Harit Keawmuang, selected as a POSCO Asia Fellow in the fall of 2022, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH). Originally from Thailand, Harit completed his undergraduate studies in his home country and went on to earn a master’s degree in Hungary, Europe. He came to Korea to begin his doctoral studies as a POSCO Asia Fellow*. In this interview, Harit shares his heartfelt journey—from his decision to study in Korea, to his experience as a fellow, and his aspirations to contribute to sustainable technological development in Thailand.
*The POSCO Asia Fellowship is a scholarship program operated by the POSCO TJ Park Foundation. It invites outstanding talent from various Asian countries to Korea to support their master’s and doctoral degrees, and aims to promote exchange and mutual understanding among Asian countries.
Hello, my name is Harit Keawmuang, and I’m from Thailand. Thai people usually have nicknames, and mine is “Game.” Even in Korea, my professors and friends call me by this nickname.
I completed my undergraduate degree in Thailand, then earned a master’s degree in Hungary. In the fall of 2022, I was very fortunate to be selected as a POSCO Asia Fellow, which brought me to Korea to pursue my Ph.D. I’m now in my third year of the Ph.D. program in Mechanical Engineering at POSTECH, focusing on the field of nanophotonics.
Nanophotonics is a field that studies how to manipulate light using extremely small structures. The prefix “nano” refers to a unit that is one-billionth of a meter. We study how to guide and shape light through these tiny structures. One example is the “metalens”—an ultra-thin lens composed of nanostructures. These lenses can focus light without the need for traditional thick glass, making them particularly useful for smartphones, compact cameras, and medical devices.
While preparing to study in Korea, I was looking for scholarships and came across the POSCO Asia Fellowship. I learned that it offered not only financial support but also a platform for connecting with other talented students from across Asia studying in Korea. That drew me in, and I decided to apply.
When I found out I had been selected, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. At the same time, I was a bit sad about being apart from my family. Still, I believed this would be a meaningful step in both my personal and academic journey. I was confident and ready to embrace the new challenges ahead.
The POSCO Asia Fellowship and the POSCO TJ Park Foundation provided not only financial support but also emotional care. Thanks to their thoughtful consideration and encouragement, my life in Korea became much smoother. One of the most memorable moments was attending an alumni gathering in Pohang. It was a delightful experience where I got to enjoy food and conversations with alumni from various countries, including fellow Thai seniors.
Another memory that stands out is receiving gifts from the Foundation during Korean holidays. After a long day, coming back to my dorm to find a warm gift left at my door was truly comforting. Those moments reminded me that I wasn’t alone, and they meant a lot to me.
There were three main reasons I decided to study in Korea. First, I had a long-standing interest in Korean culture, especially through Korean dramas, which sparked my curiosity about Korean life and language. Over time, I developed a desire to experience life in Korea firsthand.
Second, I wanted to shift my academic journey from Europe to Asia. In Thailand, graduation ceremonies are very important to families, especially to older generations. My grandmother, who raised me, couldn’t attend my undergraduate ceremony, and due to distance and health issues, she also missed my master’s graduation. I hoped that by studying in Asia, she might be able to attend my Ph.D. graduation, which was a strong motivation for me.
Third, I wanted to study nanotechnology and nanophotonics—fields that are still developing in Thailand. POSTECH, in particular, has excellent research environments, outstanding faculty, and cutting-edge facilities. I believed it was the ideal place for me to grow in this field.
I am conducting research in nanotechnology, specifically in the field of nanophotonics. As mentioned earlier, this field explores how to manipulate light through extremely small structures. My current research focuses on a technology called Photonic Radiative Cooling.
This technology uses nanostructures to reflect sunlight and radiate heat, cooling objects to temperatures even lower than the surrounding air, all without using electricity. It’s a highly practical and eco-friendly cooling method, different from traditional air conditioners.
I chose this field not only because it is fascinating, but also because Thailand still has a long way to go in this area. Nanophotonics is rapidly evolving worldwide and holds great innovation potential. In a hot and humid country like Thailand, this kind of energy-efficient cooling technology could make a significant impact. My goal is to contribute to the development of sustainable cooling systems in Thailand—technology that could benefit everyday life and help solve environmental issues.
As a Ph.D. student, my immediate goal is to produce meaningful research and publish high-quality results. After completing my degree, I hope to return to Thailand and work as a professor or researcher, contributing to the advancement of nanotechnology and nanophotonics in my country. Most of all, I want to spend time with my family, who have supported me throughout this journey, and repay their love and encouragement by living closely with them.
To students who are currently chasing their dreams or going through tough times, I want to say: even if you feel like giving up, you can overcome it. I wasn’t very focused in school and often gave up easily. But once I started thinking about what matters—myself and the people who care about me—I began to focus and change.
If you feel like you don’t have the strength to fight for yourself, think about those you love. For me, my mother and my family were my greatest sources of strength.
To be honest, I wasn’t someone with grand ambitions or dreams. I simply wanted to be a better person, make my mom proud, and protect my family by doing something I love. What I’ve learned is that you don’t need a big dream or a flashy goal to move forward. Sometimes, the small motivations tied to those you care about can become a powerful force that changes your life. Rather than big plans, it might be the precious people right beside you who push you forward.
To me, POSCO and the POSCO TJ Park Foundation are not just a company or a foundation. As a POSCO Asia Fellow, I feel a deep sense of pride and belonging, not just as a scholarship recipient, but as a member of a community that truly believes in and supports me. I know that everything I’ve accomplished in Korea was not achieved alone. It was made possible because of POSCO’s support. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank POSCO and the POSCO TJ Park Foundation once again.
*This content was created based on an interview article by the POSCO TJ Park Foundation.