Alumni Hall of Fame: A Recipe for Excellence
Alumni article Exceptional People Our Spotlight SHR ArticlePam (Pichaya Soontornyanakij) | Class of 2007 Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Alumni and Current Parent
The journey from student-athlete and Football Captain to global culinary pioneer is defined by the freedom to think. We sat down with Chef Pam to discuss her recognition as The World’s Best Female Chef and why she has chosen to return to Shrewsbury Bangkok for her daughter’s future.
A Journey of Mastery
What began as a love for creativity in Fine Arts and Design & Technology (DT) at Shrewsbury Bangkok soon evolved into a world-class culinary journey. After studying Communication Arts at Chulalongkorn University, Pam pivoted towards her true passion, honing her craft at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York.
Her impact on the global stage was cemented when she was awarded a Michelin Star and named The World’s Best Female Chef, a prestigious honour in which she served as a proud representative of Asia.
“Standing on the global stage made me realise it wasn’t the end of the journey, it was the spark that ignited a mission to do even more for the culinary industry.”
Empowering the Next Generation: Women for Women
Pam’s commitment extends beyond the nine restaurants under The X Project Group. Through her Women for Women scholarship programme, she is addressing the gender gap in hospitality leadership. By hosting “Host Dinners,” where 100% of the proceeds go towards the fund, Pam provides internships and culinary scholarships for young women. The initiative has already celebrated its first graduate, who has since joined Pam’s team at her award-winning restaurant, Potong.
The Full Circle: Returning as a Parent
When it came time to choose a school for her daughter, Pam explored several international schools across Bangkok. Yet despite the many options, she found herself drawn back to her roots.
“When I attended the open house, it reminded me of my childhood,” Pam explains. While she noted the school’s impressive growth, including new Science and IT facilities, it was Shrewsbury’s philosophy of constant evolution and “learning without boundaries” that ultimately sealed her decision.
For Pam, returning to Shrewsbury Bangkok is not simply about nostalgia; it is about ensuring the next generation has the same freedom to discover their own path that she once did.
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