Students with university-level education attainment of various different majors participated in a three-day industry visit, having the opportunity to interact in-person with representatives from some of the leading companies and institutions from Myanmar.
Day 1
On the 8th of November, MPE&VCA kicked off industry visit Day-1, to four of Myanmar’s top conglomerates and startups, leading a group of students from different Universities.
Yoma Strategic Holdings was our first stop where Ma Thinn Thandar Shwe, Group Head of Human Resources gave us an introduction to the Yoma Group and talked about the vision, mission and core values. Then, Ko Saw Cary Win, Group HR Director – Talent Management, explained the company culture and values that Yoma prioritises. Ko Phyo Thet Khine, Group Head of Technology, also shared his passion for tech and recalled how he achieved his career goals. General Manager Ma Nway Htway Thet Lyar then introduced Pocket MM, a digital lifestyle platform that offers loyalty programs. The visit ended with a brief networking session that allowed the students to interact with the current Yoma Career Experts. The students were really impressed by the company’s efforts to build a better Myanmar.
The group continued to the next stop, Capital Diamond Star Group, where Su Myat Thu, Head of Group HR welcomed and gave us a detailed explanation of the company and its business entities. Then, she proceeded to invite Sai Lin Naung, Group Chief Technology Officer, who shared the rise of IT and how youth can find their paths into the industry. The session was very engaging, incorporating playing online quizzes among the students and Sai Lin Naung.
Next off, the group headed to Dinger, a successful startup founded by a young entrepreneur. Okkar Myo, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, presented the company profile, how Dinger works, the company culture, internship opportunities and gave motivational words. Later on, Okka Myo was joined by Htet Arkar Kyaw, the founder of Dinger, to answer questions from the students.
Oway was the last stop of the day where the CEO, Jens Uwe Parkitny and Thida Aye, Chief Corporate Officer, warmly welcomed us. Jens explained his inspirational career journey and how he joined Oway. Alongside Thida Aye, they talked about the company structure, Oway’s products and the company milestones. The session ended with Q&A from the students.
Thanks to all the companies for kindly hosting and offering a major exposure to real working environments to the students. The visit was an excellent opportunity for the students to hear the inspiring messages from the speakers, see first-hand how the respective companies operate, and to learn about the different types of jobs that are available at each company, such as in IT, services, real estate, finance and marketing. The tour was very insightful and encouraging for the students to work harder to achieve their dream jobs. We look forward to organising more such events in the future for the youth in Myanmar.
Day 2
Students were on a “Fintech Trek” on Day-2 of the Industry Visit. Their exploratory tour to three of Myanmar’s leading financial technology service providers started off at Wave Money’s new office location at the Pun Hlaing Campus in Hlaing Tharyar township. Starting with a welcome message from Robin Chung, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, students were provided with much-needed details to help them envision career opportunities in the FinTech space, through a brief by Pann Thazin Phyu, Manager of Talent Management. All spent more time over the inspiring career talk by Aye Mon Mon Htay, Manager of Business Architecture & Transformation, followed by an office tour to gain first-hand insights into Wave Money’s various departments.
The second stop at AYA Pay provided a deeper dive into the provision of financial services and delved more into the transformative technology shaping the banking sector, followed by a discussion about aspirations for careers within the FinTech sector. Thank you to Swan Yee Aung, Partnership Growth Manager; Aung Sithu Kyaw, General Manager at Digital Products Development and team for the interaction, which was both a source of motivation and a spur to proactivity. A brief tour around AYA Pay’s workplace was an additional benefit of the visit.
The last stop for the day was at MO Financial Services’ office in Kyauktada Township. Jay Rahiman, Chief of Staff at MO, initiated the conversation with the students, followed by a chat focusing on the realm of technology encompassing the financial services sector, the ecosystem that surrounds it and the existing product lineup as an implementation of innovative ideas. Our appreciation to MO’s Head of Technology, Kyaw Sun Lin and Head of Product, Nang Tom Kham for kicking off the interaction with participants. Many were pleased to learn of the internship program to be offered at MO; thanks to Htet Htet Lynn, Head of Human Resources for sharing.
Our heartfelt appreciation to all three companies, AYA Pay, MO Financial Services and Wave Money for generously sponsoring the luncheon and snacks and moreover, for the exposure and inspiration provided to these future leaders.
Day 3
Day-3 of the industry visit was about getting to know the member institutions of MPE&VCA. The visit was to three of Myanmar’s leading private equity and venture capital firms and a Myanmar-focused legal firm. Joining the “Investment Trek,” students started at Delta Capital Myanmar’s office at Junction City office tower. Ray Yee Latt Aye, Partner/COO at Delta Capital Myanmar gave a welcome remark, followed by Kyaw Zayar Lin, Associate at Delta Capital Myanmar’s overview on the work of the private equity and venture capital investment firms. In addition, the students got first-hand exposure to the work of Delta Capital Myanmar and the firm’s Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) approach. Other team members of Delta also dedicated additional time to the student’s knowledge about equity investing.
The second stop was SCM Legal at Sule Square office tower. Aung Nay Myo, lawyer at SCM Legal provided an introduction to the work and practice of their legal firm. Min Min Ayer Naing, Partner at SCM Legal also joined the interaction with the students and welcomed questions they had. The visit to SCM Legal helped students improve their knowledge of how important stakeholders like legal firms contribute to the private equity and venture capital industry.
The team proceeded to the next destination, Emerging Market Entrepreneurs (EME) Myanmar’s office at Royal River View condo on Merchant road, Pabedan township. Students were provided with additional information about the role and activities of venture capital funds and the work of EME. Thank you to Hitoshi Ikeya, Investment Director at EME for dedicating time to deliver a presentation and engage in an interactive discussion.
The last stop for the day was at Trust Venture Partners’ (TVP) office at Yuzana tower, Bahan township. Dr. Si Thu Pyo, Director at Trust Venture Partners gave an overview of the company and the firm’s advisory practice. Students were welcomed by all team members at TVP as well as Dr. Hsu Myat Shwe Sin, CEO of Myanmar Institute of Business. TVP further hosted a networking reception with refreshments at their office.
We sincerely appreciate the contributions of all four companies, Delta Capital Myanmar, SCM Legal, Emerging Market Entrepreneurs, and Trust Venture Partners for helping the participants enhance their knowledge in investing and get inspiration.
A networking event was held on the final day at EME’s office space. The event brought together all the students who participated in the programme and representatives of the respective companies. Thank you to Emerging Market Entrepreneurs Myanmar for sponsoring the venue.
