By Kanda Yaemboonruang
Technology is relevant to everyone. This has been proven especially true during the current coronavirus pandemic when technology has become a necessity for people’s lives, and we can be certain that it will continue to influence various aspects of human life. One of the technologies that has been incredibly useful during the coronavirus lockdowns has been the delivery of computing services, especially cloud computing, when almost every social and commercial activity has been pushed online.
Cloud computing refers to storing and accessing data and programs online instead of on a computer hard drive. The cloud is a metaphor for the Internet, and the term describes data centers available to many users online.
Mr. Taveesak Saengthong, Managing Director at Oracle Corporation (Thailand)
“Cloud computing was first developed around 10 years ago. At that time, we did not know that the world would one day be threatened by a virus, but our prediction of the technological trend showed that the cloud would be one of the necessities in the near future. And now the day has arrived when this technology is playing a crucial part,” said Mr. Taveesak Saengthong, Managing Director at Oracle Corporation (Thailand), responding to the question of why such digital technologies could be utilized immediately once the COVID-19 pandemic emerged.
An AIT alumnus, Mr. Taveesak graduated from the AIT School of Advanced Technologies in 1989 with a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management. He now heads the wholly-owned subsidiary of Oracle Corporation in Thailand, offering database, tools and application products, along with related consulting, education and support services.
Mr. Taveesak explained that at the beginning of the pandemic, when companies closed and employees started working from home, Oracle Thailand was not badly affected because as a cloud provider it is used to its employees teleworking. The firm’s partners and customers were also able to move their businesses onto the cloud immediately and easily. Cloud computing provided flexibility, security and scalability by enabling remote working, he said.
According to the Oracle Thailand MD, the development of the cloud has shown that prediction is important in the creation and development of a new technology. “The technology industry should look forward to the future. Research and development (R&D) has to analyze databases to determine the needs and trends and set them as a road map for creating and implementing new technology.”
With more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Mr. Taveesak stressed that the keys to success in the development of a new technology are enhanced customer experience and user-friendliness. In the era of globalization, everybody can be a creator. New global startups are rapidly growing, and more practical, more convenient and more affordable technology should be the trend for now and into the future.
Oracle Academy has been available in Thailand for over 10 years. It is a free training program aimed to improve skills and knowledge about technology for educational institutes. It advances computing education around the world to increase knowledge, innovation, skills development, and diversity in technology fields. As an alumnus, Mr. Taveesak was able to convince AIT to become an institutional member. The program is beneficial to both students and faculty, as it provides various free courses and workshops on technology.
“It will be useful for students and faculty to improve their skills. They can choose the courses they are interested in, and it will be another tool for them to find themselves. Many young people want to launch their own start-ups. Today's technology allows them to do this more easily. However, they must also be determined to follow their passion and realize their dreams. This is different from my generation 30 years ago when I studied engineering but did not have any tools to create new innovation. Back then, we didn’t have Google, or the Internet, so all the knowledge that I needed could only be found in textbooks at the library,” Mr. Taveesak explained.
“I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and worked for 2 years. After that, I decided to start pursuing higher education. AIT was the most famous institute and the only truly international institute in Thailand, so it was the number one destination for all engineers who would like to study in higher education, and I found myself when I studied at AIT,” he added, as he fondly reminisced about his time at his alma mater.