SOM Alumnus Pinyapa Somphong honored with "Thailand’s Business Woman of the Year 2025 Award"

Pinyapa Somphong ("Pinyapa") is a qualified lawyer from Thailand, holding an LL.B. degree from Thammasat University, Thailand, and an LL.M. (Hons) in International Trade and Commercial Laws from Durham University, United Kingdom. Additionally, she holds an MSc in International Finance from the Asian Institute of Technology University in Thailand.

Since 2010, Pinyapa has brought substantial expertise to her role, having provided counsel to both multinational corporations and local companies throughout the Asia-Pacific region in diverse industries. Her areas of expertise include project financing, Foreign Direct Investment, banking and finance, public and private mergers and acquisitions, joint venture transactions, corporate reorganisations, the establishment of businesses in Thailand, and cross-border transactions.

As the Managing Partner of TWLS Company Limited, the Thailand branch office of TWL Law Group, a firm headquartered in Taiwan, Pinyapa has played an important role in the business community. She has successfully contributed to numerous multi-million-dollar projects crossing multiple jurisdictions in Southeast Asia.

In 2025, she made history as the first Thai female Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, breaking a 79-year tradition and marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s legacy. She was also recently honored as "Thailand’s Business Woman of the Year 2025 Award," a recognition given by the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade.

Intrigued, we asked our distinguished alumnus a few questions:

1) Why did you choose to study the International Finance program at AIT SOM? I'm curious because your background is in Law and you have more experience in legal matters.

I have always believed that knowledge has no boundaries. As a corporate and M&A lawyer, the broader and more diverse one’s understanding of business and finance, the more effectively one can deliver a great tailored and commercially sound legal advice to clients.

International finance sits at the core of many legal transactions I advise on, whether in M&A, capital structuring, or cross-border investments. A solid grasp of financial principles, accounting fundamentals, valuation, and capital markets enables me to better understand not only how transactions are structured, but also why they are structured in a particular way. This perspective is crucial in bridging legal analysis with commercial realities.

The International Finance programme at AIT SOM significantly broadened my professional outlook. The programme offered a strong balance between academic and practical application. The professors brought real-world experience into the classroom, grounding theory in actual case studies and market practice, which significantly greater my learning. Equally valuable was the opportunity to engage with classmates from diverse professional, cultural, and national backgrounds. The exchange of perspectives, experiences, and ideas added a real dimension to the programme and reinforced the importance of cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural understanding in today’s global business environment.

2) Let's talk about your most recent achievement, being honored as "Thailand’s Business Woman of the Year 2025 Award" from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade. What was your reaction when you first heard the announcement? How does it feel to be given such a prestigious award and what does it mean to you or to young leaders in Thailand?

I was genuinely and deeply honoured when I first heard the announcement. It was both a humbling and emotional moment. This recognition represents far more than a personal milestone, it reflects years of perseverance, discipline, and firm commitment to the work I do.

The journey has certainly not been an easy one. There were moments of uncertainty, doors that closed, and challenges that tested both resilience and confidence. However, I firmly believe that if one stays true to their purpose, remains consistent, and continues to work with integrity, the right opportunities will eventually present themselves.

This award also carries a collective meaning for me. No achievement is ever accomplished alone. It belongs equally to the incredible team who have stood beside me, shared the vision, and committed themselves wholeheartedly to our work. Their trust and dedication have been instrumental to everything we have built together.

3) Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years? What are you still planning to achieve and how do you see yourself reaching your goals?

I’ve always believed that ordinary people can create extraordinary impact when driven by purpose, passion, and resilience. If the door of opportunity doesn’t open, I’ll knock or build one myself. I don’t wait for perfect conditions, I believe in dreaming big, staying consistent, and having the courage to try, fail, and grow.

My journey has been shaped by this mindset. As a business strategist, legal advisor, and regional bridge-builder, I work at the intersection of law, leadership, and cross-border collaboration. What sets me apart is not just my expertise, but my commitment to using it to empower others, clients, colleagues, and communities alike.

I don’t believe in growing alone. True leadership, to me, means lifting others up and creating space for people to rise with you. Whether advising multinational companies, mentoring young professionals, or contributing to public-private dialogues, my goal is to lead with clarity, empathy, and intention.

Looking ahead, I’m building a next-generation law firm that blends professionalism with emotional intelligence. A place where technology enhances service, but human understanding remains at the core. I believe that while AI and digital tools will reshape the legal profession, the ability to connect, listen, and tailor advice to real human needs will only grow more valuable.

My vision is to develop a team of bold, character-driven professionals who are not only legal experts but strategic business thinkers. I want our clients to see us as partners, trusted advisors who solve challenges and grow with them.

Ultimately, I want to help redefine what leadership looks like in Asia-Pacific: visionary yet grounded, agile yet empathetic, and always driven by a deeper purpose to create meaningful, lasting change.

4) Do you have any words of advice for any of our students who are about to start their career paths? What kind of difficulties did you face in your career journey and how did you overcome them?

For those who are about to begin their professional journey, my first piece of advice would be this: do not feel pressured to have everything figured out from the start. Careers are not linear, and growth rarely follows a straight path. What matters is building a strong foundation of values, discipline, and curiosity, and allowing yourself the space to evolve.

Throughout my career, I faced a number of challenges. Entering complex, male-dominated professional environments at a relatively young age required resilience and confidence. There were moments when my capabilities were questioned, when opportunities did not come easily, and when I had to work twice as hard to be heard and taken seriously. In cross-border work, I also had to navigate cultural differences, regulatory uncertainty, and high-pressure decision-making, often simultaneously.

What helped me overcome these challenges was consistency and preparation. I focused on mastering my craft, continuously expanding my knowledge beyond my core legal training, and understanding the commercial realities behind every decision. Equally important was learning when to listen, when to ask for guidance, and when to stand firm. Seeking mentors, surrounding myself with people who challenged and supported me, and staying open to learning were critical parts of that process.

I would also encourage students to be patient with themselves. Success is not defined by speed, titles, or comparison with others. It is built over time through small, disciplined actions, ethical decision-making, and the courage to keep going even when progress feels slow.

Finally, remember that your character will carry you further than any single achievement. Work hard, stay kind, and remain true to who you are. If you do so with consistency and integrity, opportunities will follow, often in ways you never initially imagined.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions and give our students encouragement and advice for their future careers. On behalf of AIT School of Management, we are proud to have you as one of our Alumni and we hope for your continued success.