Dr Apivadee Piyatumrong, Senior Strategic Project Expert, Big Data Institute, Thailand

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation. 

As a Senior Strategic Project Expert at the Big Data Institute (BDI), I leverage big data and AI to improve lives and drive societal progress.  

My role emphasises fostering technology adoption in industries and empowering small and medium-sized businesses to create tangible value from these tools.  

One impactful initiative is the Thai Large Language Model (ThaiLLM), an open-source LLM tailored for Thai applications. By providing AI infrastructure to academia and businesses, ThaiLLM accelerates innovation while preserving cultural and societal values.  

Additionally, I advocate trustworthiness and ethical governance in technology to ensure these advancements align with the public good. 

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

The ThaiLLM project stands out as the most impactful. This collaborative effort involving seven organizations delivers an open-source language model to serve as AI infrastructure for Thai applications.

It has been instrumental in fostering innovation across sectors while maintaining a focus on cultural preservation and societal benefits.  

The Adaptive Education Platform also deserves mention, as it showcases the potential of generative AI in education by enabling teachers, students, and families to engage with AI technologies in a secure and ethical environment. 

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024? 

2024 was a year of in-depth learning for me, professionally and personally. On a professional level, I realised the tremendous potential of collaboration across sectors despite the challenges of aligning diverse stakeholders.  

Building an ecosystem for big data and AI in Thailand revealed how partnerships between government agencies, private organisations, and researchers can drive innovation and societal progress. 

On a personal level, the passing of my mother from pancreatic cancer was a profoundly transformative experience. It taught me the hard way to embrace the circle of life, a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy.  

This perspective has shaped how I approach my work, reinforcing the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance in the face of life's uncertainties.

These lessons remind me to integrate ethics and human values into every technological and societal development aspect.  

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

In 2025, I am particularly excited to experiment with advanced big data-sharing platforms. These platforms will be critical enablers for technological advancements, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity while addressing regulatory and privacy concerns.  

Building a robust data ecosystem can create a foundation for impactful technologies, including AI.

Equally important is deploying ThaiLLM across various sectors such as culture and philosophy, healthcare, education, and governance.  

Fine-tuning the language model for particular Thai applications holds enormous promise, offering transformative benefits while preserving cultural and societal values. Together, these efforts convey a holistic approach to advancing technology in ways that truly serve society. 

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5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.

AI represents a transformative opportunity for the public sector but requires deliberate and ethical adoption. It should augment human capacities, not replace the vital human touch in public service.

ThaiLLM exemplifies this potential, offering tailored AI solutions for Thai needs.  

However, it is crucial to prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and ethical frameworks to ensure AI genuinely serves humanity. The public sector must lead by example, promoting trust and accountability while addressing societal needs. 

6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

My priorities include scaling the ThaiLLM project to preserve Thai heritage, combat misinformation, and support applications across sectors.  

I also aim to build a big data ecosystem in Thailand, facilitating cross-sectoral collaborations and addressing regulatory challenges to enable data-sharing mechanisms that empower innovation.  

Additionally, I plan to progress AI governance frameworks and mentor emerging public sector innovators to ensure technology aligns with societal values and needs. 

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

Innovation in the public sector requires balancing vision and ethics. Stay curious and adaptable, focusing on the people you serve and designing solutions that address their needs.  

Building strong partnerships and respecting cultural and societal contexts are vital for creating sustainable impacts. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. 

8. Who inspires you today? 

I am inspired by my colleagues who work tirelessly on ThaiLLM, big data sharing platforms, and the Adaptive Education Platform. Their dedication to democratising AI for Thai society is both humbling and motivating.  

On a broader scale, the resilience of communities that innovate despite challenges inspires me, showcasing the profound impact technology and policy can have when guided by purpose and compassion.