From Precision to Perspective: Dhirapat’s Journey from Engineering to Leadership at Sasin
20 October 2025
Dhirapat Limsukhawat (Sasin Executive MBA 2023), received the Professor Toemsakdi Krishnamra Award for Academic Excellence, which honors alumni who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, perseverance, and dedication throughout their journey at Sasin. The award is named in memory of Professor Toemsakdi Krishnamra, Sasin’s Founding Director, whose vision and leadership helped bring the first internationally renowned MBA program to Southeast Asia.
“The Professor Toemsakdi Award represents integrity, wisdom, and leadership, and I am deeply honored to receive this award,” said Dhirapat.
Currently the Advisor at Tokyo Gas Engineering Solutions (TGES), Dhirapat focuses on business development, customer acquisition, relationship building, and expanding the company’s presence in Thailand through solar and energy storage projects.
Having spent seven years in Japan, where he earned both his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Tokyo University of Science, Dhirapat brings a wealth of technical experience. Before joining TGES, he also worked with both Japanese and Thai firms, including Obayashi, Daiwa LifeNext, and Optec.
When Dhirapat discovered Sasin, he was seeking an Executive MBA program that provided world-class education, regional insight, and a strong Southeast Asia network—a foundation to expand his management skills and unlock future business opportunities. Coming from an engineering background, Dhirapat was used to focusing on results and technical solutions. But at Sasin, he learned to see the bigger picture—how leadership, people, and strategy are all interconnected.
“Before Sasin, I thought leadership was mostly about managing projects and getting results, “ he said, “But throughout the program, I learned that true leadership is more about people; listening, inspiring, and guiding others toward a shared vision.”
Sasin also transformed Dhirapat into a more confident communicator, someone who enjoys sharing ideas and learning collaboratively, traits that have continued to shape his professional journey.
Among the many courses he took, one that stood out was the Digital Transformation module taught by Sasin’s Visiting Professor Alvin Ng.
“I still remembered how in the first class, he called us out for not doing the pre-reads he assigned before class, and so it was a very good wake-up call,” he said, “His class was very inspiring. Many of us adjusted our mindset and put in more effort, and it automatically made our learning experience much better throughout the year.”
As part of the Sasin Executive MBA program, Dhirapat also participated in the two-week International Residential at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
“It was a very strong bonding trip for the cohort while the learning was also very intense…the professors were very professional, they gave unique perspectives and added to our learning experience,” he said. He especially enjoyed Gina Fong’s class, taught by Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, which focused on customer insights and the Gift of Understanding.
“It was very eye-opening because in my career and also in my studies in Japan, I’ve never learned marketing before. We had different marketing classes at Sasin, but Gina Fong did it in a very special way that really touched us,” he added.
When asked what advice he has for students at Sasin, Dhirapat shared: “Stay curious and keep learning from everyone around you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or share ideas. Try to connect what you learn in class with your real-life work and most importantly, enjoy the journey so it’s about growth, friendships, and new perspectives, and of course, not just grades.”
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“To me this award is not only a personal achievement, but also a reflection to the personal support that I received from my classmates, all the professors, all the staff, and my family and it reminds me that success comes from work, teamwork, and continuous learning.” – Dhirapat Limsukhawat, Sasin Executive MBA 2023, on receiving The Professor Toemsakdi Award |
“Sasin’s learning style is very interactive and diverse, so the discussions and case studies encouraged me to speak up, think critically, and learn from classmates with different backgrounds.’ – Dhirapat Limsukhawat (Sasin Executive MBA 2023)
Among the many courses he took, one that stood out was the Digital Transformation module taught by Sasin’s Visiting Professor Alvin Ng.
“I still remembered how in the first class, he called us out for not doing the pre-reads he assigned before class, and so it was a very good wake-up call,” he said, “His class was very inspiring. Many of us adjusted our mindset and put in more effort, and it automatically made our learning experience much better throughout the year.”
As part of the Sasin Executive MBA program, Dhirapat also participated in the two-week International Residential at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
“It was a very strong bonding trip for the cohort while the learning was also very intense…the professors were very professional, they gave unique perspectives and added to our learning experience,” he said. He especially enjoyed Gina Fong’s class, taught by Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, which focused on customer insights and the Gift of Understanding.
“It was very eye-opening because in my career and also in my studies in Japan, I’ve never learned marketing before. We had different marketing classes at Sasin, but Gina Fong did it in a very special way that really touched us,” he added.
When asked what advice he has for students at Sasin, Dhirapat shared: “Stay curious and keep learning from everyone around you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or share ideas. Try to connect what you learn in class with your real-life work and most importantly, enjoy the journey so it’s about growth, friendships, and new perspectives, and of course, not just grades.”
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