Sivershearn: "Having ambitions of being in the aerospace industry from young, working at GISTDA did not feel like ‘job’ but more of a dream come true."
From a young age, I have been interested in engineering and aerospace. The idea of pursuing a career in the aerospace/aeronautical industry was the motivation for my honours degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waikato. The Asia New Zealand Foundation gave me the opportunity to turn a dream into reality.
I was offered a three-month internship position at Geo-Informatics & Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), located in Thailand.
GISTDA is a public organization supported by the Government of Thailand for the goal of reaching Thailand’s 4.0 economic model. This policy aims to increase research and development expenditure to boost economic growth.
The programme's ongoing goal is achieved through producing, procuring, collecting, analysing and creating data warehouses from observation satellites and geospatial structures. It also provides information services, consulting in space technology research and development and the development of geospatial technology infrastructure.
With my mechanical background, I was placed in the Satellite Testing team at GALAXI. GALAXI is a subsidiary of GISTDA, which primarily focuses on satellite and material testing.
My main project was creating procedures and work instructions for the satellite testing machinery. I also gave support to other departments of the company with material testing and design and development.
Siveshearn's main work at GISTDA involved creating procedures and work instructions for the satellite testing machinery
During my weeks with GISTDA, I learnt a significant amount from my project managers, senior engineers and engineers from other departments. My co-workers have been incredibly supportive of introducing me to the company and their values.
Growing up in Malaysia and New Zealand, I have learnt and absorbed a significant amount from both cultures. However, living in Thailand has opened my eyes to Thailand's unique culture. From the street food to the way of life, the atmosphere that Thailand brings has no comparisons.
Getting used to the heat was the most difficult struggle. Constant high levels of humidity and 35-degree temperature calls for frequent use of sunscreen and substantial amount of water. The language barrier initially was a challenge but, after leaning some basic Thai and getting used to the slang, it didn’t pose as much of a problem.
Living in Thailand has given me new and adventurous experiences. I found myself eating live shrimp and squid (wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined).
I had the chance to travel to Phuket and island hop around the Andaman Sea. Solo travelling in a new country was very daunting for me; however, I found myself surrounded with people from all over the globe. I met amazing people from Europe, North and South America and, of course, Asia.
Siveshearn Jaynessh: Everyday was exciting, as there was always something new to learn and try
From all the travelling and various activities, the highlight for me was meeting people from all walks of life and enjoying this incredible country.
I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this opportunity. Having ambitions of being in the aerospace industry from young, working at GISTDA did not feel like ‘job’ but more of a dream come true. Everyday was exciting, as there was always something new to learn and try!!