I spent most of my childhood with my mother’s family in Ye, in southern Mon State, Myanmar. Although I was raised by a single mother of two children, I was lucky enough to have access to basic education with her support.
As I grew older, I came to understand that she could not afford my academic fees year after year. I always wanted to make her proud, and I worked hard to stand out as a top student every year. I received several awards in art at both national and state level competitions, and I was awarded a high school scholarship. Winning those awards helped cover my tuition fees and eased some of the burden on my mother.
In 2016, I passed the matriculation exam with four distinctions in Ye township. At that time, my brother was also in college, and my mother could not afford both of our higher education costs. I faced significant financial challenges in continuing my studies at Yangon University of Foreign Languages. Fortunately, I was able to secure a scholarship from Maradewi Educational Foundation. It helped to a degree, but I still needed to work as a study guide to fully support myself. During every semester break, I returned to Ye and volunteered as an English teacher.
From my first year of university, I participated in many art-related events and competitions. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, I stayed active through the English-Cafe Myanmar Club and continued volunteering with my graphic design work.
About Htoo Khant San
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Mon
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
- Bachelor’s, Communication Design
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a designer
- Have a positive impact through artwork
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,625
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,500
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
I had hoped to specialize in Art and Design after graduating, but the pandemic and the military coup disrupted those plans. I found myself at a standstill, uncertain how to move forward.
I decided not to give up on my dream of becoming a digital designer. In 2020, I founded HKS’s Arte, taking on commissioned artwork that allowed me to develop my design skills and earn a small income. I also created canvas tote bag paintings during this period.
Eager to expand my knowledge, I applied for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design program at the School of Architecture and Design (SoA+D) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). I look forward to immersing myself in art and design projects and developing my critical thinking through my studies in Thailand. After completing my degree, I plan to use my artistic talents as a platform for social change, creating work with meaningful messages behind it. I believe in the power of creative art to make a positive impact, and I am confident that KMUTT will equip me with the technical, creative, and professional skills to become a well-rounded designer.
Written by Htoo Khant San with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Htoo Khant San
“I decided not to give up on my dream of becoming a digital designer. I believe in the power of creative art to make a positive impact.”