Architecture is my dream career. When I was young, I enjoyed drawing and sketching my dream house; I would copy neighborhood houses and think of how and what type of people built them.
On my high school matriculation examination, I earned my highest marks in maths and physics. I believe science and mathematical techniques can be alternative ways to express ideas, explore problems, and communicate our thinking process—in the same way as art and design.
As an inspiring architect, I am especially eager to become acquainted with different design styles and techniques. After graduation, I hope to work in Thailand or return to Singapore and find a job that will allow me to integrate into the country’s design environment.
Such an opportunity would give me a more in-depth understanding of local customs, habits, design characteristics, and architectural styles. This will prepare me for a lifetime of success in the field of architecture. Eventually, I plan to return to my native country, equipped with the skills, expertise, and experience to be an asset in the domestic architecture industry.
Undertaking a Diploma in Design (Interior and Landscape) was essential to developing my creativity, helping me re-evaluate my ambitions, and giving me more focus to pursue architecture as a career. The Diploma allowed me to learn all types of software such as AutoCAD, 3Ds Max, SketchUp, and Revit Architecture. It gave me a wealth of experience in three years and allowed me to refine my approach to creative work. I earned a merit award for my hard work, and I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I gained to further study in architecture or in my career.
About Khine
- Age: 30
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Chulalongkorn University
- Bachelor’s, Architectural Design
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- To become an architect
- Start a website
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $8,150
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,200
- Contract Duration: 14 years
- Status: In Repayment
Once I finished my Diploma, I began working as a CAD Designer. After working for one year, I improved at planning, drawing, reading, applying my AutoCAD skills, and communicating with clients. I learned more about real-life work procedures, ethics, and challenges.
Yet I wanted to explore more, as the job only involved system furniture. When given the opportunity, I changed my job and became an Architecture Coordinator. During my time as an Architecture Coordinator, I learned much about diversity from remedial admin work to going on-site, meeting people with distinct roles such as clients, architects, sub-contractors, consultants, and users.
My job was to coordinate all types of people, including the workers, so we could finish projects on time and in a very satisfactory manner. One of the first projects was A&A (Additions and Alteration) to existing buildings at the National University of Singapore. The project helped me with my problem-solving skills, technical skills, and understanding the procedures of construction in greater detail. I was amazed at how the architect inspired me with his focus on details, documentation, and basic architectural practices.
As for involvement in sports, I participated in every aerobic competition during high school in Myanmar. I also participated as a volunteer for the “Walk for Our Children.” As I have asthma, I cannot do excessive workouts but prefer slow running or jogging to improve my health.
As mentioned above, I have matured as a student and individual, developed a confidence and set of skills in my creative work, and above all nurtured a focus and enthusiasm for studying architecture. Moreover, I want to return to my country and guide fellow students, young neighbors, and poor children to learn the subjects they need help with. If possible—I believe I can achieve this goal—I would like to start a website, with help from others, to express my ideas and generate support.
So now I am studying Architectural Design at Chulalongkorn University and hope to one day use my knowledge, skills, and experience to help people in Myanmar. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
Written by Khine with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Khine
“After studying and working abroad, I plan to return to my native country, equipped with the skills, expertise, and experience to be an asset in the domestic architecture industry.”
