"It's really a dynamic forum to exchange ideas," Bunyavanich said.
Last year, the conference was held in Seoul, Korea and was attended by over 250 delegates from 67 universities around the world.
This year, the conference will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, concentrating on the theme of "Building Nations, Building Communities: New Approaches to Asian Development." The conference will focus on sustaining development, public health, and regional security.
"Supinda is probably one of the brightest sophomores I've had the pleasure of working with at Harvard," said Montira Horayangura '97, who is on the HPAIR committee and is also a Crimson editor.
At the conference last year, "she surprised people with her professionalism and poise," Horayangura said. "She showed maturity in organizing and taking initiative."
"She is always willing to challenge convention if she thinks there's a better way," Horyangura said. "She's very committed and reliable."
Bunyavanich is also involved in Project HEALTH, an undergraduate organization that focuses on social action in terms of public health, in coordination with Boston Medical Center and the Institute of Politics.
Rebecca D. Onie '98-'97, who founded Project HEALTH, says that Bunyavanich is "very reliable and very good at taking things in stride." Onie described her as capable and committed to helping other people.
"She certainly balances a lot in her life and does it very elegantly and successfully," Onie said.
Bunyavanich is currently organizing a children's health forum through Project HEALTH that would address the logistics of organizing a national health care program.
Supinda's roommates also said that she is particularly deserving of the award.
"She's always there for you," Ryono said. "I think this award addresses not only those who achieve but also those who look out for other people's interests."
Mariko K. Johnson '99, who is also one of Supinda's roommates, described her as "warm, caring, dedicated, driven and very self-confident."
"I'm really glad she got a chance to be awarded for what she does. She's really multi-talented," Ryono said.
"We're all so proud of her," Johnson said. "We have many copies of USA Today in our room."