Page 61 - AUN_DPPnet_Journey_of_Glory_Book
P. 61
Nitcharee Peneakchanasak
Master of Arts (Psychology: Human Resource and Work
Psychology)
,
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Year of Graduation: 2022
Currently employed as:
National UNV HR Officer at UNICEF Thailand
I am ‘Than’ Nitcharee Peneakchanasak, a person with physical disability. I wear prosthetic legs on both sides and
alternate between using them and a wheelchair. I have always been passionate about education and dream of using
my knowledge and abilities to contribute to the development and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs)
in Thailand. I became disabled after an accident at the age of fourteen. I strongly believe that every person with a
disability has their own potential, and access to education allows us to maximise that potential and use it to benefit
others. I was granted an invaluable opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in psychology at Chulalongkorn University,
supported by the AUNDPPnet Scholarship, a life changing opportunity. During my studies, I gained a great deal of
-
knowledge and practical understanding that I have been able to apply to disability policy work in Thailand. The
scholarship opened doors for me to study in areas I am passionate about. Despite my physical limitations,
I was able
to overcome challenges with the support and coordination of the scholarship programme and the faculty staff, which
made academic and administrative processes smooth and accessible. In addition, the knowledge and skills I gained
from my master’sstudies have strengthened my ability to advance disability inclusion efforts in Thailand.
I have been actively involved in collaborative work with various stakeholders including government agencies, private
sectors, and civil society organisations to promote key areas such as employment of PWDs, access to education, and
the enhancement of overall quality of life. These collaborative efforts aim to create sustainable opportunities and
equality for PWDs in multiple dimensions of Thai society. I was honoured to be the first recipient with a disability from
UN
-
the Faculty of Psychology to receive the ADPPnet Scholarship, and I had the chance to share my insights and
experiences with the university community.
Through this scholarship, I also had the opportunity to conduct my first research project, titled “Relationship Between
Employer Branding and Performance of Employees with Disabilities: The Mediating Role of Perceived Person
-
Environment Fit.” This researchexplored how an organisation’s reputation and inclusive image influence the
-
motivation, engagement, and performance of employees with disabilities. By examining the role of perceived person
environment fit, the study highlighted the importance of creatingsupportive and inclusive workplaces that align with
the values and needs of PWDs. The findings provided valuable insights for employers, policymakers, and HR
provided me
professionals seeking to promote equality and improve employment outcomes for PWDs. This research
with essential knowledge for my professional and academic development and led me to pursue doctoral studies, which
.
I am currently undertaking
60

