Since starting his scholarship journey, Hein Htet Zaw had a dream to study in Australia – well-known for cultural diversity and plentiful growth opportunities for international students. Now, completing his Master of Public Health at The University of Melbourne, Hein can attest to the wide variety of opportunities and cultural immersion experiences while on the scholarship.

“An unexpected benefit of my time in Australia has been creating a connection with a group of scholars, activists and professionals as well as Myanmar diaspora in the state of Victoria,” Hein shares. “Their social support while staying away from home helps me to feel empowered to balance my study and social life in Australia.”

“The University of Melbourne is also very supportive to students in several ways, including with mentorship programs, internship opportunities, extracurricular activities, networking and cultural events, as well as multidisciplinary supports for students’ health and wellbeing.”

In 2025, Hein has had the opportunity to participate in two professional development workshops held by the Australia Awards Myanmar team; Professional Linkages Workshop; Staying Connected in Melbourne and Emotional Intelligence at Work in Adelaide. Hein highlights that the opportunity to learn Australian history and culture, build his professional skillsets, and network with Myanmar scholars from other states will set him up for undertaking a leadership role in the development of Myanmar.

“These workshops and activities add a significant value from different aspects to my current studies and my long-term career goal of becoming a global public health professional, which also requires soft skills in communication, and teamwork with people from different backgrounds.”

Hein Htet Zaw attended the Professional Linkages Workshop held in Melbourne.

“My master’s degree has taught me technical skills such as data analysis and research; conversely, these workshops complemented on building my soft power skills such as emotional management, cultural understanding, and networking. And, I have learned about different perceptions and value sets of each individual in workshops, as well as reflected on my own leadership and communication styles. I believe these applied skills and methods introduced in the workshops empowered me to transform myself to be a more emotionally-intelligent and competent professional and create healthier and more productive workplaces at every workplace I belong to.”

“I encourage Australia Awards Myanmar scholars to make the most of the opportunity, including joining such workshops, to co-create a learning environment and develop together as future leaders of Myanmar. I also believe every participant in these workshops has developed impactful multi-disciplinary action plans for the future Myanmar, through discussions and building strong and healthy friendship.”

Having proactively taken on volunteering in public health projects and as an event engagement coordinator at the Australia Awards Scholars Club, Hein has shared about his activities on LinkedIn and created long term connections. “I spent some of my leisure time volunteering for social causes at several student-led organisations. From these experiences, I have also strengthened networks with international students and professionals, which I believe are crucial for our future collaborative projects. I also learned about different health system challenges faced by diverse communities in Australia as well as innovative project ideas that I can adopt in Myanmar’s context.”

Hein Htet Zaw engaged in the Indigenous Storytelling activity as part of the Professional Linkages Workshop in Melbourne.

Alongside his academic achievements, Hein has maximised the opportunity to stay in such a vibrant city where he has explored beautiful beaches, coastal regions, mountain ranges, and iconic heritage buildings while learning how advanced and accessible public transport and services are for the community. Hein has also been coordinating numerous group gatherings and coordinated an itinerary of social activities following the scholar’s recent participation in the Emotional Intelligence at Work workshop, held at the University of Adelaide.

Hein’s favourite activities during his time in Australia, especially in the cultural hub of Melbourne, have been “to explore cultures and foods from different countries, and artworks of the First Nations communities.” Living in Melbourne has had some adjustments and Hein states that Melbourne’s weather is a challenge for adaptation!

So, what is Hein up to now?

“Currently, I am undertaking a professional placement at a local Think Tank organisation and leading an advocacy project for creating more equitable and efficient Australian health policies. From this, I also hope I can link my previous work experiences and current learning, while honing my skillsets in public health— both crucial for my future career aspirations.”