Panthipa Thongkaow: The Women Engineer Driving Innovation and Diversity in Thailand's Automotive Industry

In the heart of Nissan Motor Asia Pacific‘s bustling Thai headquarters, where the sounds of engines and the smell of motor oil were once symbols of male dominance, Panthipa Thongkaow, or “Bew,” a dynamic female engineer, is challenging and transforming the industry’s traditional image.

Bew’s journey towards becoming an automotive women engineer began with a childhood fascination with cars. Growing up surrounded by the sounds of engines and the sight of vehicles cruising down the streets, this passion ignited a dream to create cars that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also met people’s needs.

After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering, Bew embarked on her career at Nissan, determined to use her knowledge and skills to advance the Thai automotive industry.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Challenges and Triumphs of a Female Engineer

As the head of the Exterior Trim Engineering team, Bew is responsible for designing and developing car exteriors, a task that requires both creativity and a deep understanding of engineering principles.

“Designing exterior parts is not just about aesthetics,” Bew explains. “It involves considering various factors such as driving performance, compliance with international standards and regulations, and safety.”

One of the challenges Bew faced was working in a male-dominated environment. However, she proved her capabilities and rose to become a team leader with pride.

“Initially, I felt some pressure, but I believed in my abilities and always strived to learn,” Bew says.

Her most notable achievement is the development of the Nissan Navara Black Edition, a pickup truck that has gained immense popularity in Thailand. This success not only reflects her talent but also serves as an inspiration for young female engineers.

Driving Diversity in the Automotive Industry

Bew firmly believes that diversity is key to fostering innovation. She is committed to building a team that is diverse in gender, nationality, age, and experience.

“Working with a diverse team provides us with different perspectives, which is extremely beneficial in product development,” Bew says.

Furthermore, Bew is an advocate for increasing women’s representation in engineering. She participates in various activities to inspire female students to pursue careers in engineering.

A Bright Future for Thai women Engineer

Panthipa Thongkaow is a shining example of a woman who has achieved success in the automotive engineering industry.She has proven that women can innovate and lead with distinction.

“I want every woman to know that we can do anything. Don’t let anyone tell us we can’t,” Bew concludes.

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