Exploring nationalism

12 September 2024

by Prechaya Chaogunha
School of Arts and Social Sciences

1. Tell us about this scholarshipprechaya posing

The Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship (GRES) is for those who wish to pursue a postgraduate research-focused degree. GRES embraces scholars across a wide range of disciplines who aspire to participate in the investigation and production of Asia-focused discourses. Apart from our individual research, GRES scholars are fully funded and expected to contribute to the university through academic support.

2. In what ways do you believe this scholarship aligns with your academic and career aspirations?

My research interests encompass the examination of nationalism within the contexts of Thai politics alongside South Korea and Southeast Asia. After this degree, I would like to work in the fields of academia, politics, and diplomacy. Monash allows me to explore those possibilities through a supportive yet critical supervisory panel and a flexible yet sensible system, which alleviates an often solitary endeavour, which is research.

3. What motivated you to pursue this particular scholarship opportunity?

Not only are there researchers whose expertise lies in the fields that align with my interests, but the school is filled with scholars who are passionate about what they do. It is simply fun to be part of this zealous collective.

4. In what ways has the scholarship played a role in shaping your overall university experience?

The scholarship is underscored by the system that encourages a rich research space. I can fully focus on my own research while also being able to engage with well-networked collaborations across disciplines. I particularly find it fruitful that we are encouraged by the university to embark on fieldwork. Without the polyphonic voices of the empirics, academia risks being disconnected from the real world.

5. Are there specific challenges or milestones that stand out as crucial to your growth?

Generally, the challenge is the discipline one needs to keep to stay on track with the arduous workload required for research. As for the milestone, I believe fieldwork would be an essential undertaking that bridges the gap between academia and lived experiences, an indispensable convergence of theory and practicality.

6. Drawing from your experience, what advice would you give to students considering applying for scholarships?

If you are passionate about your project and are willing to delve into the rigorous production of knowledge, this is where it begins.

7. What is your current research project about?

My current research is concerned with the history, violence, and virtue in Thai politics. It is an investigation of Thainess with the vocational students as the protagonists of the story who navigate their subjectivity against the polyphonic backdrop of the nation-building project.