Digital BABA

BABA Personal Statement:
I am very aware of the reputation of “The Building a Better Asia: Future Leaders’ Dialogue” to deepen my interest in.
I was raised in Myanmar where millions of people living in poverty and inequality. Because of my special interest in agriculture and rural development I studied bachelor degree in agriculture and master degree in agricultural systems. I had the opportunity to be exposed to the full range of agriculture courses, all of which tended to reinforce and solidify my intense interest in rural communities and soil science. Doing my doctoral degree in soil science I specialized on soil fertility management in Myanmar at Massey University, New Zealand. For Post-doctoral research studying, I focused on effects of irrigated pasture and dairy production on soil and water resources in Australia. It has been both enjoyable and enlightening, providing me with a new and different perspective on the Asia and Pacific in which we live. In fact all human communities have a cultural, sensual and spiritual attachment to degree soil to agriculture.
I decided to pursue a professional career in agriculture research and development because I recognize its is very importance to fulfill the basic needs of life in developing nations: food, shelter and clothing. I also consider in the simple philosophy of the Nippon Foundation, “When helping each other, two hands are better than one”. I believe I can make the greatest contribution, utilizing my theoretical background, practical experiences and creativity as a good scientist to help build a better Asia.

BABA Leadership Statement:
In “The Treatise of Human Nature” David Hume distinguished three corresponding elements: “understanding”, “morals” and “passions”. Any leaders have a balance of these elements to fulfill their duties as leader, but always mindful that personal attitudes will change with over time.
Nowadays, traditional institutions, such as the nation-state are becoming less important than cultural communities, which are networks at global to local scales, organized around particular values and interests. Advocating sound governance and leadership that is responsive to people’s needs and concern is crucial to eliminating poverty and depravation in all parts of Asia.
All leaders must share the prosperity and protect the human security and also consider the ecological stability. They must uphold the value and principles in leadership skill include community sprits, dignity, freedom, independence, justice, respect and tolerance to enshrine their tradition and culture in diverse Asia communities.

Recognition of the links between agriculture, education and health will provide the opportunity for improving living standard in Asia. The fact is that our health is influenced by the quantity and quality of food we daily and also by education. Agriculture scientists should be leaders in sustainable development and poverty reduction who can facilitate empowering smallholder farmers and linking them to growing markets. Wisdom, compassion and empathy can only thrive through real interaction with real people.

I believe that good leaders can be made and developed through a never ending process of self-studying, education, training and experiences to build the common good in Asia.