On Thursday, 4th December 2025, Bangkok Patana welcomed Jon Wongswan, one of our parents for a talk with our Senior Business and Economics students. With almost 225 students filling the Theatre, the session had the atmosphere of a packed university lecture.

Jon brought a wealth of experience, from his years as an Economist at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C., to his roles in investment research and fund management in Thailand and the US. Using the visuals from his slide deck, he walked students through the role of central banks, inflation, financial crises and how decisions made in the U.S. can directly affect Thailand’s economy. 

The session wrapped up with a lively Q&A, which quickly became one of the highlights of the morning. Students were especially drawn to Jon’s story about how he landed his position at the Federal Reserve, a famously competitive process with over 400 applicants, of which only 10 were selected. Hearing about the persistence, pressure, and preparation behind that journey gave students a real sense of what it takes to succeed in the field.

Jon also shared anecdotes from his daily work at the Fed, including the early-morning briefings to Governors and the research that can influence national policy. His candid storytelling made the experience feel personal and accessible, even for students just starting to explore the world of economics. 

Overall, the talk gave students a rare, first-hand look at how global financial systems function and how economic decisions shape everyday life. Judging by the buzz in the Theatre afterward, Jon’s visit left a strong impression  and plenty of inspiration for the next generation of economists and business leaders.