Reflections on a Career in Public Service as a Lifelong Learner
“A Doctorate in Chemistry Amidst Economic Figures”
AS I approach my 62nd birthday, a certain milestone that calls for reflection, I find myself contemplating not just retirement but my legacy, asking, “To what extent have I contributed to ‘A Century of Economic Studies for the Benefit of the People?’” With nearly four decades in public education, this reflection isn’t just a question — it’s a guiding principle that has steered my journey in academia, particularly at Yangon University, where I have been a dedicated educator and researcher for almost 28 years.
Surprisingly, despite my doctorate in chemistry, much of my work has been shaped by a profound engagement with economics and data. In the 1990s, as the field of environmental sciences grew, I discovered the Box-Jenkins ARIMA model – a time-series statistical tool that became central to my research in environmental science. Remote sensing, a key part of my work using satellite technology, further reinforced my reliance on economic and statistical data to measure environmental changes over time. For nearly 30 years, these tools have provided the lens through which I interpret the world of economic development, not just from the perspective of wealth but as a layered, dynamic system.
This intersection of chemistry, statistics, and economics has also defined my approach to teaching and administration. While economics often gets distilled down to wealth accumulation, I believe development – true, sustainable development – demands much more. It requires careful planning, disciplined management, and, above all, a commitment to excellence. I have endeavoured to instil these principles in my students, helping them see economics as a holistic framework that goes beyond numbers, encompassing society’s larger aspirations.
In some ways, my academic path was destined. My family has a legacy of working with economic data. Starting with my father, economic analysis has been a part of our lives and, I believe, a critical component of our contributions to society. Even as I specialized in chemistry, earning my PhD in 1998, this legacy led me naturally into administrative roles, where I’ve been able to shape institutional practices at two major universities.
Lifelong learning has always been a core value in my career. While working as an educator, I sought new knowledge to enhance my contributions to academia and public service. Over the years, I completed online diploma courses in Law (2014-2015), Tourism (2019-2020), and most recently, Business (2023-2024) from Yangon University of Distance Education, always striving for top grades. This commitment is not about chasing qualifications; it’s about honing my skills to remain relevant, adaptable, and forward-thinking. At nearly 62, I am genuinely excited to attend the upcoming graduation ceremony for my Post-Graduate Diploma in Business (PGDB). This programme, tied to the centennial celebration of economic education in Myanmar, is a personal milestone that feels serendipitously aligned with my life’s work.
Reflecting on my coursework in this business programme, I realize how much these subjects – General Management, Macroeconomics Environment, Business Statistics, Legal Frameworks for Business, Management Accounting and Financial Management — represent a continuity in my journey. Each topic, from Marketing Management, Production and Operations Management, Human Resources Management, and International Business Management to Case Study-Based Projects, has deepened my perspective on the economic dimensions of public service, equipping me with tools to tackle new challenges.
As I move towards retirement, I am invigorated rather than daunted. This next chapter invites me to consider fresh ways to contribute to society, to perhaps mentor others in their academic pursuits, and to apply my knowledge in consulting or advisory roles. Reflecting on my journey, I am profoundly grateful to my parents, who instilled in me the importance of hard work, and to my mentors, whose guidance has been invaluable.
It’’s rare to end a career with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that sparked it. I find myself incredibly fortunate to be both fulfilled and eager to continue serving the broader mission of public education in some new form. Lifelong learning, after all, is less about personal achievement and more about ensuring that knowledge continues to serve the greater good.
By Dr Thazin Lwin, Pro-Rector, West Yangon University
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