Meet Kaung Phyo Wint, mostly known as Kevin, from Myanmar, who is studying as an MPM student at KDI School. Kevin is going to share the story of his studying experience at KDI School, which made him realize the similarity between the KDI School community and the diplomatic community he has been a part of for almost a decade.

Hi Kevin, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit more about yourself?

My name is Kaung Phyo WINT. I was born in Mandalay, the ancient city of Myanmar. Currently, I am working as a diplomat in Myanmar. My Ministry granted me a one-year study leave to attend KDI School, and I enrolled in the spring semester of 2022. I am pursuing a Master of Public Management in Global Governance and Political Economy.

What was your occupation or background before coming to KDI School?

I am currently working as an assistant director at the Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar.  I have been working at the Ministry for almost a decade. My previous diplomatic assignments include posting in the Myanmar Embassy in New Delhi as a second secretary. 

Why did you choose to study at KDI School?

Being a diplomat for 10 years and having work experiences both at headquarters and at an embassy, I feel it is the right time for me to pursue a career-specific course to advance my present and future career plans, which is to be a founder of Thin Tank Organization on International studies after enjoying my retired life. Moreover, I met with some officials and researchers with solid professional skills who were alumni of KDI School. Since then, I have had a strong desire to pursue a postgraduate degree in a work-related profession at KDI School, where I may acquire in-depth information about and qualifications for my long-term job goals. Upon noticing KDI School's scholarship, I recognized it would be a fantastic opportunity to study at a renowned Korean institution. Through my thorough search of the course structures of KDI School, I have decided to apply for an MPM degree, concentrating on Global Governance and Political Economy. 

Can you tell us more about your country? What is special about your country?

My homeland, Myanmar, is located in Southeast Asia and is a popular vacation destination. Myanmar is home to a diverse range of people and beautiful landscapes, earning the name "The Golden Land" among many visitors. Myanmar is the most exotic and fascinating destination in Asia due to its abundance of pagodas, temples, scenic spots, archaeological sites, snow-capped mountains, dense forests with lots of flora and fauna, rivers and natural lakes, unspoiled beaches and archipelagos, more than135 distinct national races, each with their own colorful costumes and customs, and a rich tradition of arts and crafts. Moreover, numerous magnificent lakes and rivers teeming with endemic species make Myanmar a paradise for nature lovers. 

How has your studying experience at KDI school been throughout your study period? What is the most memorable course and activities at KDI School for you?

Based on my findings, KDI School offers a far broader selection of valuable courses for my future as a diplomat. Although I thoroughly enjoyed every single course and minute of the lectures at KDI School, courses such as United Nations and Global Affairs, Political Economy, Democracy and Global Governance, Implementation of SDG, Public Organization and Management, and Advanced Research Methodology were the most relevant to my goal of drafting a policy document with recommended actions for decision-makers. Furthermore, there are numerous activities at KDI School that stand out in my mind. I have been able to develop a network of people with similar interests by joining student clubs (such as the Zumba club and the movie club), student forums, and volunteering. Therefore, it is difficult for me to choose the most memorable courses and activities at KDI School.

In your story submission, you mentioned that studying at KDI School is similar to working in the diplomatic community. Could you elaborate more about your thoughts on that?

Of course, as I mentioned in my story, the diplomatic community consists of individuals with diverse professional talents, attitudes, cultures, political opinions, and religions. The KDI community is comparable to the diplomatic community since most students possess professional skills and experience in their respective fields. The KDI community is a welcoming and lively mix of people from all walks of life and faiths. Therefore, it is a genuinely vibrant community offering diverse religious and cultural values. Engaging with new friends from different backgrounds, different parts of the globe, and of different races within the framework of academic perspective feels the same as when I am working in the diplomatic community. What is new for me is that in KDIS, we could exchange our views from the perspective of global citizenship.

Last, do you have any words for current and prospective students of KDI School?

To my dear friends currently enrolled in KDI School, I would like to express my gratitude for accompanying me on this school's collective journey and allowing me to learn from you all. We are all prepared to take the next major step in our lives after our time at KDIS.

If I could provide any advice to my future friends, it would be this: "Study smarter, not harder," and get involved in as many extracurricular organizations, groups, events, competitions, and volunteer activities as possible. Let's get together through the KDI alumni network, and you can count on me to be a helpful resource for the KDI alumni group.