Empowering Communities | Philanthropy Connections Foundation

Name (Nickname): Kaung Pyae Zin Oo (Kaung Zin)
Age: 22
Hometown: A remote farming community in Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar
Education: Bachelor of Social Science and Sustainable Development
University: Chiang Mai University
Expected Graduation Date: May 2027

Kaung is a passionate and resilient student from a rural village in Myanmar. Despite growing up in a farming family with limited access to education, he has persevered to study Social Science and Sustainable Development at Chiang Mai University.

Kaung’s dream is to establish learning hubs that bridge local knowledge with global opportunities, empowering rural communities to thrive.

Kaung Zin grew up in Alalsu Village, a remote farming community in the Ayeyarwady Delta of Myanmar, where access to education was limited. Coming from a farming family, Kaung witnessed firsthand the barriers rural communities face, from underdeveloped infrastructure to a lack of educational resources.

Despite these challenges, Kaung Zin showed extraordinary determination to succeed academically. After experiencing political and economic turmoil in Myanmar, he pursued higher education abroad at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, where he is currently studying Social Science and Sustainable Development.

Kaung Zin’s journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. He balances his studies with part-time work, gaining hands-on experience through internships and community service. His ultimate goal is to transform education systems and empower rural communities by creating inclusive learning hubs that combine local knowledge with global opportunities.

Update from Kaung Zin

Exploring New Horizons: Kaung’s Semester of Growth

Kaung remains in good spirits and actively engaged in both academics and campus life. Over the past three months, he participated in various events, continued his volunteer teaching, and took part in the ASEAN++ Travelling Project in Manila, Philippines. His research there focused on traditional food practices and was a deeply rewarding experience. He rated the trip “10/10” and described it as both meaningful and motivating.

Academically, Kaung performed well, achieving a GPA of 3.83 with strong marks in his research papers. Thai language remains his most challenging subject, though he is making steady progress.

He did face some financial strain due to covering part of his learning trip from his own allowance but is managing his budget carefully. He has asked about scholarship renewal for his final academic year and is considering a request for additional research funding.

Kaung continues to show dedication, growth, and enthusiasm in all areas of his university life.