We’re happy to welcome STA Class of 2020 alumni Aashish and Taiyo back to the High School campus for a meet and greet with students in Year 13.
Aashish and Taiyo shared about their involvement in different academic subjects, clubs, and activities, as well as unique leadership roles at St Andrews Bangkok, and how these experiences prepared them for life after graduation.
Hearing directly from those who once sat in the same seats offers valuable and meaningful advice for current seniors – thank you, Aashish and Taiyo!
Learn more about Aashish and Taiyo’s experience at St Andrews Bangkok:
Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you're doing now?
Taiyo: I graduated from St Andrews Bangkok International School in 2020. I finished my MEng (Integrated Master's) Civil Engineering Degree at the University of Manchester in 2024 and am currently working as a graduate Civil Engineer at a firm in Manchester, UK.
Aashish: I graduated in 2020 and went on to study at Imperial College, London, UK, pursuing an Integrated Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering (MEng). I graduated in October of 2024 and received a job offer as a Software Engineer at London Stock Exchange Group (Bangkok Office).
What was your favourite subject or class?
Taiyo: Maths and Physics
Aashish: Maths
What’s one of your best memories from your time at St Andrews Bangkok?
Taiyo: One of the best memories was being able to explore my hobbies and passions outside my academic classes. Studying at St Andrews Bangkok allowed me to explore my creative hobbies, such as playing and competing with my band, being in a High School production, and performing with the male choir. Moreover, I co-founded the Sustainable Group. I worked with the school and other non-profit organisations to push the school and local communities to be more aware of our environment and sustainable issues. These experiences allowed me to meet and interact with new people and shape who I am today.
Aashish: Some of my best memories come from my time with Baan Luuk Rak and the Tanzania service trip. Both experiences were incredibly rewarding—not only because they allowed me to give back to the community in a meaningful way, but also because they gave me the chance to bond with close friends outside the classroom. The combination of purpose-driven work and shared experiences made those moments unforgettable.
Were you involved in any clubs, sports, or activities? How did they shape your experience?
Taiyo: I was involved in various activities back in High School, such as being on a basketball and rugby team, participating in many High School productions and showcases, playing and competing in a band, performing in a choir, and volunteering and working with various organisations outside of school. These experiences accumulated and shaped who I am today: to be more curious than judgmental of others. Meeting various types of people with different backgrounds and personalities allows me to work outside my comfort zone, which is why I am communicative and work well with others.
Aashish: I was actively involved in several clubs and activities throughout high school, including the Sustainability Group, Varsity Basketball, D&T Club, the Tanzania Expedition, Prom Committee, and Boys’ Choir. I also held leadership roles as a House Captain and Student Leader. These experiences were the foundation of my high school life—they not only allowed me to form close friendships but also made each day more engaging and meaningful. Being part of these communities shaped my sense of responsibility, teamwork, and gave me a deeper connection to the school beyond academics.
How did St Andrews Bangkok prepare you for university or your career?
Taiyo: One thing I learned that helped me prepare for university and life after university is to take risks. The teachers at St Andrews Bangkok always guide students to excel academically and explore their hobbies outside of classes. Certain activities may be entirely new for certain students, but they could help students learn and be exposed to new territories. For instance, participating in the Math Challenge helped me become more of a critical thinker, and learning and performing Thai dance helped improve my mind-body connection. Being a risk-taker allowed me to live abroad more freely and be less anxious in a new environment. In the current world, where everything is more globalised and ever-changing, I need to be able to push myself to adapt to different climates to chase my dreams.
Aashish: St Andrews Bangkok played a significant role in preparing me for university and beyond. The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, in particular, helped me develop strong time management and organisational skills—balancing multiple subjects, internal assessments, and extracurricular commitments under constant time pressure taught me how to prioritise and work efficiently. Being part of such a diverse and international student body also broadened my worldview; it taught me to appreciate different perspectives and communicate across cultures. Another lesson I learned in high school that still guides me today is: aim for the best, and you’ll always do well. Even if you fall short of perfection, setting high standards pushes you to consistently perform at a strong level. That mindset has helped me stay motivated, take ownership of my work, and continuously seek improvement, whether in academics, professional settings, or personal goals.
If you could give current students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Taiyo: To take risks and try new things.
Aashish: Work hard, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey. It’s not about choosing between academics and social life—it’s about finding the right balance. Give your best in everything you do, but also make time to build friendships, try new things, and grow as a person. Strive to be the best version of yourself, both in and out of the classroom.
What’s something you wish you had known when you were in High School?
Taiyo: I wish to tell my younger self to enjoy life outside the books more and not put too much pressure on myself.
On 25th April 2025, Year 7 First Language Japanese students with Mr Paul, Mr Roo, and Khun Noke from the Senior Leadership Team sowed seeds to plant new trees across campus, offering students a hands-on learning experience, fostering teamwork, and the importance of caring for nature.
Senior students at St Andrews Bangkok organised another successful blood donation drive with the Thai Red Cross Society on Monday, 24th March 2025. With 62 people registered and 47 units of blood donated by students, parents, and staff, the event raised awareness about the power of saving lives through blood donation.
To mark Earth Day 2025 at the end of Term 2, the Year 7 First Language Japanese class embarked on a meaningful environmental and cultural project of growing rice and creating a paddy field on campus. This hands-on experience brought together elements from several subjects – Science, Geography, and First Languages – creating a shared learning journey bringing awareness of biodiversity and culture.
