From Classroom to Creative Enterprise
Meet Chutipon "Ong" Watanakemapirut – Design, Business & Technology Management Program, Thammasat University, Our First Batch Graduate
Journey at Thammasat
Ong entered the Design, Business, and Technology Management Program at Thammasat University in 2012, fresh from Triam Udom Suksa School, with a passion for creativity and a desire to transform it into a career.
However, interdisciplinary learning through courses in design thinking, entrepreneurship, and management helped him connect creativity with business strategy. Collaborations in practical projects with peers and industry partners throughout the years also gave him hands-on experience in stakeholder engagement and constructive alignment. Exposure to sustainable design and international case studies, field trips, and internships broadened his vision beyond local markets.
Career Breakthrough
After graduation with second-class honors, Ong started his professional journey as a freelance design strategist, applying his knowledge of design-led business solutions.
At the same time, he co – founded Clazy in 2018 as a community platform and event space fostering connections between a variety of stakeholders, such as private companies, government agencies, social enterprises, and individuals in order to amplify the impact of social initiatives that create a tangible difference in our society with a robust and expanding network of more than 250 community partners.
From 2024 he has been working full-time as a customer strategy and design consultant at Deloitte Digital.
Impact & Recognition
Since 2019, Ong has been an active member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, serving as former Vice Curator of Bangkok hub. He has contributed to initiatives promoting mental health and sustainability, with a highlight project in organizing the SHAPE APAC 2023 Summit in Bangkok, which focused on resilience, collaboration, and building capacity to address overlapping “polycrises.”
Words of Advice for Current Students
As an imaginative person with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, Ong’s strong passion is about “how might we use design and technology to develop better and more sustainable ways of living.”
“DBTM Thammasat taught me that design isn’t just about beauty—it’s about solving problems, creating value, and driving sustainable change.”
He also wishes the fellow DBTM current students to embrace opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, gain experiences from real-world projects, and stay curious and open to global perspectives.
Ong’s journey exemplifies how the Design, Business, and Management Program at Thammasat University empowers graduates to become leaders in creative industries—balancing artistry with strategy and vision with impact.
