Driven by a passion for public health and humanitarian service, Hein’s path to becoming an Australia Awards scholar began in the underserved regions of Myanmar. Before receiving the scholarship, he spent over five years working in non-profit organisations, serving communities in Magway, Rakhine, and Shan State. His experiences in conflict-affected and remote areas exposed him to the urgent health needs of marginalised populations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and ignited his passion for pursuing advanced education in public health.

“Working in these parts of Myanmar opened my eyes, not just to the needs of the communities, but also to the challenges faced by frontline healthcare workers,” he shares.

Motivated by a desire to bridge gaps in health knowledge and access, Hein earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney, supported by an Australia Awards Scholarship. His academic journey was shaped by rigorous critical thinking, exposure to global health systems, and meaningful connections with international peers and professors. A highlight from his studies was the mentorship he received from his research supervisor, with whom he continues to collaborate on research initiatives. His focus on health economics and health promotion equipped him with the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to both the Australian and Myanmar health sectors.

Myanmar Hein Kyaw attending his graduation ceremony at the University of Sydney.

Hein’s journey in Australia was marked by active engagement in university life and community service, making his student experience vibrant and memorable.

“Studying in Australia wasn’t just about academics, it was about living fully, connecting deeply, and growing in ways I never imagined,” he reflects.

He embraced every opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally, through active participation in extracurricular and volunteer activities. He actively volunteered at the university orientation events, supported fellow Australia Awards scholars by tutoring in public health, and contributed to fundraising initiatives within the Myanmar community. These efforts reflect not only his dedication to academic excellence but also his strong sense of social responsibility.

During his time as an Australia Awards scholar, he was keen to immerse himself in Australian work culture. To do so, he took on a part-time role at the supermarket Coles, where he experienced firsthand the value of teamwork and a well-structured orientation process. With careful planning, he was able to manage his time effectively and balance part-time work with studies by completing assignments in advance, making regular visits to the library, and ensuring he stayed on top of his coursework. For him, this experience was more than just a job, it was a meaningful part of his personal and professional growth.

Professional development was another cornerstone of his journey. In February 2024, Hein was selected to attend the Australia Awards Myanmar Professional Linkages Workshop in Sydney, where he learned the fundamentals of networking and personal branding. These were new areas for Hein, but he embraced the learning and began using LinkedIn to build meaningful professional connections. The program’s cultural immersion experience, which engaged scholars with Aboriginal heritage and history, also deepened his appreciation for inclusive leadership and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. Hein now sees these combined experiences as essential to his growth, not only in building career skills, but also in shaping a more thoughtful and culturally aware approach to leadership.

“Before the Professional Linkages Workshop, I didn’t know how to build a professional network or present myself online. Now, I actively use LinkedIn to connect with peers, share insights, and grow my career,” he shares.

Myanmar Hein Kyaw (left in blue shirt) attending the Professional Linkages Workshop held in Sydney, 2024.

Hein’s long-standing interest in Australia’s health system was a key reason for applying an Australia Awards Scholarship. He was eager to learn from Australia’s well-integrated practices and explore how similar approaches could be adapted to strengthen healthcare in Myanmar, particularly in advancing universal health coverage. His understanding of these systems grew over time, reinforcing his belief that such knowledge is not only valuable for personal growth, but also essential for contributing to sustainable development and health system enhancement back home. His reflections on the system’s use of data and technology highlight the depth of insight gained during his time in Australia.

“Seeing how Australia’s health system uses data and technology to improve patient care was eye-opening. It showed me what’s possible when systems are well-designed and integrated, and it made me think seriously about how we could adapt similar approaches to strengthen healthcare in Myanmar,” he reflects.

Building on these insights, Hein has begun shaping a vision for how he can contribute to Myanmar’s development, with a focus on three key areas.
• Strengthening Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) to promote evidence-based decision-making
• Advocating for scalable health insurance models, inspired by Australia’s approach to universal coverage, and
• Sharing knowledge with Myanmar communities, especially those in marginalised communities.

Despite challenges in re-engaging with Myanmar-based organisations due to funding cuts and political instability, Hein remains committed to making a difference. He stays connected with the Myanmar community to create platforms for sharing health knowledge and aims to leverage alumni networks for professional growth and collaborative initiatives that support Myanmar’s development.

“The Australia Awards gave me more than a degree, it taught me how to lead, how to collaborate, and most importantly, how to give back,” he emphasises.

As an Australia Awards alumnus, Hein believes the Australia Awards experience has not only equipped him with technical expertise but also instilled a deeper understanding of leadership, collaboration, and the importance of giving back. His journey continues to inspire current scholars and future applicants, showcasing how international education can be a powerful catalyst for change.