Arrogant, stubborn, and dismissive of reason, with high self-confidence. Sigh... “Kids these days”

            The heart-wrenching issue for both those who encounter and those who hear about the behavior of “kids these days” has led many to start threads on how to adapt to the Gen Y population, which is becoming increasingly significant in the workforce and is projected to be the largest demographic group in the world by 2020.

            Gen Y, or those born between 1980 and 1994, is a demographic that emerged during the early digital age. The rapid transition of technology and the environment has made them a group with innovative thinking and adaptability, a result of these changes.

            However, it is not true that Gen Y is merely stubborn and reckless. This group also respects others, but they do not do so solely based on seniority; they require principles or ideas along with a strong commitment to achieving goals. Many Gen Y individuals are eager to pursue new experiences and value dreams and aspirations. If these qualities are present, Gen Y will regard someone as an idol. Let’s take a look at who Gen Y considers as their idols.

Wongthanong Chaiyanarongsing - Founder of a day Magazine

“The way to manage a dream is to take action to make it a reality.”

Wongthanong is an early example of a Gen Y idol. Although his popularity has waned somewhat in recent years, his story remains respected among Gen Y. This is because a day is considered the first creative magazine in Thailand, and its founding approach and concepts were innovative. He has a catchphrase that has become his signature: “The way to manage a dream is to take action to make it a reality.”

            Wongthanong's content ideas for a day are based on three components: Idea (creativity), Somebody (inspiring individuals), and Nostalgia (stories from the past that bring happiness and fond memories). He founded the magazine by raising funds from readers through a share sale at 1,000 baht per share. The first issue of a day, released in September 2000, sold so well that it had to be reprinted twice.

            a day continues to be published and remains a source of inspiration and creativity for the younger generation to this day, even though Wongthanong has since stepped down.

 

Ter Nattapol Thamrongrat - Indie Film Director

“If you love it and do it, even if you can't see the end goal, you will be happy.”

Nattapol has become a popular idol among Gen Y in the past 2-3 years. He graduated from the Faculty of Arts at Chulalongkorn University and was an intern at a day magazine in the a team junior project. Although he did not graduate in film, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a filmmaker focused more on writing than production (indie films). After graduating, he dedicated himself to becoming a filmmaker for a year and submitted short films to various competitions, catching the attention of directors and screenwriters from GTH, leading to an invitation to write scripts. This opportunity allowed him to co-write several well-known films such as Railway to You, Top Secret: The Teenage Millionaire, Love 7 Years, Good 7 Days and Home: Love, Happiness, Memories.

            What makes Nattapol memorable to Gen Y as an idol is his transformation of the Thai film industry with indie films. His films have gained significant popularity and are among the few indie films shown in mainstream theaters, and he has collaborated with major studios like GTH on Freelance: No Sick Days, No Breaks, No Love for the Doctor.

 

Opal Panisara Aryasakul - A Woman Who Overcame Criticism

“Respecting differences and equality among humans is something that should happen, right?”

This talented actress and host is viewed as an idol by Gen Y due to her confidence and her attitude towards the world and respect for others. Opal has had to overcome criticism and derogatory remarks about her appearance, which does not conform to the “ideal type” in Thai society. This has made her a strong opponent of social bullying. Through her numerous works in film, television dramas, advertisements, TV shows, music videos, and hosting, along with awards recognizing her as a talented woman, such as Young & Smart Vote for Stylish Fashion Icon from Sudsapda Magazine, the Transformational Beauty Award from Women Health Award 2012 and the Common Woman Role Model Award on International Women’s Day, it is no surprise that Gen Y holds her in high regard.

 

Chatchart Sitthiphan - The Strongest Minister on Earth

“If we understand his life, we will see that people's lives are unequal; we don't have to look far.”

There is not much to say about this man, the former strongest minister on Earth, who has a personal fan page with over 600,000 followers. He is also the first minister to have people cosplay as him, and there are stickers and games featuring his likeness. These accolades stem from his seriousness in work, his holistic view of problems, and his sincerity in addressing issues, whether during his time as a minister or now as the CEO of Q House.

            Anyone who follows him regularly knows that he is always serious, whether it’s trying public transport himself or taking a train from Hua Lamphong to Chachoengsao, and continuously seeking knowledge. His tangible actions without demanding recognition resonate with Gen Y, who unhesitatingly bestow upon him the title of the strongest minister on Earth.

 

Tun Athiwara Kongmalai - The Forrest Gump of Thailand

“Just a small step from everyone, when combined, can truly become a long stride.”

The man of the year 2017 cannot be overlooked, as he has risen from being a singer to a hero of Thailand through the “One Step at a Time” project, running from Betong to Chiang Rai to raise funds for 11 hospitals across the country. Initially, the goal was 700 million baht, but by the time he reached Tak province, donations had already exceeded 833 million baht.

            Tun graduated from the Faculty of Law at Chulalongkorn University and worked as a flight attendant. Although his path seemed glamorous, he chose to leave it behind and pursue music with a band that won the first Hot Wave Music Award (1996) under the name La-orn, before forming the well-known band Bodyslam.

            It is unclear what motivated Tun to undertake such a monumental project as “One Step at a Time,” but the ripple effect of his actions has impacted all Thais, not just Gen Y. Recently, comparisons have been made between Tun and Forrest Gump, a character from an inspiring film who also achieved greatness through sports, running, and meeting world leaders. Even though the “One Step at a Time” project has succeeded and met its goals, the greatness of what this man has accomplished will undoubtedly remain in the admiration of the Thai people for years to come. - เทอร์ร่า บีเคเค

Article by: TerraBKK Investment Tips

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