Thammasat Named First ASEAN’s ‘People of ACM’

Asst. Prof. Dr. Worawan Marurngsith Diaz Carballo is a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University (TU), Lampang Campus. She has been selected by the world's largest professional organization in the field of computing, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), as one of the People of ACM for the year 2025. This recognition is awarded to individuals who contribute to advancing and shaping the future of the global computing industry, making her the first person from Thailand and the ASEAN region to receive this honor.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Worawan was selected for her work promoting supercomputer utilization through the HPC Ignite project. This initiative developed high-performance computing (HPC) skills for 373 people in four northern provinces (Lampang, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and Lamphun) to foster local innovation and address regional issues. Supported by NRCT, ThaiSC, and Thammasat University, the project addresses the need for skilled operators alongside supercomputing technology to boost national economic competitiveness. Supercomputers accelerate calculations, speeding up product development (e.g., Google DeepMind's 800-year knowledge search in 17 days). Recognizing that only a small group in Thailand currently uses available supercomputers, this project is the first to connect this powerful technology to the general public. She further stated that the aforementioned research project is not merely about skill development but is aimed at creating an ecosystem to train skills in High-Performance Computing (HPC) for individuals who may not have the opportunity to access supercomputers. Some participants in the research project come from areas that frequently experience power outages, lack learning devices at home, and only have access to mobile phones. The research team has therefore developed a website for learning that can be accessed via mobile phones, which includes features for practical training, learning, and matching skill goals, as well as recommending learning pathways. 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Worawan noted that the research project's ecosystem for skill development, including a learning system website, was effective. This website was used during the ACM HPC Summer School to ensure trainees without necessary equipment could participate equally. The platform has thus benefited both Thailand and the global community.

These achievements, including research projects and crucial access to supercomputers in Thailand, rely on Thammasat University's support. Furthermore, Thammasat's consistent participation and awards in the APAC-HPC AI Competition have led ThaiSC to grant them supercomputer access.

"Being named a People of ACM is highly significant," Asst. Prof. Dr. Worawan concluded. "It acts as a catalyst, encouraging a wide audience to grasp the vital role of supercomputers and see them not as an abstract concept. Crucially, it inspires nations globally to bolster their specialized workforce. This enhancement in capacity allows each country to independently drive innovations, including AI development, ultimately bringing substantial national benefits. Moreover, this recognition solidifies Thammasat University's dedication to supporting its personnel and serving society."