This audio is generated by AI, so pronunciation and expressions may not be fully accurate. The narration is only in English.
Over the last few decades, the world is paradoxically becoming both a smaller and bigger place. The rise of AI and globalization have created a world that is much more accessible and understandable than ever before. While this can lead to fantastic opportunities and advancements, it also comes with risks, which Suppakitpaisarn is working to reduce.
"It is a big topic," he states, "Everyone is eager to discuss artificial intelligence, they all want to know more about what it can actually do. At the same time, some are worried they may lose their job or that their privacy or security could be at risk because of an AI system." Suppakitpaisarn has spent nearly two decades focusing on the latter issue, creating mathematical models that help secure your privacy and security when using AI. "What we are now trying to do is to define these mathematical models that would keep the users' sensitive information private. Then, we give AI algorithms that satisfy these models."
Working on AI in Tokyo has its pros and cons, Suppakitpaisarn explains. "Tokyo has a lot of great research on AI and AI privacy. However, we lack visibility. We are far from the major hubs for this technology, so we sometimes struggle reaching those people." He goes on to add that, having less visibility does have its upsides as a researcher. "Tokyo has very unique research to offer, and some great opportunities for publication that you may not get in those major hubs."
In the case of The University of Tokyo, there is more freedom to conduct basic research without the external pressure that so many other researchers may face abroad. "We are not pushed to commercialize our work," Suppakitpaisarn states, "we are free to conduct the basic research that we love." Another boon for AI research in Tokyo is the proximity to major companies and research institutes which can create great opportunities for meaningful study.
Prior to his arrival in Tokyo in 2007, Suppakitpaisarn was an undergraduate studying at the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, which allowed him to attend global competitions in the United States, New Zealand, Germany, as well as Osaka and Tokyo. "That was a great opportunity," he says, "because when you get to visit so many countries for such events, you have the chance to work with local people, which allows you to learn about them, their culture, their hospitality, their way of thinking." Having visited all these countries and assessed all these aspects, Suppakitpaisarn chose to study in Tokyo.
For Suppakitpaisarn, along with the city's incredible resources, global acclaim, and ease of living, the choice was also due to Japan's similarities with his home country, Thailand. "I felt I could enter Tokyo much more easily. I knew at that time that I would like to finish a PhD and then go on to become a researcher, which are all mentally exhausting undertakings, so not having to worry about the transition as much was a strong consideration."
While there may be some similarities between Japan and Thailand, language was not one of them. As he was awarded a MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) Scholarship, Suppakitpaisarn was allowed to come 6 months in advance to intensively study Japanese. "I studied for roughly 25 hours a week. That time really gave me a chance to improve but it is still ongoing," he laughs, adding, "I am still not completely fluent even at this moment, I continue to study two hours a week."
His studies are also supported by his volunteer partner, Takeuchi Katsuhiko. "At The University of Tokyo, we have a program that matches international students with a volunteer who works at a Japanese company. The idea is that they will learn from each other." Suppakitpaisarn and Takeuchi have now been partners for over 17 years. "He has supported me with my understanding of Japanese culture, politics, way of thinking, working culture and so on. I am enormously grateful for his help." The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) also provides support to help foreign residents smoothly integrate into life in Tokyo, including the International Residents Support Center TOKYO, which provides English-speaking life support advisors to help them with any concerns or questions they may have about daily life.
Having worked at the university for close to two decades, Suppakitpaisarn has seen a huge shift when it comes to international students. "When I arrived at The University of Tokyo, I was the only international student in a lab of 30," he says, "however, today the institution has become much more international."
The university has done much to adapt to the influx of international students, and, after his many years as an international student turned professor, Suppakitpaisarn has stepped up as a professor in charge of International Relations at his graduate school. "We are trying our best to meet the needs of international students as much as possible," he says, "From the next academic year our graduate school will offer almost all of our courses in English. This was not possible 18 years ago."
Suppakitpaisarn has also seen a rise in international interest from Japanese students. "Through my role, I also help Japanese students find study abroad programs," he explains, "When I started this position 10 years ago, out of the 900 students, only one chose to join an exchange program. Last year, our graduate school sent 32 students on exchange programs."
Suppakitpaisarn believes that the number was initially low due to a concern over language barriers, but, thanks to the strong push for internationalization within the university, those fears are growing less prevalent. "I organize a class on how to deliver presentations in English, so I see the students' TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores every year. It is incredible how much they have improved! In fact, I am ashamed to say I think some of them speak even better English than me," he laughs. The TMG is also working hard to promote English education for young people, providing support for 5,000 high school students to study abroad so far, and developing the TOKYO GLOBAL GATEWAY, an experiential English learning facility.
Tokyo was recently ranked as one of the best student cities in the world by QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026, scoring high for cultural immersion, variety, and plenty of internship and professional opportunities for students. "If you are in computer science, like me, it is not hard to find job opportunities in the city because there are a lot of IT companies here. Many of them are international; so they also do not need you to speak Japanese."
While the university has supported his academic work through grant application, accommodation, visa and language support, along with networking opportunities, the city has offered him a convenient and easy lifestyle that allows him to relax when he is not working.
The TMG is actively working to create a welcoming environment for international talent like Suppakitpaisarn. In addition to offering internship opportunities at companies, the city is also promoting the simplification of business start-up procedures and English support for talent who want to start their own businesses. It is also working to provide support in English for international families, to help navigate administrative procedures and make things easier to understand.
"Tokyo is a place that many researchers may find especially appealing," Suppakitpaisarn states, "It's large and vibrant, offering countless opportunities to pursue activities you enjoy." On weekends when he is not working, Suppakitpaisarn enjoys cycling, taking part in scavenger hunts in the city, and enjoying the wide range of international cuisine Japan's capital boasts.
Tokyo is one of the cities with the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants and has a rich food culture, ranging from the delights of traditional Japanese cuisine to flavors from all around the world, "which includes authentic Thai food that tastes just like home," he adds with a smile.
