The special series to put a spotlight on our international staff, “Eyes, JAPAN Employee Interview” is back! Our interviewee for this month is Watcharasak Prommanee from Thailand, but everyone knows him as Newyear!

He is currently doing an internship in Eyes, JAPAN. We wanted to ask Newyear about how he came to Japan and his internship experience in Eyes, JAPAN.

(Interviewer: Angie)

A Student from Thailand Who Loves Photography!

What is your favorite thing about your home country or home town?

Newyear: One of the best things about being from Bangkok, Thailand is the food. it’s amazing. There’s always something new to try, and the flavors are out of this world. Plus, the vibe in Thailand is super friendly. People are warm and welcoming, and it just makes you feel at home. Family is a big deal too; we have such strong bonds, and it’s great to always have that support system. And I love how there are so many cool places to travel to. If you ever visit, I’d totally recommend checking out Chiang Mai. It’s got this perfect mix of nature and culture, with stunning temples and mountains that are just breathtaking. It’s one of my favorite spots to unwind and soak in the beauty of Thailand.

Why did you come to Japan and what do you like about Japan?

Newyear: I came to Japan because I got this internship offer from Eyes, Japan through my professor. So, when I growing up, I was really into Japanese culture. everything from J-rock and J-pop to cartoons and TV shows like TV Champion. It had such a big influence on me, so getting a chance to experience it firsthand was like a dream come true. Plus, Japanese food is one of my all-time favorite cuisines. I love how it’s so fresh and full of flavor, whether it’s sushi, ramen, or any of the traditional dishes.

What do you think about life in Aizu?

Newyear: Life in Aizu is really peaceful and relaxing. it’s a totally different vibe from Bangkok. The pace here is slower, which I’ve come to really appreciate. The people are nice, and even though it’s hot right now, the weather overall is pretty great. It’s a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle I’m used to, and it’s given me a chance to unwind and enjoy the little things more.

What is your hobby?

Newyear: My hobbies are pretty varied. I love watching TV series on Netflix. it’s my go-to for unwinding. Sometimes I get into gaming, which is a fun way to relax. I also enjoy baking or cooking when I have the time; it’s really satisfying to create something delicious. And in the mornings, I like to work on listening podcast. it’s a great way to start the day.

What is your academic background and what kind of research are you doing?

Newyear: I’m a 4th-year undergraduate student studying Computer Engineering at Mahidol University in Thailand. My focus is on Front-End Development and UI/UX Design, which is also the main area of my research. I’m really interested in how users interact with interfaces and how design can improve their experience. It’s a field that combines creativity with technical skills, and I find that really exciting.

Do you have any things or skills that you are proud of?

Newyear: One thing I’m proud of is my photography. I have to admit, I’m not always confident about it, but people often tell me that I have a good eye for capturing great photos. It’s something I enjoy and it’s always nice to hear that my work resonates with others.

Respects the Supportive and Open Environment in Eyes, JAPAN.

How did you know about Eyes, JAPAN and why did you decide to join Eyes, JAPAN?

Newyear: I know about Eyes, Japan entirely through my professor. They recommended it to me, and it seemed like an incredible opportunity. The chance to do an internship here and experience life in Japan was really appealing to me. I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture and technology, so this experience felt like the perfect blend of both. It’s a unique opportunity that I didn’t want to pass up. So, I decided to go for it. It’s been a fantastic experience so far!

Do you have any job experiences before coming to Eyes, JAPAN?

Newyear: Yes, before joining Eyes, Japan, I had an internship as an IoT Engineer at Smart Farm in Thailand last year. It was a great experience where I worked on various projects related to the Internet of Things, which helped me develop my technical skills and gain valuable industry experience.

What kind of projects did you work on in Eyes, JAPAN?

Newyear: My main role at Eyes, Japan is in Front-End Development and UI/UX Design. I’ve been working on a variety of projects, focusing on creating and refining user interfaces to improve the overall user experience. I help mentor on tasks related to my field, sharing insights and best practices to support their development.

Could you let us know your most memorable project in Eyes, JAPAN?

Newyear: At Eyes, Japan, I’m currently involved in several projects, and while I haven’t completed any yet, the one that stands out as the most interesting so far is the Fishery Digital Twin project. It’s a fascinating initiative that involves creating a digital replica of a fishery to improve management and operations. The project combines my interests in technology and data, and I’m excited to see how it develops.

What customs in Eyes, JAPAN that you like the most?

Newyear: One of the customs at Eyes, Japan that I like the most is the strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. The open environment where everyone is encouraged to share ideas and contribute, regardless of their position, really fosters a sense of community and collective effort. I also appreciate the respect for work-life balance and the commitment to high standards of professionalism. These customs make for a supportive and effective work environment.

What do you think about your colleagues in Eyes, JAPAN?

Newyear: I think my colleagues at Eyes, Japan are great. The team is really diverse, which brings a wide range of perspectives and ideas to the table. Everyone is knowledgeable and wise in their respective fields, and they all have good manners and professionalism. It makes for a positive and collaborative work environment, and I’m enjoying working with such a talented group of people.

What kind of problems or challenges have you faced while working in Eyes, JAPAN, and how did you solve it?

Newyear: One of the challenges I faced at Eyes, Japan was adjusting to the working culture, which took some time to get used to. Every company has its own way of doing things, and adapting to a new environment can be a learning curve. Another challenge was navigating Japanese language outside the office. While I’m getting more familiar with it, Google Translate has been a lifesaver for day-to-day interactions and communication. By giving myself time to adjust and utilizing tools like Google Translate, I’ve managed to overcome these challenges and adapt to the new work environment.

Dream: To Embrace and Enjoy Simple Things in Life.

Can you give some pros/cons of working at a Japanese company?

Newyear: Working at Japanese companies often involves a strong emphasis on quality and a disciplined work ethic. The structured environment and attention to detail contribute to high standards and professionalism. However, challenges include the use of outdated technologies like fax machines and a hierarchical structure that may limit direct communication. The demanding work culture can also impact work-life balance.

Newyear: In contrast, Thai companies generally offer a more relaxed and flexible work environment. They often embrace modern technologies and foster a casual atmosphere with a focus on personal relationships. While this can create a comfortable work setting, variability in work standards and structure may be a concern. Work-life balance in Thai companies can be more adaptable, but expectations can still vary widely.

How do you balance your working and private time?

Newyear: Balancing work, study, and personal time can be challenging for me. I try to use every moment effectively to manage all my responsibilities, sometimes sacrificing sleep in the process. However, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t the healthiest approach. I’m working on finding a better balance to ensure that I take care of my well-being while meeting my commitments.

What kind of projects do you want to work on in the future?

Newyear: In the future, I’m especially passionate about working on projects related to UX design. I’d love to dive deeper into creating intuitive and engaging user experiences, solving complex design problems, and innovating new solutions that enhance how people interact with technology. Projects that focus on improving user interfaces and making technology more accessible and enjoyable for everyone really excite me.

Any advice for people who wants to work in Japan?

Newyear: For those from different countries considering working in Japan, it’s important to know that Japan can be a fantastic place to live, especially if you’re familiar with the Japanese language. It helps with both daily interactions and professional communication. Additionally, having a car can be very beneficial, particularly if you’re working outside major cities, as it provides more flexibility and ease of travel. Embracing the local culture and being open to adapting to new ways of working will also enhance your experience.

Lastly, what is your dream?

Newyear: My dream is to embrace and enjoy the simple things in life. In today’s fast-paced world, I’d like to focus on finding joy in the everyday moments and experiences that bring happiness and fulfillment. It’s about appreciating the little things and creating a balanced, meaningful life. and having good coffee machine to enjoy coffee in every single morning. : )

Thank you!

If you are interested in Eyes, JAPAN and would like to hear other stories, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following contact form.

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