Alexander’s Pathway

For Alexander, Bangkok Patana School isn’t just where he grew up—it’s where he found his rhythm, built resilience, and discovered the intersection of sport, leadership and global ambition. “I’ve been here since Foundation Stage,” he says. “Fourteen years is a long time, but Patana has been such a big part of my life. It’s pretty much shaped who I am.”

Born in China, raised in Singapore and now graduating in Thailand, Alexander is no stranger to international living. But university in Europe, specifically Maastricht University in the Netherlands, will be his first academic experience outside Asia. “It’s a big change, but I think it’s perfect,” he says. “Since I’m studying International Business, being in Europe will give me a good understanding of that market. Plus, my grandparents live nearby in Belgium, so it feels like the right fit.”

Alexander’s journey at Patana has been deeply marked by sport. A standout athlete, he has played on Varsity and Junior Varsity teams in Basketball, Football, Softball and Track and Field, earning both the GCSE Full Blues and IB Full Blues, honours that recognise consistent excellence across multiple sports over two years. “I think I was on six varsity teams between (I)GCSE and IB,” he says. “It’s been intense, but I loved every minute of it.” He’s also served as captain of the Football team and most recently the Track and Field team, helping younger players find their footing while pushing his own limits. “The SEASAC and BMAC tournaments were always the highlight,” he says. “This year at SEASAC Basketball, we didn’t get the result we wanted, but listening to Coach Carlos’s speech after the final game, I actually had a tear in my eye. It hit hard. That team spirit, that bond, we all felt it.”

While sports taught him teamwork and discipline, the classroom was where Alexander solidified his next step: business. After discovering a passion for the subject during (I)GCSEs, he continued with Business Management HL, Economics HL and Maths AI HL in the IB, complemented by French, English and ESS at Standard Level. “I’ve always been more business-minded than science-minded,” he says. “That’s why I chose ESS over the traditional sciences, it aligned better with my interests.” His academic interests translated into real-world exploration. He completed an internship at Coca-Cola Thailand, where he shadowed teams in marketing, distribution and sustainability. “I saw how all the different departments connect. I even rode along with delivery trucks to understand the logistics side,” he says. “It was eye-opening.” Alexander also took on a summer job at a beach bar in Belgium, where he observed day-to-day operations and financial management. “I knew the owner pretty well,” he explains. “So even though I was working more as a waiter, I got to see how the business side was run. It gave me a closer look at how things operate behind the scenes.”

Inspired by his father, who works in pharmaceuticals and trades on the side, Alexander began experimenting with virtual stock trading. Using apps like eToro, he joined Horizon Gen, a student-led finance club at Patana. “I had an 8% gain on my virtual portfolio in the first two weeks,” he says proudly. “It made me realise this could be something I pursue more seriously in the future.”

Leadership has been another recurring theme. As president of Rescued Glass, a sustainability-focused student group, Alexander helped lead partnerships with Second Chance Bangkok to recycle glass and support employment for underprivileged women. “We collected used bottles, cleaned and repurposed them and then donated them back,” he explains. “It wasn’t just environmental, it had a social impact too. Leading that initiative gave me valuable experience that I know will help in business.”

Looking ahead, Alexander is excited, but grounded. “I know university is going to be a lot of independent learning,” he says. “There aren’t as many teaching hours, so time management becomes key. But I think that’ll prepare me well for real-world business. You don’t get someone lecturing you in your career, you have to figure things out for yourself.” And what will he miss most about Patana? “Definitely the teams. The friendships built through sport, the laughs, the tough matches, it’s all been such a big part of my life here,” he says. “And the teachers too. I’ve had great support.”

With his eye on international business, a strong foundation in leadership and a competitive edge from years of athletic dedication, Alexander is ready for the next chapter. “Patana taught me to step up, not just to show up. I’m ready to do that on a bigger stage now.”