My name is Aung Min. I was born to Chinese parents in Monyin, Kachin State but grew up in Taunggyi, Shan State, in a rented house under my mother’s care.
My mom, being the sole breadwinner, worked tirelessly as a tailor so that my two siblings and I could study at one of the cheapest high schools in Taunggyi. Although the quality of teaching there was somewhat mediocre, I developed an interest in science.
My mom worked day and night. Sometimes I would wake up to the sound of her sewing machine late at night or early in the morning. There was even a time when she changed jobs and went to Kachin State to look for work as a jade scavenger to earn more income. At other times, she took on side jobs selling goods she bought from Muse at markets in Taunggyi.
It was because of my mom’s constant support and belief in me that I was able to graduate from high school. After that came the decision of which university and subject to choose.
I knew since high school that I wanted to become a biologist. However, I had little knowledge about possible career paths, and I feared I might not find a job with a reasonable salary. Because of this, I chose to study medicine at a university in Magway, hoping to become a doctor and secure a stable career after graduation.
Studying at university was—and still is—much more expensive than what my mom could afford. Fortunately, with support from my cousin and a partial scholarship from a generous Japanese donor, I was able to begin my medical studies. To be honest, becoming a doctor was not my original goal, but given my circumstances, I did not have many choices.
About Aung Min
- Age: 32
- Ethnicity: Chinese, Shan
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Teesside University
- Master’s, Microbiology
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Become a scientist
- To have my own laboratory
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,750
- Amount Left To Fund: $0
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: Repaid in Full
Quotable
What Others Are Saying About Aung Min
However, while studying medicine, I discovered microbiology—the study of microscopic living organisms—which quickly became my passion and gave me a new direction. Myanmar’s education system still has significant room for improvement, especially in science teaching. Throughout my education, science classes were mostly theoretical lectures with very limited practical demonstrations, or sometimes none at all.
As someone deeply interested in science, this approach did not satisfy me. With such teaching methods, it is difficult for students to develop curiosity or motivation to pursue science further. During my internship, I learned about the devastating impact of drug-resistant infections through reports on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and news coverage.
More importantly, my personal experiences of seeing people—both young and old—suffer from or die of drug-resistant infections strengthened my determination to turn my interest in microbiology into a meaningful mission. This is why I plan to pursue a PhD in the next five years to better understand antibiotic resistance.
Before that, I intend to work as a laboratory supervisor for a few years to gain leadership experience. After completing my PhD, I hope to establish my own laboratory in Myanmar, which is my ultimate goal in studying at Teesside University.
I want to collaborate with other scientists to develop solutions to the AMR crisis. In particular, I am interested in creating affordable, point-of-care diagnostic tools to help healthcare professionals in rural areas—such as Maungdaw, where I have worked—make informed decisions about prescribing antibiotics, especially where resources are limited and misuse of antibiotics is common.
My laboratory will also serve as a place for young people in Myanmar to learn about science and develop professional skills. I want to show them that science—a field of curiosity and discovery—is not as dull as it may seem in school, and that it can be used to make a positive impact on humanity.
Written by Aung Min with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.