Shaping Futures: Parami University’s 9 years of hope, resilience, and impact
- Parami Communications
- 36 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Since its founding on January 9, 2017, Parami University has played a vital role in nurturing future leaders and empowering change-makers from underserved communities. Built on the belief that education can transform lives, Parami has continued its mission even in times of profound uncertainty. What drives a university to persist against all odds—and how has it reshaped lives over nine years marked by challenge, hope, and resilience?
January 9, 2026 marks Parami University’s ninth anniversary—nine years of growth, impact, and commitment to inclusive education. To commemorate this milestone, the Parami community came together to reflect on its journey, celebrate achievements, and reaffirm its vision for the future.
From offering the year-long Parami Leadership Program (PLP) to launching four-year undergraduate programs, Parami has steadily contributed to Myanmar’s education landscape. However, in 2021, political unrest disrupted lives and futures across the country, forcing institutions and individuals alike to confront an uncertain path forward. Parami’s long-held vision of building a residential campus in Hmawbi, Yangon was put on hold, raising difficult questions about whether the university could weather the storm and continue providing quality education to youth from all walks of life.
Rather than retreat, Parami adapted—guided by leadership, community solidarity, and an unwavering belief in the power of hope.
As part of this adaptation, Parami strengthened its global engagement through strategic partnerships. Parami University is a member of the Open Society University Network (OSUN), now known as the Global Higher Education Alliance 21 (GHEA21). Through this partnership, Parami collaborates with universities worldwide to expand access to quality higher education, advance academic freedom, and support learners affected by conflict and displacement.
“What began with just 16 students seeking a new kind of learning has grown into a shared journey shaped by resilience, hope, and purpose,” said Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun, President of Parami University, during the 9th Anniversary virtual event on January 6, 2026. “Despite political and global uncertainties, we continue to move forward—because as long as we have hope, we can build a better future for higher education, for our communities, and for the world.”
Zali Win, Chair of the Board of Trustees, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming Parami’s vision of a liberal arts education that cultivates critical thinking, adaptability, and truth-seeking. She highlighted the university’s resilience through the crisis, its transition to online learning, and the significance of upcoming undergraduate graduations.
“Parami was founded to nurture a new generation of thinkers—young people equipped with critical thinking, adaptability, and the courage to question,” said Zali Win. “In a rapidly changing world, this kind of liberal arts education is essential not only for academic success, but for protecting truth, freedom, and a more livable future for all.”
Student Reflections
At the heart of Parami’s impact are its students—learners whose lives have been shaped by displacement, disruption, and determination. Licensed by the Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC) in Washington, D.C., Parami launched online undergraduate programs in 2022. Today, four cohorts totaling 295 students from Asia and Africa—representing more than 15 native languages—reflect the university’s commitment to accessible and inclusive education for refugees, migrants, and displaced learners.
Eh Si Si, a final-year student majoring Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and member of Parami’s first graduating class comes from a migrant and refugee education background. Her journey—from completing high school in a refugee camp to navigating global crises—mirrors the resilience of many displaced students seeking continuity in learning.
“My education was interrupted, but it was never lost,” she shared. “Parami saw my potential beyond delays and displacement, and gave me the courage to return to learning, rebuild myself, and believe again in my dreams.”
Abdu Rahman, a third-year Statistics and Data Science student, is a Rohingya refugee from Arakan State, Myanmar. After facing systemic discrimination and barriers to education, he earned a full scholarship at Parami—an opportunity that reshaped his future.
“Parami University did not just give me an education—it gave me dignity, belonging, and a future,” he said. “My journey proves that even after displacement and denial, education can restore hope and transform lives.”
For Myat Moe Kywe, a final-year student majoring Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and member of Parami’s first graduating class, the transition to online learning initially brought uncertainty. Over time, it became a platform for growth, research opportunities, and internships in the United States.
“When I first applied, I was uncertain if online education could work for me,” he reflected. “Four years later, Parami has transformed how I think, learn, and grow—opening doors I never imagined and shaping me into a thoughtful, problem-solving individual.”
Lessons from Staff
Behind each student’s success is a dedicated community of staff navigating challenges alongside them. Parami staff emphasize that education is not only about knowledge, but also about care, consistency, and trust. They highlight the importance of fostering a supportive environment where students feel seen, motivated, and empowered to explore their potential.
Through teamwork, resilience, and effective communication, staff members have learned that small, sustained efforts can create lasting impact. In uncertain times, patience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning have proven essential. Above all, witnessing students overcome adversity continues to inspire staff to nurture a collaborative, compassionate academic community.
Grounded in hope and strengthened by resilience, Parami University remains committed to providing quality education and nurturing future leaders—equipped not only with knowledge, but with the courage and compassion to become change-makers in their communities and beyond.
As Parami celebrates its ninth anniversary, it also looks toward a defining milestone: the awarding of bachelor’s degrees to its first undergraduate cohort this June. Student recruitment for the 2026 academic year is already underway, signaling continued momentum in the university’s mission.
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