Scholar Spotlight

Through the scholarship program, I have had the opportunity to learn not only from the academic curriculum but also from the diverse stories and experiences of my colleagues. These are unique insights and perspectives that I would not have been able to gain had I not continued my studies.

Most importantly, this program has significantly strengthened my career security. By applying the knowledge I have gained, I feel much more confident in taking on professional responsibilities, addressing real-world challenges, and continuing to provide health services.

I have been able to put my education into practice by raising health awareness whenever I work in the field. Because of the skills I have gained, I am now more frequently involved in fieldwork, where I can focus on my strengths to ensure better results and personal growth.

At the start, everything was difficult, especially biostatistics, since I wasn’t used to that kind of work. But as I spent more time studying, my interest in public health began to grow. I’ve also learned how to analyze the relationship between the environment and diseases using advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Google Earth Engine. These were all brand-new concepts that I never had the opportunity to learn back in Myanmar. I am really looking forward to applying what I’ve learned about machine learning and GIS in our communities’ health systems. Once we have better access to data in Myanmar, I want to start building models that can help us better understand and solve our community health challenges more effectively.

After completing my master’s degree, I was fortunate to continue my studies at the PhD level. Once I finish my PhD, my goal is to contribute back to the communities along the border. I want to use my technical expertise to improve healthcare services and act as a guide for the next generation of students looking to build their own careers in public health.

With the scholarship’s support, I pursued the Master of Primary Health Care Management program at Mahidol University, where I gained a deeper understanding of primary healthcare beyond clinical care. The program strengthened my knowledge of health system management, universal health coverage, research methods, and the social and environmental factors that influence health, enabling me to think more strategically and make evidence-based decisions.

I am now applying these skills directly in my work with crisis-affected and resource-limited communities. The training has helped me strengthen health services, improve primary healthcare management, and address both immediate needs and long-term system challenges. The scholarship not only made this learning possible but also equipped me with the confidence and tools to create more meaningful and sustainable impact for the communities I serve.

With nearly ten years of experience in development and humanitarian programs, I pursued the Master of Primary Health Care Management program at Mahidol University to strengthen my professional skills and broaden my perspective in public health. The program’s focus on health policy, epidemiology, research, and primary healthcare management is closely aligned with my work, allowing me to immediately connect academic learning with real-world practice.

The scholarship enabled me to complete my master’s degree at a critical time when financial constraints would have otherwise halted my studies. Through the program, I strengthened my leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills, gained exposure to diverse health systems, and advanced my career by taking on greater responsibilities.

I began my public health career after completing a bachelor’s degree in Community Health in 2014 and have since worked with local NGOs and international organizations on programs related to maternal and child health, nutrition, and community development. Through this work, I developed a strong commitment to community-based public health and recognized the importance of strong systems, technical capacity, and research in creating sustainable health outcomes.

With the scholarship support, I pursued the Master of Primary Health Care Management program at Mahidol University. The program strengthened my skills in epidemiology, research, health system management, teamwork, and leadership. The thesis experience, in particular, enhanced my ability to conduct independent research. I now apply these skills in my work with a local NGO, contributing to disease surveillance and community health programs, and creating greater impact for the communities I serve.

Before pursuing the Master of Primary Health Care Management (MPHM) program at Mahidol University, I worked as a family doctor in Myanmar and founded a volunteer group to provide medical support during emergencies in remote and underserved communities. While this work allowed me to respond to urgent needs, I realized that sustainable community health requires evidence-based, preventive, and system-level approaches.

With the scholarship support, I completed the MPHM program, gaining skills in research, public health interventions, and collaboration with policymakers. The scholarship removed financial barriers and allowed me to focus fully on learning. I am now preparing to apply these skills by strengthening community health services through my volunteer group and contributing to broader improvements in Myanmar’s healthcare system.

Before joining the Master of Primary Health Care Management (MPHM) program, my work in primary healthcare and community-based projects across Myanmar gave me exposure to the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. However, I realized that while I understood these problems from the field, I lacked the management and technical skills needed to address them effectively. Supporting health programs during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of strong leadership, planning, and systems in delivering sustainable healthcare services.

With the scholarship’s support, I pursued the MPHM program at Mahidol University, where I significantly strengthened my problem-solving, leadership, and health system management skills. The program transformed how I approach public health challenges, enabling me to think strategically, design effective interventions, and identify opportunities to strengthen preventive health and primary healthcare delivery. This experience has given me greater confidence and a clearer direction to contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare systems and community well-being in Myanmar.

I am currently in my first semester of the Master of Arts in ASEAN Studies for Sustainable Development. I chose this field to build on both my academic background and professional experience, particularly my interest in regional issues, development policy, and sustainability, which are essential for effective work in NGOs and development organizations.

The program has been intensive yet highly rewarding, offering an interdisciplinary perspective on how sustainability intersects with business, development, humanitarian work, and regional cooperation. It has strengthened my critical thinking, expanded my professional network, and clarified my long-term goals. After graduation, I plan to return to border areas, where I completed my early education, to contribute to the communities that shaped my upbringing. For students from migrant and underserved communities, access to higher education can be transformative, and this journey has equipped me with the knowledge and perspective to make a meaningful and lasting contribution.

While working in primary healthcare, I sought to strengthen my management skills and gain international perspectives. With the scholarship’s support, I was able to overcome financial challenges and focus fully on my studies.

The program equipped me with essential skills in research, management, leadership, and communication, enabling me to design effective health interventions and contribute more meaningfully to community health initiatives.Studying abroad broadened my understanding of healthcare systems and strengthened my confidence. This opportunity allows me to turn my learning into real-world impact and better serve communities in Myanmar.