Bangkok--2 Oct--JETRO Bangkok - First time for Thai national to come top of the world in BJT Test - Thai people are more skilled in Business Japanese, yet Thailand is still in need of more professionals with Japanese proficiency to support investment from JTEPA - Next Business Japanese Proficiency Test will be held in November 2007 Thai resident recently scored the world’s highest in the 15th Business Japanese Test, revealed The Japan External Trade Organization or JETRO Bangkok. The top scorer, Mr. Poom Luangjarmekorn, got 792 out of 800 and earned the first place in the world. This is the first time that a Thai resident comes top in the world in Business Japanese Test. In the past years, there have been two Thais who came top in Asia-Pacific, excluding Japan. Mr. Yoichi Kato, JETRO Bangkok President, said, “On behalf of JETRO, I would like to congratulate Mr. Poom on his remarkable and respectable achievement from the bottom of my heart. This is truly a blessing to his efforts belongs to himself personally, but at the same time, a good evidence of lying interest deeply in Thai society toward Japan and Japanese language. From this result, we are aware again of great potentials of Thai people regarding communication ability with foreign communities. I am sure that showing of a high verbal knowledge would expand options for his or her opportunities of self-realization, because nowadays most of business communities will think highly of a performance of this kind, reflecting their interest in high-value added activities here in Thailand. Such type of activities requires not only technological knowledge, but also, communicating skill among the diversified atmosphere, which is essential bedrock for creative activities. I hope more Thai people to study Japanese language, and much more fluently exemplify their high ability as in score” Mr. Poom, a lecturer for Engineering Faculty, Chulalongkorn University, said, “Japanese language is highly beneficial to my work in engineering and intellectual property rights practice as well as general interests. Japan is one of the world’s most leading sources of knowledge, and Japanese language is a perfect tool that renders smooth transfer of know-how and technology from Japan to Thailand, particularly the embedded system technology, research and development, automobile, logistics, and software development.” Mr. Poom continued, “I always prefer learning from Japanese training and educational materials. Japan adopts education from many places in the world, but chooses to translate only relevant and practical textbooks. Therefore, textbooks in Japanese language have passed a screening test from academicians and professionals, and are proved to add value to human resources.” Mr. Poom said that the markets, especially engineering, computer science and information technology, are in need of more human resources with Japanese language skills. He said, “Some learning institutions are thinking of — either encouraging engineering students to study Japanese, or encouraging students with Japanese language skills to learn about technology. Either way, the markets will appreciate better human resources who to perform their jobs well. And these employees will have better opportunities such as promotion or higher compensation.” The upcoming Business Japanese Proficiency Test will be held on November 18, 2007 with the cooperation between JETRO Bangkok and Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan). Interested person can apply from now until October 10, 2007 at Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan), Sukhumvit Soi 29, or by calling 02.258.0320 ext. 41-42. For more information, please contact: Ms. Naruporn Pattayakorn Tel. 02.651.8680 ext. 303, 304 Ms. Chutima Duangpanich Tel. 02.253.6441 ext. 147 (PR Department)NOTE TO EDITOR: Interview Should you be interested to discuss the topic and related issues, JETRO Bangkok is pleased to hold an interview with JETRO Bangkok President Yoichi Kato and Mr. Poom Luangjarmekorn, the top scorer. Please feel free to contact - Ms. Jensiree Esaparn, PR Consultant, at 081.810.5440 or [email protected]