My name is Seng. I am a Jingphaw Kachin, one of the ethnic groups of Northern Myanmar.
I am from Myitkyina, Kachin State, in the northernmost part of Myanmar, where natural resources are abundant but civil war has been happening since 2011. Despite the ongoing civil war, I loved growing up in Myitkyina because of my community and the fresh and healthy environment.
Nearly all my knowledge and experiences have been attained from Kachinland College because as soon as I finished my high school matriculation exam, I began studying there. During my student life, I taught English to children from Aung Myin Tar Village and Waingmaw Village, as well as a group of IDP students.
I volunteered at one of the IDP camps in my town for one year. Once I understood the value of education, I wanted to enlighten others as much as I could. When I saw my students trying hard and improving in school, I felt very proud, which improved my self-confidence and leadership skills.
Moreover, I wrote a research paper about my students, and it was published in the student research journal. I also participated in the Student Union committee as the secretary of the business club and served as a class representative.
My interest in finance emerged when I began taking accounting courses. Accounting quickly became my favorite subject, and I still remember earning the maximum points in the tutorials. In addition, I attended an accounting course from another local institute outside of Kachinland College.
About Seng
- Age: 24
- Ethnicity: Kachin
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Bachelor’s, Business Administration, Finance
- 4th Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a Chief Financial Officer
- Travel to India
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $9,825
- Amount Left To Fund: $8,950
- Contract Duration: 14 years
- Status: In School
As soon as I finished the diploma program, I interned as an Operations Assistant at the college for three months. I was then promoted to become an Operations Associate in the Administrative Department, where I served for one year. For another year and a half, I worked as a cashier in the Finance Department. I have learned a great deal by working in various roles for Kachinland College.
While working at the college, I also ran an online business with my friend and sister. There were more than one thousand followers on our business page. The online business was a part-time job, and I was responsible for managing all the cash transactions and inventories.
After a two-year diploma program and almost two years working at Kachinland College, I was determined to continue my studies. I was delighted when the Director of Kachinland College suggested that I apply to Hong Kong Baptist University for further studies.
Currently, I am doing a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, with a focus on FInance, at Hong Kong Baptist University, where I earn a partial Belt and Road Scholarship . My father’s small income barely covers our family’s expenses and cannot support my education expenses in Hong Kong. Therefore, I was grateful to learn about Zomia.
Zomia brings a ray of hope to students like me who cannot afford to pursue higher education abroad. After finishing my studies, I hope to become a Chief Financial Officer at a community bank or other organization and give back to my community to the best of my ability.
Written by Seng with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Hkyen Seng Naw Awng, Asian Institute of Technology
“Seng is an optimistic and kind-hearted person.”
