Teeraphon Pongkittiphan
Current Position: Vice President, Data Engineering, Goldman Sachs Japan
Degree at UTokyo: Master (2012)
Department: Electrical Engineering and Information Systems
Laboratory: Hirose-Minematsu Laboratory
Research at SEUT
Since my undergraduate studies, I have had a strong research interest in speech and assistive technologies, as well as their application in education.For my master's degree, my primary research focused on speech synthesis and character voice conversion. Given that Generative AI did not exist at the time, preparing a speech corpus was the most challenging and time-consuming part of the process. Through this research, we were able to programmatically generate a wider variety of speech across different characters and emotional states using only a very small corpus collected from voice actors. This technology could be applied to create audiobooks and interactive storytelling devices.
In addition to my core research, I collaborated on several side projects applying speech technology to education, including measuring phonetic similarity in English spoken by non-native speakers and studying the perception of Japanese pitch accents among Thai speakers.
Why I Chose SEUT
My decision was based on several factors, including academic standing, faculty, location, history, and support for international students.As a MEXT scholarship student, I chose SEUT because it is one of Japan's leading engineering schools, and the professors and laboratory members actively publish research and contribute to top-tier international conferences. Furthermore, the University of Tokyo is located in the heart of Tokyo, offering rich history, excellent infrastructure, convenient transportation, and a safe and welcoming environment.
SEUT also offers the Japanese Language Course at the School of Engineering (JLCSE), which provides language instruction and support for daily life and job hunting. Since I arrived in Japan with no Japanese language skills, this comprehensive support system was an important factor in my decision.
Memorable Experiences
The university encouraged students to take classes outside their primary departments. I took courses in linguistics, history, and philosophy, which broadened my perspective and strengthened my critical thinking skills. Additionally, JLCSE truly became a second home for me during my time at SEUT.
Challenges and How I Overcame Them
Arriving with no Japanese language background, and before translation apps were widely available, I relied on enthusiasm and a growth mindset. I proactively made Japanese friends, attended JLCSE language classes, and worked hard to achieve fluency.
This experience also taught me the importance of asking for help when needed. People are often willing to assist, but you need to reach out. SEUT created an environment where students can seek support, and I greatly appreciated its student support network, language programs, and counseling services.
Personal and Professional Growth
The standards at SEUT are exceptionally high. The faculty teaches students not only to be innovators but also resilient problem-solvers. I learned that continuous effort, curiosity, and perseverance inevitably pay off.
Living in Japan also shaped me into a global citizen. It taught me responsibility, respect for others, and the importance of contributing positively to society. While technical skills provided the foundation, the soft skills and perspectives I gained at SEUT have been equally valuable throughout my career.
Career Path
After graduating, I joined the Engineering Division at Goldman Sachs Japan as a new graduate and have remained with the firm ever since.
Over the past decade, my career has evolved significantly. I started as a junior developer in the Identity and Access Management team, collaborating with global teams across APAC, India, London, and New York, before advancing to Senior Engineer.
More recently, driven by the rapid adoption of Generative AI, I transferred internally to Data Engineering and currently serve as the lead developer for an Agentic AI project within the division.
Message to Prospective Students
SEUT is a world-class engineering school with a rich history that will challenge you academically and provide a strong foundation for your future career.
As an international student, you will benefit from outstanding support systems, including Japanese language learning, daily life assistance, and career guidance. Above all, you will build lifelong friendships with people from around the world and create unforgettable memories. All of these experiences at SEUT have shaped who I am today.