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Dreams may grow or shift from childhood hopes to career realities, but the purpose that drives these Friday Future Listers stays true.
As we grow, so do our dreams. What once began as childhood aspirations or passions discovered in school often transforms into something more complex, shaped by experience, opportunity, and the world around us. Yet, amid all this change, one thing remains constant for the Friday Future Listers: purpose for a better future.
Whether they began their journeys in classrooms, studios, kitchen, or grassroots movements, each Future Lister has followed their own path with a shared commitment to make Thailand a better, more equitable place for all.
In this week’s spotlight, we explore how these Friday Future Listers stay grounded in their mission while allowing their dreams to shift, stretch, and grow into something even greater.
Chariya Khattiyot: Bringing Northern Thai Flavours to the UK and Beyond
Growing up in the loving care of her grandfather in Chiang Mai, Chariya Khattiyot discovered the joy of cooking with fresh, simple ingredients straight from the backyard. This early connection to food and family sparked a lifelong passion that carried her all the way to becoming the first Thai winner of MasterChef UK. After moving to the UK with her fiance, Chariya worked her way up from district manager at a coffee chain to becoming a Master Coffee Roaster, even launching her own specialty coffee business.
Her dream to share the flavours of northern Thailand led her to the MasterChef kitchen, where her creativity and dedication shone through. Her creative approach, crafting dishes from a vivid mental image rather than recipes, helped her stand out. This allowed her to make history as the first Thai winner of MasterChef UK. Her signature khao soi kai impressed judges and audiences alike, leading to the opening of her own restaurant, Khao Soi by Chariya, in the UK.
As her dreams expand, Chariya remains focused on inspiring others and bringing authentic Thai cuisine to new heights.
From Linguistics to Climate Action: Dr. Poonperm Vardhanabindu’s Steadfast Journey Toward a Sustainable Future
Dr. Poonperm Vardhanabindu’s journey began in linguistics, providing a strong foundation in communication and critical analysis, skills that have proven invaluable in his later work in environmental science. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Mahidol University, specialising in linguistics. He then continued at Mahidol University to earn a Master of Science (MSc) in Industrial Ecology, marking his transition into environmental science and sustainability.
He then found a job at Bureau Veritas, specialising in Climate Action, ESG, and Sustainable Finance. As an educator and consultant, Dr. Poonperm bridges academic insight with practical business strategies, helping companies across Thailand and Southeast Asia manage greenhouse gases and embrace sustainability. Now he serves in the Thai Institute of Directors (IOD) as the session facilitator for “The Board’s Roles in Climate Governance,” and the Member of the Community of Practice on Sustainability.
Known for making complex topics like carbon pricing and climate policies accessible, he uses social media and YouTube to engage a broad audience. His work extends beyond corporate consulting to contributing to national policies, including carbon tax design and international carbon credit verification.
Driven by a commitment to future generations, Dr. Poonperm’s shift from linguistics to environmental science reflects a steady purpose: clear communication and positive impact. He strives to foster collective responsibility and guide Thailand toward a sustainable balance of environmental care and economic progress.
Determined Dentist and Adventurer: The Inspiring Story of Dr. Napassaporn “Eem” Chumnarnsit
Dr. Napassaporn “Eem” Chumnarnsit is a dentist by profession and an accomplished mountaineer, known as the first Thai woman, and the first woman from Southeast Asia to conquer the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent. Her incredible journey began with Mount Everest in 2016 and was followed by Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Vinson Massif, Puncak Jaya, and Denali, completing the challenge in 2019.
While dentistry is her day job, mountaineering is her passion and hobby, driving her to overcome physical and mental challenges. Despite her petite stature, Dr. Eem’s determination, strength, and resilience have powered her through daunting climbs and harsh conditions, including a last-minute route change on Everest and a tough second attempt on Denali. Her success inspired the PTT-sponsored Seven Summits project, making history and setting new standards for Thai mountaineers. She balances her professional life with adventurous pursuits, embodying steadfast purpose and evolving dreams.
Kumpon Kittipongpattana: Bridging Law and Engineering to Strengthen Thailand’s Construction Industry
Kumpon Kittipongpattana’s journey is defined by a clear vision fueled by a dual degree in law and civil engineering, a combination that shapes his approach to Thailand’s construction industry. In 2019, he co-founded the Construction Lawyers Society, a platform designed to bridge gaps in construction law and contract management, tackling issues that often lead to costly disputes.
Through this platform, he promotes practical knowledge aimed at reducing disputes that can delay projects and affect the economy. It’s a unique blend of his legal and engineering education combined with a commitment to clear communication and knowledge sharing. The Society offers resources such as books, standard contracts, seminars, and online discussions, helping professionals navigate complex legal and technical issues more effectively.
Kumpon’s work spans education, government, and private sectors, demonstrating a strong commitment to strengthening Thailand’s construction industry. With plans to write a book on dispute management and advocate for crucial new legislation, his passion continues to grow, reflecting a deepening resolve to make a lasting impact.
Orchestrating Change: Kanokewan “Ja” Wuttithamrong’s Mission to Uplift Through Music and Education
Kanokewan “Ja” Wuttithamrong has built a multifaceted career spanning journalism, marketing, production, and education. These diverse experiences eventually led her to discover her true calling: organising charity events to help disadvantaged children. Her passion was sparked while working in education at Ivy Education Group after transitioning from journalism at CCTV in China. During this time, Ja hosted A Night to Remember, a fundraising concert in Beijing featuring a Dartmouth acapella group alongside local young talents. Inspired by music’s power to unite and support communities, she returned to Thailand and founded Kula Co., Ltd., an organising company to connect and support meaningful causes within the wider community.
Ja also co-founded the Kinnari Music Festival, nurturing young musicians to develop their talents for performance while using their skills to inspire and give back to society.
A Night to Remember was Ja’s first passion project, benefiting underprivileged children in both China and Thailand. Funds have supported life-saving surgeries in Beijing and helped over 300 Thai children affected by Covid-19 return to school. The charity concert was mostly performed by students and young people, creating a powerful platform where youth who have can help those who have not–encouraging belief, action, and hope. She hopes to organise more such events.
