Technology should help people, not confuse them. Growing up in Myanmar, I saw my family and neighbors struggle with computers and phones because everything was in English. Even simple tasks were hard. These experiences inspired me to become a software engineer.
My name is Mickey, a fourth-year software engineering student at Mae Fah Luang University. I want to build simple software in our native language so people can use technology more easily and not feel left behind in our digital world.
My interest in technology began in high school and shaped who I am today. I joined school activities, took part in competitions, and earned academic awards. Passing the matriculation exam with distinctions in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology was a proud moment for my parents and me. My strong interest in math and physics led me toward software engineering.
I began studying Information Technology at West Yangon Technological University. I studied up to the first semester of my third year. During this time, my passion for technology grew. I learned basic programming on my own through YouTube and explored new skills. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. My family faced financial hardship, and I put my education on hold.
Despite these challenges, I did not give up on my future. During my time away from school, I focused on volunteering, self-learning, and gaining practical experience. I volunteered as an online tutor and taught young people how to use Webflow, a no-code tool that allows users to build websites without coding. I wanted to help them develop skills while schools were closed.
I also worked with a friend to build my first responsive website for the Elysian Feminist Movement Organization, which supported gender equality and women’s empowerment. This project strengthened my teamwork and collaboration skills. Later, I secured an anti-piracy internship at Canal Plus Myanmar Forever Group, where I helped protect digital content on social media, improved my technical skills, and built resilience.
About Mickey
- Age: 25
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Bachelor’s, Software Engineering
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a machine learning engineer
- See the world, especially Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,550
- Amount Left To Fund: $2,550
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
When I resumed my studies at Mae Fah Luang University, I worked hard to make the most of my second chance. I am now a fourth-year student with a 3.77 CGPA. I received the MFU scholarship for three consecutive years in recognition of my academic performance.
Alongside my studies, I actively join university activities. I served as a staff member for the MFU International Students Orientation for three consecutive years, an annual university event that supports new international students. I also served as a staff member for the MFU Book Fair 2023. These experiences strengthened my communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills. I also achieved an IELTS score of 6.0, which has helped me communicate and collaborate in an international learning environment.
However, studying in Thailand remains a heavy financial burden for my family. The weakening local currency has made tuition costs much harder to afford. My parents are also supporting my younger brother’s education. Although my scholarship helps, a large financial gap still remains.
I always look for ways to use engineering to solve real problems. I joined the GISTDA Rapid Prototype Challenge and helped build a software prototype for flood prevention and disaster mitigation. I expanded my knowledge of data science and machine learning through courses and training programs.
I earned a Machine Learning Specialization from Stanford University and DeepLearning.AI on Coursera through a UNDP program. I also completed the Frontier Tech Leaders Myanmar Machine Learning program, run by the United Nations Development Programme. For my capstone project, I designed an AI prototype to monitor dangerous air pollution trends in Chiang Rai.
My current research focuses on building an undergraduate enrollment prediction system for the Mae Fah Luang University software engineering program, along with a gender fairness analysis to help ensure the system treats everyone fairly.
After graduation, my goal is to use machine learning to help the Myanmar community recover and grow. I want to develop predictive models for precision agriculture that can help rural farmers track soil conditions, weather changes, and market prices in real time. My goal is to improve food security and support better incomes for farmers.
This Zomia loan is my only path to completing my final year and turning these goals into meaningful impact for my community. Thank you for supporting my journey and helping me pursue my goals.
Written by Mickey with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Mickey
“Technology should help people, not confuse them.”
