The UC Irvine Scholarship Opportunities Program, Division of Undergraduate Education, and Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning are proud to announce that Jira Trinetkamol is UC Irvine’s first-ever Schwarzman Scholar. Selected as one of only 150 Scholars out of over 5,800 applicants, Jira is also the first Thai Schwarzman Scholar in over a decade.
About Jira Trinetkamol
Jira Trinetkamol is an urbanist, government affairs consultant, and aspiring policymaker dedicated to decentralizing Thailand’s development. He advises a Member of Parliament on national decentralization and reskilling policies and previously worked at the California Governor’s Office, the Brookings Institution, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He also co-organized the Thai–U.S. Trade & Investment Summit and founded a nonprofit supporting Thailand’s homeless elderly.
Jira graduated from UC Irvine in 2023 with a triple major in Economics, Political Science, and Urban Studies, earning the Strauss Scholarship, the Chancellor’s Award for Research Distinction, and the Chancellor’s Award of Distinction. A proud native of Bangkok, he is trilingual in Thai, English, and Mandarin. As a Schwarzman Scholar, he will study China’s regional development strategies to strengthen Thailand’s secondary cities.
Jira shared what being a Schwarzman Scholar means to him:
“Being selected as a Schwarzman Scholar is an incredible honor. To be the first Anteater ever chosen and the first Thai scholar in more than a decade still feels surreal. I hope my journey shows young and ambitious UC Irvine students—especially those who feel lost or unsure—that we can compete on the global stage.
I came to UC Irvine with a blank résumé. Less than five years later, thanks to the people I met and opportunities I received, I now get to represent my country and my university in one of the most important leadership classrooms of the 21st century. I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned as an Anteater onto the global stage.”
About Schwarzman Scholars
Founded in 2016 to promote international understanding and peace, Schwarzman Scholars is a highly competitive program that supports a one-year Master’s in Global Affairs at Beijing’s top-ranked Tsinghua University.
Schwarzman Scholars live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion—attending lectures, traveling around the region, and developing a better understanding of China. Scholars join an international community of thinkers, innovators, and senior leaders in business, politics, and society, expanding their understanding of the world and creating a network of global leaders.
Schwarzman Scholars receive a comprehensive scholarship, including:
- Tuition Fees
- Room and board
- Travel to and from Beijing at the beginning and end of the academic year
- An in-country study tour
- Required course books and supplies
- Health insurance
- A stipend of $4,000 for personal expenses
Schwarzman Scholars also have access to shared study facilities and other benefits of Schwarzman College.
The Schwarzman Scholars global selection committee examines the academic abilities and leadership potential of each applicant. Top applicants demonstrate superior academic performance and are usually among the top students in their graduating class. The selection committee also looks for leaders who understand challenges and opportunities, envision solutions, take initiative to act, inspire others to join an effort, and push through resistance and/or challenges to reach results.
While the Schwarzman Scholars program is always highly selective, this year’s cycle was the most competitive in the program’s 11-year history. Out of over 5,800 applicants from all over the world, Jira was one of only 150 selected as Schwarzman Scholars.
Words of Congratulation
Many across campus were eager to celebrate Jira and his incredible accomplishments. Jira’s mentor, Hun Kim, UC Irvine Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy, emphasized how deserving Jira is of this award:
“Jira’s selection as UC Irvine’s first Schwarzman Scholar is a remarkable and well‑deserved achievement. As his thesis advisor, I had the privilege of watching him ask important global questions, engage his deep curiosity across disciplines, and pursue detailed solutions grounded in both research and an unyielding commitment to public service. His work reflects not only his exceptional talent but also his clarity of purpose. I have no doubt he will make a meaningful impact as a Schwarzman Scholar and beyond.”
Representing the Scholarship Opportunities Program, which supported Jira’s Schwarzman Scholar application, Director Rose Jones extended their congratulations:
“All of us at the Scholarship Opportunities Program are thrilled to celebrate Jira Trinetkamol as UC Irvine’s first Schwarzman Scholar. His achievement reflects not only his exceptional academic talent but also his deep commitment to public service and global engagement. Jira continues to exemplify the values of leadership and impact that define our campus. We could not be prouder of his accomplishments, including his work as a Strauss Scholar, and look forward to the transformative work he will continue to do.”
Finally, Michael Dennin, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, Dean of Undergraduate Education, and Professor of Physics and Astronomy, also applauded Jira’s efforts:
“It’s both humbling and inspiring to see everything that Jira has accomplished at such a young age. His journey is a testament to the power of determination, self-belief, and hard work, and I’m proud that our campus played a role in his success. As Jira begins his time as a Schwarzman Scholar, I know I speak for all of UC Irvine when I say we’re honored to have him represent us on a global stage. We extend to him our sincerest congratulations and full support as he continues his work.”
For More Information
Please join us in congratulating Jira on becoming UC Irvine’s first-ever Schwarzman Scholar. To learn more about Jira, read his personal account of his journey from confused UC Irvine student to international sensation.
Interested in learning more about the Schwarzman Scholars program or other prestigious scholarships and awards? Visit the Scholarship Opportunities Program website for additional information on scholarship opportunities, application assistance, and more.