Gavin Luengnaruemitchai's journey to the International Economics Olympiad is a prime example of how a supportive school environment and a challenging curriculum can shape a student's future.
A Spark That Started Early
For Gavin Leungnaruemitchai, the journey to an international gold medal began in an ISB classroom. One of the first turning points came early in high school, when he enrolled in AP Microeconomics. The course opened up new ways of thinking, challenging him to analyze, question, and connect real-world ideas to economic theory. It confirmed an early interest and gave him a strong foundation to explore further.
“That class really changed how I looked at the world,” Gavin shared. “It wasn’t just about learning economics. It was about understanding how people make decisions and how systems work together. I started to see connections everywhere.”
Learning That Reaches Beyond the Classroom
What truly shaped Gavin’s success was not only his academic ability but also the environment around him. At ISB, learning is about more than mastering content; it is about pursuing ideas with curiosity and confidence. Gavin was encouraged to explore complex topics independently, share his discoveries with peers, and take on challenges that stretched his understanding.
In this culture of shared inquiry and collaboration, he found classmates who pushed him to think bigger and teachers who guided him to go deeper.
From Curiosity to Competition
That combination of drive and support culminated in Gavin representing Thailand at the International Economics Olympiad 2025, where he earned a Gold Medal and helped Team Thailand achieve a global rank of #10 among 52 international teams. It was a proud moment that reflected years of persistence, thoughtful mentorship, and genuine enthusiasm for learning.
Turning Opportunity into Achievement
Gavin’s story is a reminder that opportunity alone is not enough; it is what students do with it that matters most. By following his interests with dedication and surrounding himself with a community that encouraged exploration and growth, he transformed curiosity into accomplishment.
His journey stands as a reflection of what is possible when learning is both challenging and deeply supported, when students are encouraged to think independently, work collaboratively, and pursue excellence with purpose.
Want to hear more from Gavin himself?
Watch his full interview below and discover how his ISB experience shaped his path to global success.
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