Editor’s Note: Su Thet San has been awarded a full scholarship from the UBC Myanmar Initiative, generously supported by the IDRC-K4DM Grant, to pursue a Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) degree at the University of British Columbia.
Story of Change: Su Thet San (MPPGA Student, University of British Columbia)
What is the significant change?
The significant change achieved is the successful elevation of my personal and professional capacity to conduct rigorous, evidence-based policy analysis, which is directly evidenced by the completion of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program at UBC. Before the program, my work with local NGOs in Myanmar provided me with valuable on-the-ground experience and deep insights into complex challenges, including civil-military relations and building an inclusive society. The MPPGA program successfully transformed this experience by equipping me with advanced analytical skills and robust policy frameworks needed to design and assess existing policies. This represents a systemic and intellectual capacity change: my passion and understanding are now paired with the expertise to counter past policy failings through inclusive and good governance policies. This capacity directly benefits the future state-building efforts in Myanmar and was secured during my studies at UBC.
What contribution did you make to this change?
My core contribution to this change was the sustained intellectual effort and personal resilience required to excel in a demanding graduate program at UBC SPPGA while navigating the psychological pressure associated with the 2021 military coup and its aftermath. That was secured through my successful completion of a rigorous curriculum focused on quantitative and qualitative research methods for policy, and policy analysis and evaluation tools. This academic effort was a deliberate and necessary step to build the expertise required to address the pressing issues in Myanmar, an effort made possible by the strategic support of the K4DM/IDRC.
Why is this change significant?
It is significant because it represents a permanent, high-value investment in human capital that guarantees a qualified professional is ready to contribute to Myanmar’s future state-building efforts. The acquisition of skills needed for research and policy development ensures that future contributions will prioritize a society where every individual is treated equitably, benefitting the entire society through a necessary systemic focus.
What is your evidence for this change?
The evidence for this change rests upon measurable academic achievement and successful integration into a global learning environment.
What have you learned from this change?
The main lesson I learned is that my passion is only sustainable when grounded in intellectual capacity and personal resilience. These are the essential elements I need to foster my expertise and contribute to advancing good governance in Myanmar in the future. This change process strongly supports the underlying theory that investing in the human capital of Myanmar’s future generations is a pivotal step towards future state-building efforts. The opportunity to pursue advanced education acts as a platform, ensuring that a professional foundation is in place from which meaningful, long-term engagement can be launched.