WORCESTER—Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has elected Chartsiri “Tony” Sophonpanich ’80, president of Bangkok Bank, to its Board of Trustees. Sophonpanich, a leader in global finance and an advocate for science education across Southeast Asia, will begin his five-year term on May 1.
“Confronting global challenges is part of our DNA at WPI,” said Bill Fitzgerald ’83, board chair, in the announcement. “Tony has taken that charge to heart. As a renowned leader in the global banking industry, he brings deep experience in investment management to our board. His perspectives will be invaluable to WPI as we pursue our mission of delivering excellence in education and research.”
Sophonpanich has led Bangkok Bank since 1994 and currently serves as chairman of Bangkok Bank (China) and president commissioner of Permata Bank in Indonesia. Under his leadership, the bank has launched initiatives to train science teachers throughout Southeast Asia, strengthening educational access and development in the region.
A longtime supporter of WPI, Sophonpanich helped establish a partnership between the university and Chulalongkorn University’s faculty of science in 1993, a collaboration that continues today. He earned his undergraduate degree in engineering from WPI and later completed master’s degrees in chemical engineering and management at MIT. Last year, WPI awarded him an honorary doctorate of business.
“Tony’s visionary leadership and his track record of creating partnerships and driving innovation and growth will add tremendous value to our board,” said WPI President Grace Wang. “His approaches and achievements exemplify the impact of WPI’s transformative, project-based STEM education.”
Sophonpanich’s appointment strengthens WPI’s global ties and underscores the university’s commitment to fostering education and innovation on an international scale.
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