Building a culture of responsibility: Reflections from the student town hall with the president

During the Student Townhall this fall semester, President Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun reminded the community that "if you have empathy and compassion, you will have a positive impact." "Negative thinking, such as 'Why should I do it?' often stops people from doing good," he reflected, encouraging students to act with intention and optimism.

Sharing a personal story, Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun spoke of someone he deeply respects not for wealth or status, but for the quiet kindness that shapes their actions. "He was born in a fortunate society," the president said, "and he admits he has a lot of privileges. Privilege comes with responsibility."

He recalled a defining moment from his own school days at Tamwe BEHS No. 5, when asked what he wanted to become. "I want to have a positive impact on society," his younger self replied, a vision that continues to guide him. For him, leadership begins with mental courage and well-being, both of which are essential for taking responsibility for oneself and others.

Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun reminded students that their time at university is more than academic preparation; it is an exercise in responsible citizenship. "You are a student, and so you are responsible for being a student. You are also a citizen and community member, and so you are responsible for that," he said.

He encouraged small, everyday actions that reflect accountability: replying to emails promptly, reading agreements carefully before signing, and following through on commitments. "Once you sign it, you have to commit," he emphasized.

He told students, "You, too, have the responsibility to devote time to others not necessarily through donations, but through mentorship and service." He reminded everyone that time is a matter of priority: "You always have time for others. Everyone can contribute to their community, no matter where they are from."

Responsibility, he explained, is not about authority; it is about respect. "At Parami, students are expected to participate actively in classes and show mutual respect among peers. If you don't pay respect, you have violated democratic values," he said. "Set aside pride and anger; let's build this community together."

He also shared an encounter with Pita Limjaroenrat, a former Prime Minister-designate of Thailand, who once told him, "I'm playing the long game. It takes four generations to bring real change." The message, Ko Kyaw Moe Tun noted, resonates with Parami's mission to educate for the long term, cultivating generations who value service, humility, and impact.

His hope for all Parami students is simple yet profound: that when they leave Parami, they will be remembered as kind, responsible citizens who embody empathy, humility, and a commitment to making the world a better place.