From Classroom to Google: Behind the Scenes of 2 BU Students Selected as Google Student Ambassadors
In an era where AI is transforming every industry, Google launched the Google Student Ambassador (GSA) program in Thailand for the first time, recruiting undergraduate students from across the country to serve as representatives promoting Google's technology and products on university campuses.
Among the 390 selected candidates, two students from Bangkok University made the cut: Pop Araya Nanvichai from the School of Business Administration, Digital Marketing, and Kieowza Chanunya Sutti, a Petch Nai Chaiyapruek scholarship student from the School of Engineering, majoring in Artificial Intelligence Engineering and Data Science.
What is Google Student Ambassador?
GSA is a program open to undergraduate students from any university or faculty in Thailand. Ambassadors represent Google within student communities, promote Google's educational products, and organize on-campus activities to raise awareness of Google's tools and technologies.
Three Missions, 390 Final Selections
The selection process went far beyond filling out an application. All applicants had to complete three challenge missions designed to test creativity, communication skills, and genuine proficiency with Google products.
Mission 1: Creative Idea Using Gemini Canvas Kieowza proposed a website concept to help students build portfolios using Gemini Canvas as the primary UI design tool — inspired by a real problem she observed: many students struggle with design but need attractive portfolios for job applications or scholarships.
Mission 2: Promotional Video for a Google Product Pop chose Google Slides AI, drawing on her personal experience of always having to ask friends to make her slides. She turned this pain point into a stylish, distinctive video. Kieowza chose Google Search — seemingly ordinary, but she flipped the angle by researching advanced search techniques most people overlook, such as using quotation marks for exact phrases, filtering by file type, or limiting searches to specific domains. "These features have existed for a long time, but most people never knew they could use them," she noted.
Mission 3: Event Planning Using Gemini Pop presented an immersive psychology-themed event using a website as a space for people to explore their inner selves, discover their Inner Child, and learn stress management. "The inspiration came from observing that many Gen Z individuals tend to bottle up their feelings, while mental health issues among students are gaining increasing global attention."
What Made Google Choose Them?
When asked what they believed set them apart, both answered without hesitation: authenticity. "Everything we submitted — the videos, ideas, application answers — we put ourselves into all of it. We didn't try to copy anyone or follow a formula." Both also believe Google isn't just looking for the most skilled or most-followed candidates, but for people who are unique, interesting, and aligned with Google's culture of bringing new ideas to the world.
Next Steps as GSAs
After selection, the program officially kicks off with an online orientation, followed by weekly challenges sent by Google that participants can complete on their own schedule. There is also a 4-level progression system, with the highest level earning a Google award plaque and other special opportunities. Google also encourages each GSA to organize activities at their own university — a role both describe as exciting and challenging.
Message to Future Applicants
"The most important thing isn't video editing skills, follower count, or being perfectly ready. Find your own image first, then put that authenticity into your work — because if you just copy someone else, there's nothing of you in it."
