My life has been a journey of sticking with things, building businesses, and genuinely caring about helping others. All these experiences have led me to pursue a Master’s in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at AIT, even though I have faced some big hurdles along the way. My academic foundation started with graduating from Myanmar Maritime University and earning four distinctions on my matriculation exam. Every step, from my various jobs to community service and personal hobbies, has only made me more determined to overcome challenges and make a real difference.
My career really began with entrepreneurship. In 2014, while still an undergraduate, I ran Beta-house, a cyber café. That is where I first got a taste for business and learned to be self-reliant. That venture grew in 2015 when I started Khin Htut Khaung, a travel and tour company, driven by my love for nature and planting.
These early projects gave me a sense of purpose, connecting people with the outdoors while fueling my own passion for all things green.
In 2017, my career went international. I joined Ocean Tankers Pte Ltd as a Marine Engineer Trainee, and in 2018, I became a Cargo Operation Officer at Hin Leong Trading, both in Singapore’s shipping and oil and gas industries. These roles sharpened my skills and made me more adaptable, preparing me for the complexities of global business.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 tested everyone, but it also showed me how much I care about my community. My friends and I opened KhitZiwa, a pharmacy and clinic, where I donated medicines and masks to help people through the health crisis. This act of service, done without expecting anything in return, deepened my understanding of how we can all recover together. In 2022, I joined Phee Group of Companies, taking on Business Development, Admin, and QMR roles, which further honed my leadership and organizational skills. All these experiences, from tech to healthcare to business, reflect a life dedicated to growing and supporting others.
About Thomas
- Age: 32
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Asian Institute of Technology
- Master’s, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- 2nd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a tech entrepreneur
- Visit Australia
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,450
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,450
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
Today, I am facing a new challenge: financial instability. The recent earthquake in Myanmar hit my family’s resources hard. As a married, unemployed individual, I am relying on dwindling savings to cover my AIT tuition, housing, and commuting costs to Bangkok, where I am completing my Common Core curriculum. But this adversity has only made me more determined. I have been finding part-time freelance work and using online resources to stay afloat, while my Machine Learning and Human-Computer Interaction courses keep my academic passion burning. These efforts reflect my belief that education can transform lives.
A loan from Zomia would be a game-changer, giving me the stability I need to truly focus on my studies and finish my degree. This support would cover my tuition and living expenses, allowing me to dive deep into mastering AI techniques that could solve real-world problems. My goal is to become a data scientist, developing innovative solutions like AI-driven platforms to connect rural Myanmar communities with essential resources.
This vision is rooted in my past service, from teaching computer skills to underprivileged youth in Myanmar to volunteering at a monastery after my matriculation exam, empowering those who could not afford higher education. Seeing their confidence grow and sharing moments of joy reinforced my purpose.
My journey has also been shaped by a lot of personal growth. Moving between schools as a kid taught me how to adapt, while launching Beta-house and Khin Htut Khaung fostered my entrepreneurial spirit. Losing my grandfather while I was at sea made me appreciate perseverance even more. Now, in my thirties, I am embracing new challenges in Thailand, blending my love for nature with a drive to innovate. If I receive this loan, I would use it to secure my education, travel to spark new ideas, and support community initiatives, turning my experiences into action.
This story of overcoming hardship, serving others, and constantly seeking knowledge defines who I am. With Zomia’s support, I can turn my resilience into a lasting impact, using AI technology to uplift my community and beyond. Education is not just my personal triumph; it is a collective hope, and I am committed to making it a reality.
Written by Thomas with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Thomas
“Education is not just my personal triumph; it is a collective hope, and I am committed to making it a reality.”
