The Inception of This Foundation

Honoring Suu Myat Than’s Legacy through Education In memory of our beloved daughter, Suu Myat Than, whose promising life ended tragically at just 20, we established the Suu Myat Than Education Foundation to provide hope and opportunity to students from Myanmar. Suu embodied resilience and dedication, working while studying and saving nearly $20,000 toward her aspirations. Inspired by her efforts, our family and the community donated an additional $21,000 to seed this foundation, which reflects her values of hard work, compassion, and the belief in the transformative power of education.

The Problem We Address

Since the February 2021 coup, Myanmar’s educational system has faced an unprecedented crisis. The civil disobedience movement, military conscription, and an escalating civil war have forced thousands of students and educators to leave the country. Universities have been shut down, and the collapse of higher education has left countless young people with no pathway to fulfilling their academic dreams. Many students have sought refuge and education opportunities in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. For instance, Ton Duc Thang University in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, alone has over 60 Myanmar students striving to rebuild their futures. However, financial barriers often stand in their way, limiting their access to higher education.

Our Impact

In 2024, the Foundation awarded its first scholarship — $1,200 — to a student at Ton Duc Thang University. This support eased the financial burden and allowed the recipient to focus on their academic pursuits. Building on this success, we aim to expand our program in 2025 by awarding scholarships to ten deserving students, each receiving $1,200. These funds help cover essential expenses such as tuition, housing, and study materials, providing a lifeline for students displaced by conflict and turmoil.

Call to Action

Your support can help us transform the lives of these resilient young people, ensuring that the future of Myanmar’s human capital remains bright. Every contribution directly empowers students, giving them the resources and hope needed to pursue education and rebuild their lives.