Executive Director and Principal. This venture marked his transition into education management, providing language and cultural exchange programs aimed at fostering global understanding.