My name is Cho, and I am pursuing a foundation program in Computing and Technology at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I come from Taunggyi, in southern Shan State, Myanmar, and I am the youngest of three sisters and the first in my family to study abroad.
My childhood was simple. My father worked as a dump truck driver at a construction site for forty years, and my mother was a housewife. Now nearly sixty, my father suffers from migraines and retired just before the pandemic due to his health. My mother and older sisters began working as tobacco sorters, spending nine hours a day selecting leaves for cigars, earning an average of about $3 per day and working only ten months a year. My mother, who has chronic diabetes, manages our household on under $100 a month, making it very difficult to afford my tertiary education.
Seeing my parents’ struggles, I understood that academic excellence was my way of showing gratitude. I had the opportunity to complete my upper secondary education while it was free, but crisis in Myanmar prevented me from continuing to higher studies. During that time, I helped sort tobacco leaves to cover utility fees whenever I could.
Despite these challenges, I did not give up. I engaged in self-study through free online platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera, and sat the GED, passing with marks that met university standards. I also volunteered for a year at a free medical clinic and competed in Taekwondo as a blue belt holder.
Inspired by the accomplishments of Angelina Tsuboi, the “Queen of Coding,” I became curious about technology and aspired to study cybersecurity. In Myanmar, internet access has been limited for decades, and many people lack awareness of technological advancements and the risks of cyber attacks. I want to change that.
About Cho
- Age: 20
- Ethnicity: Pa O
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation
- Bachelor’s, Computer Science, Cybersecurity
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a cybersecurity engineer
- Travel to Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,400
- Amount Left To Fund: $5,175
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
I received support from a group in my mother’s native Lwe Khaw village, Nyaung Shwe township, as I was the only person there to achieve an international high school diploma. After researching my options, I found that APU offered the best program for my goals. Following the foundation level, I plan to pursue a cybersecurity degree.
Due to the worsening economy, my donor community in Myanmar informed me that funding would be reduced to half my semester tuition fees. To cover living expenses, I work as an hourly photographer for the APU Beyond Media team.
Once I complete my studies, I aim to improve digital literacy across communities in Myanmar, where there is a critical need for cybersecurity professionals. I plan to collaborate with international organizations and help cultivate a new generation of regional IT professionals, contributing to a safer and more connected future for my country.
Written by Cho with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Cho
“In Myanmar, internet access has been limited for decades, and many people lack awareness of technological advancements and the risks of cyber attacks. I want to change that.”
