BANGKOK: APSA is pleased to welcome Mike Kingpayom as the newest member of the Secretariat. As the newly-appointed Events Officer, Mike will be responsible for all aspects of the many functions that APSA hosts and partners in throughout the year. The biggest of course is the annual
Asian Seed Congress, the 24th edition of which is scheduled to take place later this year in Bangkok.
In filling this important role, Mike has been given a mandate to consider the wide diversity of our international guests, while adhering to a budget that ensures our events are reasonably priced for our members. From event catering, logistics and venues, to master of ceremonies, entertainment, signage and production elements, Mike will be tasked with making sure each aspect of APSA events is meticulously planned, ensuring appropriate contingencies are also in place.
Some of our members may recognize Mike, who is a well-known entertainment personality in Thailand and who brings to APSA rich experience in the entertainment, events and hospitality industries. To get to know him a little better,
Asian Seed sat down with Mike.
Tell us about yourself – your background, previous experience?
Born and raised in New York City, I moved to Bangkok when I was 17. My parents are originally from Thailand and I have three siblings, an older brother still living in NYC, a twin brother, who lives in Thailand, and an older sister, who is a famous celebrity here in Thailand. Also a celebrity since the age of 12, I decided to step away from the limelight about 10 years ago to start a normal life. I have since worked at Thailand's top Event Agency (now Index Creative Village), before working in the hotel industry, having gained more than five years’ experience working in Events and PR for 5-star hotels in Bangkok, including Sofitel and Marriott. I eventually found myself working in Thailand's Music & Nightlife Industry as Event Manager for some of the biggest clubs in Thailand and all major music & DJ festivals. I am happily married and have a two-year-old son.
Why did you decide to work for APSA? What do you hope to gain here, and what do you think you will bring to the association?
With my background in Events and Hospitality, I was looking to further my career with a position in which I can put all the knowledge and experience I gained over the years to good use. What I hope to gain from APSA is more knowledge in Seed and Agriculture, which I am finding to be very interesting industries. I’m looking forward to enhancing APSA functions with my expertise in Event Management, and of course, my ever-friendly personality and smile.
What do you think about seeds, vegetables, crops and breeding?
I think seeds, vegetables, crops and breeding are very interesting topics that most people don't know much about. In truth, I was one of those people before joining APSA. But the more I learn and read, the more I am amazed of how big of an industry seed actually is – how much of an impact it has on our everyday lives, and how important it is for the future. Nowadays people are becoming more aware about the importance we must give to our environment and to what we consume. So, the future of our personal health and the future of Mother Earth all starts with a seed.
What are your hobbies, passions and special interests?
Personally, I love gaining knowledge on all subjects and finding ways to have new experiences in life. When I have free time, you can always find me reading and travelling. I am addicted to all things music. In my spare time, you can find me DJing in a club or on the dance floor. I am also very interested in Astrology & Astronomy and can talk for hours about horoscopes and/or space.
What are your goals and ambitions, personally and professionally?
With the birth of my son, my goals and ambition in life is all about making sure he has the happiest life possible. I hope to use all the knowledge I gain professionally to one day open my own Home-Stay by the beach. It would be an environmentally-friendly green hotel, with a garden in the back where we grow and harvest our own crops. At night, the bar/restaurant would turn into a club, hosting and playing the hottest music acts & DJs.
Mike can be contacted via email <mike[at]apsaseed.org>
