A Journey of Purpose: Win Lei Yee’s Commitment to Health and Humanity

Posted: 17 July 2025

Master of Public Health

The University of Melbourne

Study commenced in 2015

When Win Lei Yee began her career in Myanmar’s health sector in 2008, she was driven by a deep commitment to improving lives. Over the years, her work expanded into the protection sector, focusing on gender, child protection, and disability. This intersection of health and protection sparked a desire to deepen her expertise, leading her to pursue a Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne with an Australia Awards Scholarship.

“I began to see how deeply intertwined health and protection were. That realisation pushed me to seek a broader perspective and deeper knowledge,” she recalls.

[Photo top left] Australia Awards Scholarships alumna Win Lei Yee during a field visit. [Adjacent photo] Win Lei Yee at her workplace.

Studying in Australia was both a professional and personal turning point for Win Lei Yee. She was immersed in a rigorous academic environment that emphasised critical thinking, research, and practical application. At the same time, she faced challenges like culture shock, homesickness, and adapting to a new environment. She embraced the challenges and immersed herself in a world of academic excellence and global perspectives. The skills and insights she gained during her studies played a pivotal role in her career development when she returned to Myanmar. She also built enduring connections with fellow Myanmar scholars—relationships that continue to enrich her life both personally and professionally.

“Studying in Australia was a significant turning point for me. Their education system was structured and high-quality. I gained analytical skills and research capabilities that I never had before,” Win Lei Yee reflects.

Before her studies, Win Lei Yee worked primarily in field implementation as a medical doctor. Armed with new skills and perspectives, she returned to Myanmar and joined the Burnet Institute, where she led operational research projects on infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. As a Project Lead, she was responsible for planning and coordinating with key stakeholders to ensure successful implementation in compliance with international standards. The skills she gained from her master’s studies formed the key skill set that enabled her to excel in this role.

“The skills I gained in Australia, especially in research and program design, were instrumental. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to take on these roles,” Win Lei Yee shares.

During her time at the Burnet Institute, Win Lei Yee achieved several notable milestones, including multiple first-author publications and presentations at international conferences. One highlight was her selection to present a paper at a major conference in Amsterdam in 2018. Her abstract on HIV testing and retesting (e.g. point of care diagnosis) appeared in the abstract book for the 22nd International AIDS Conference, marking a significant moment in her career. These accomplishments were made possible by the strong research and analytical skills she developed during her studies. Her professional connection with the Institute remains active, and she continues to stay in touch with her former supervisors.

The Australia Awards experience opened doors to leadership roles. Win Lei Yee transitioned to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), where she now manages major health initiatives. Her portfolio spans maternal and child health, infectious diseases, including HIV, TB, and malaria, sexual and reproductive health, and nutrition. Her responsibilities also include coordinating emergency response efforts, such as the 2024 flood relief and the March 2025 earthquake response. In her current role, Win Lei Yee oversees grant management, technical support, and coordination with local actors and relevant stakeholders to ensure that health interventions are effective, community-driven, and timely.

Win Lei Yee conducting a monitoring visit at a mobile health clinic.

Win Lei Yee’s contributions extend well beyond her formal roles. One of her proudest and most memorable experiences was co-leading a youth-focused project in Kachin State, alongside fellow Australia Awards alumni, funded through a small alumni grant. Beyond her professional achievements, Win Lei Yee has maintained strong and lasting friendships with fellow Myanmar alumni, connections that continue to enrich her personal and professional life.

“We still support each other, personally and professionally. It’s easier to communicate and coordinate with fellow alumni as we share a common understanding and values shaped by our scholarship experience,” she shares.

Win Lei Yee’s passion for learning continues to thrive. Alongside her professional responsibilities, she began a part-time PhD in 2022, researching the role of point-of-care HCV testing in low- and middle-income countries. She expects to finalise her thesis by the end of next year. Her academic journey builds on the research skills she developed in Australia and continues to strengthen through her professional networks.

“It’s a continuation of everything I’ve worked on. And it’s also deeply connected to the public health challenges we face in Myanmar,” she explains.

Win Lei Yee’s journey demonstrates the transformative power of international education in empowering individuals to drive meaningful change at home. Through her leadership, research, and unwavering commitment to public health, she continues to contribute to Myanmar’s development.

A selection of her publications is available below for further reading.