“Maybe finishing high school is enough, my child… I may not be able to afford university.”
Spoken during a difficult time for the family, those words nearly forced Kaew Thanayaporn Choonual to give up her dream of pursuing a university education.
But few could have imagined that the same girl would one day become a 7-Eleven Store Business Partner—effectively a 7-Eleven store owner—at just 23 years old. Today, she is already setting her sights on expanding her business. What was the turning point behind this remarkable journey, and what lessons fueled her success?
Tuition-Free Education with Paid Internships
Kaew chose to pursue a degree in Modern Retail Business Management at Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM) after receiving guidance from her school counselor. The program’s Work-based Education model, which combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience, allowed her to earn an income while studying. As a result, she was able to complete her four years of university without relying on financial support from her family—and even send money home to help support them. This was made possible by:
- A 100% tuition scholarship covering all tuition fees throughout the four-year program, easing the financial burden on her family.
- The PIM Smart Fund, which provides a monthly living allowance of THB 3,000 for students with financial need.
- Income from internships and part-time work opportunities, including product promotions, leaflet distribution, and data-entry assignments.
- A clear career pathway and job security, with employment opportunities available upon graduation.
Never Stop Learning
Kaew’s potential quickly stood out during her internship, earning her a Store Manager role while still in her second year at university. Her secret was simple: never stop learning. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she actively sought them out. “Whenever I felt confident in a task, I would ask to learn something new. I wanted to prove that I could do more than what was expected of me,” she recalled.
CP Future Leaders Development Program
Kaew’s journey did not stop at graduation. She was later selected to participate in the CP Future Leaders Development Program, a six-month initiative inspired by Dhanin Chearavanont, Senior Chairman of CP Group, designed to nurture future business leaders through direct exposure to executive insights and entrepreneurial thinking. Combined with the encouragement of those around her, who believed in her potential and often said, “You’ve studied so hard and worked so hard—why not run your own 7-Eleven store?”, the experience gave her the confidence to pursue business ownership.
A 7-Eleven Store Owner at 23
With a clear goal in mind, Kaew decided to apply to become a 7-Eleven Store Business Partner. Her application was approved by CP ALL based on her experience and the strong management skills she had developed through four years of intensive learning and hands-on training at Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM). Beyond her own readiness, she also received dedicated support from CP ALL, which assigned a mentor team to guide her through the first two months of launching and managing her business.
Like many businesses, Kaew faced one of her toughest tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, support from CP ALL’s business systems and operational guidance helped her navigate the crisis. As sales declined, she chose to accept short-term losses rather than let go of her employees, believing she was protecting not only her staff but also the families behind them.
That decision reinforced her belief that people are the heart of every business. The trust and loyalty she earned from her team helped the store weather the crisis and laid the foundation for sustainable growth.
Paying It Forward
Perhaps the clearest reflection of PIM’s values in Kaew is her commitment to giving back. Through the PIM Smart Fund, she became a guardian and mentor to a hill-tribe student who lacked Thai citizenship and was given an opportunity to study at PIM’s Faculty of Communication Arts.
Kaew provided internship opportunities, income, and family-like support until the student graduated. One of her proudest moments was taking the student back to visit the mother in the highlands and witnessing her heartfelt gratitude for the brighter future these opportunities had made possible.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to CP ALL, Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM), and the PIM Smart Fund for believing in me and giving me an opportunity. Their trust showed that an opportunity given to a child today can one day be passed on to others in need.”
Kaew’s story is not simply about academic achievement or hard work. It is a testament to the fact that while our circumstances may define our starting point, it is our willingness to seize opportunities and believe in ourselves that determines our destination. For her, a 7-Eleven store is more than a business. It is a home built through perseverance, shaped by opportunity, and made possible by people who believed in her at the right moment. Above all, it is proof that success begins with an owner’s mindset.
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