Chevening Scholar Werachai Prayoonpruk (MSc Cyber Security Management, 2017) returned to Bangkok after graduating from WMG. He works for Global Fusion Centre (GFC) as a Country Manager for two Thailand subsidiaries; Tokio Marine Safety Insurance Thailand (TMSTH) and Tokio Marine Life Insurance Thailand (TMLTH). As part of Tokio Marine Group, a multinational insurance holding company, GFC leads cyber security operations, protecting the IT environment.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

I always wanted to work in the cyber security field. I chose Warwick for two reasons: its reputation and to connect with international students, particularly from Asia. I felt that one of the success factors of cybersecurity development is collaboration and partnership both domestically and internationally.

Where does your passion for cybersecurity come from?

My passion for IT, particularly in programming, began at an early age inspired by my elder brother. IT and computers were my ‘cool stuff’ back then, so my academic and career path naturally aligned.

I shifted my focus in 2013 while working for a government agency that led cyber security development in Thailand. Although I was part of another IT department, my strong performance often provided me with opportunities to support the Cyber Security Department and represent the country in various international cyber security committees and forums. Through these experiences, I recognised significant gaps in the job market, such as workforce skill shortages and the fact that overall cyber security development was still in its infancy. I saw this as an opportunity to carve out a professional niche and have pursued it with dedication ever since.

Why is cyber security so crucial in the digital age?

As we all know, modern businesses heavily rely on and are deeply interconnected with IT infrastructure. While this brings numerous benefits, such as speed and convenience, it also introduces significant threats. In a matter of seconds, a malicious source from anywhere in the world could steal your funds or compromise your most valuable assets.

What key skills have you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

What’s been truly valuable is the teaching style at Warwick, which gradually equipped me with essential qualities like perseverance and resourcefulness. Another competitive advantage as a Warwick graduate is the degree itself and the institution’s reputation. This has been the cornerstone of the great career opportunities I've had since graduating in 2017 and has played a key role in my development as a leader.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

Securing my current position was my greatest challenge, as senior leadership roles in my country are often given to foreigners with extensive experience at this level. For a local candidate to stand out, exceptional qualities and qualifications are essential, and earning my degree from Warwick, with its strong reputation, was a key factor to this.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

Continuously build yourself, keep updated, and maintain relevance not only in the technical cyber security areas but also in related disciplines (because cyber security is multidisciplinary). It’s okay to grow slowly as this gives you time to distinguish yourself from others.

What does a typical day look like for you?

From a technical standpoint, I manage all aspects of cyber security operations. When it comes to working with people, which I value highly, I set goals, align expectations, and develop strong relationships across every level of the organisation, from executives to frontline staff.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given about your career?

In cyber security, a balance between technical and soft skills is crucial. If you're in a specialised technical consulting role, focusing solely on technical skills might be enough. But if you want to thrive in a corporate environment, where cyber security supports the broader business, soft skills are a must.

What should current students be doing to move their careers forward?

Now is the perfect time to gain knowledge. When you’re a full-time employee, it's challenging to find free time to fill the knowledge gap unless you’re with a company that truly supports staff development. My advice: make the most of your time now and plan it wisely.

Werachai Prayoonpruk

(MSc Cyber Security Management, 2017)