My name is Yamin, and I was born and raised in the countryside of Pyapon, Ayeyarwady. My childhood was filled with love and happiness as the only child in my family. I began attending school at the age of six and consistently ranked within the top ten students in my class from Grade 1 onward. My parents always encouraged me to pursue a good education, and I took extra classes outside of school.
In 2014, in Grade 7, a significant turning point occurred. My father’s business, which involved exporting fish from our region to Yangon, was hurt by a shortage of fish in the river and mismanagement in the fishing market. He managed to invest in a friend’s business, which brought in a modest monthly income. Despite the financial hardship, my mother encouraged me not to worry and to focus on my studies.
This experience taught me the value of maturity and gave me a sense of responsibility. I realized I needed to study harder than others, as I was my parents’ only hope and the key to their pride and future. Throughout middle and high school, I excelled academically and participated in sports, winning prizes at school competitions. I achieved success in the Mathematics Olympiad at the township level from Grades 6 to 10 and participated in the Outstanding Student Competition in Grade 9.
After passing the matriculation exam, my parents encouraged me to pursue engineering in Yangon. I secured admission to Yangon Technological University’s Chemical Engineering program and moved into an apartment my father had purchased years earlier.
During my first year at university, I developed a strong passion for engineering mathematics, physics, and chemistry. In my second year, my desire for innovation and contribution to society grew even stronger.
About Yamin
- Age: 24
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Chinese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- Bachelor’s, Civil Engineering
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become a construction or environmental engineer
- Travel to Switzerland
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $5,000
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,700
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
My dream was to finish my degree as quickly as possible to support my parents. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the political coup kept me from university for over two years. That unexpected break gave me time to reflect and find alternative ways to contribute to my community.
I volunteered as a moderator at a Duolingo Study Camp organized by Myanmar New Generation Association in December 2021, then joined AIESEC in Myanmar, where I took on roles in marketing, external and international relations, and logistics. These experiences helped me discover my strengths and develop a passion for my future career.
Needing to finish my degree, and drawn by a freshman scholarship for civil engineering at KMITL, I decided to continue my studies in Thailand. I received a half scholarship, but my parents could only cover a portion of the remaining costs, which led me to apply for a Zomia loan.
I firmly believe that engineering is the backbone of technological innovation. As a civil engineer, I aspire to contribute to access to vital water resources and environmental sustainability. I am confident that this journey will shape my career and allow me to make meaningful contributions to Myanmar and beyond.
Written by Yamin with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Yamin
“I realized I needed to study harder than others, as I was my parents’ only hope and the key to their pride and future.”