Max’s Pathway to Economics and Engineering

At just six years old, Max was already curious about how things worked. “I was always fiddling with things, trying to take them apart and put them back together,” he laughs. That early curiosity set the tone for his fifteen-year journey at Bangkok Patana School, from Foundation Stage through Year 13. Throughout his time at Patana, Max threw himself into every opportunity. He joined the swim team from Foundation Stage 2 all the way to Year 13, representing the school at SEASAC competitions and even traveling to Singapore post-pandemic. He was also an early member of the Gymnastics team and later involved in a variety of service clubs, including Mindcare for mental health awareness and Mini Movers, where he first explored electronics and circuits.

“I think some of my best memories are from the Year 12 TOK residential to Nakhon Nayok,” he shares. “Also, my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions were really special — especially the Silver kayaking trip. It was challenging but so much fun with my friends.”

Beyond co-curriculars, Max’s academic interests were taking shape. He credits his love of Economics to both his (I)GCSE and IB experiences, where he pursued Higher Level Economics, Mathematics and Physics. “Economics just clicked for me — I enjoyed studying it, and I felt it connected well to the real world.” But he didn’t want to lose his love for hands-on problem-solving either. Engineering, with its foundation in physics and mathematics, offered the perfect complement. This passion led Max to discover the unique “3+2” dual-degree program offered by Claremont McKenna College. After completing three years majoring in Economics, he’ll transfer to a partner university for two years of Engineering studies. “Instead of eight years for two degrees, I can finish both in five. It’s a perfect fit for me,” he says. “And I love the idea of meeting new people in two different places.”

Real-world experiences have already given him a head start. Through an internship at Hana Electronics, Max gained firsthand exposure to both the business and engineering sides of microchip manufacturing. “Touring the factory and meeting the lead engineers was incredible. I learned so much about robotics and automation — it made everything we learned in school feel real.”

Outside of academics, leadership played a big role in Max’s journey. As President of Habitat for Humanity at Bangkok Patana, he helped organise fundraising efforts and participated in build trips, physically helping to construct homes for those in need. “It’s different when you can actually see the house you helped build,” he says. “It’s so much more meaningful than just donating money.”

When asked what he’ll miss most about Patana, Max doesn’t hesitate. “Definitely my friends. After fifteen years together, they’re like family,” he says warmly. With a strong foundation built on curiosity, leadership and service, Max is poised for a future where he can continue building — not just structures or systems, but meaningful connections and new opportunities too.

All the very best for your future Max!