women to women

A woman's perspective from the field of technology

"In the field of technology, numerous women are making significant contributions. This month's women to women program will feature an interview with Ms. Khin Sandar, a senior mobile developer and a Mobile App Mentor at MSDT Training Center. She will share her experiences and challenges she has faced in the tech industry, offering advice and insights for women who aspire to enter this field. The program aims to present her story and the wisdom she has to share with the audience."

Question: Can you introduce yourself and your work?

Answer: My name is Khin Sandar. I am a senior android mobile developer. People know me for working on the i-women application in this field of development. I have participated in several hackathon competitions at the Asian level and also competed in the Falling Walls competition. With over 13 years of experience, my work in the tech field has made me quite known. The term 'woman' in the context of the program, I admit, feels a bit strange in 2023. We women have faced crises, overcome challenges, and seen an increase in conflicts as people become less patient. In this interview, I will share more about my experiences rather than just focusing on being a woman. The changes in my life in 2023 have been significant, including experiences of life and death, justice, and injustice. These times are challenging, but they also offer opportunities to encounter both good and bad. On one hand, I'm attached to the work I want to do; on the other, I'm struggling with the problems I face. Speaking of technology, I haven't backed down. I used to work on many projects with a large workforce. Lately, many have moved abroad, and it's been quite disheartening. Thus, the number of people who cannot work has increased. From what I see, the situation isn't as good as it used to be. But in IT, I still have a few projects to work on. Since there are people who can write, I continue my work. I also opened a small training center to share my experiences and teach young people in my community. I enjoy teaching them and finding the work I love while teaching. In the future, I plan to travel with a laptop and share knowledge and experiences with young people. I'm really enjoying this phase of my life. When I develop an application, I focus on its impact. What benefit will it bring? How much effort will I put in?  What will I create with pure intention and ethics? Creating something that positively impacts people is what I'm doing now. The question asks why women are less involved in the IT field and what might be the reasons behind this. The response explains that this is a long-standing question and it's better to answer it with data. It mentions that the IT field is risky and traditionally male-dominated. In Myanmar, if one visits technology universities, there are many women, but in the industry, women often accept what is told to them by data specialists. The speaker believes that women are not few in IT, but the difference lies in the level of fame between men and women in the field. Historically, men have been more prominent and well-known in technology. This prominence of men might be why women in Myanmar feel they have a lower chance of making a global impact. The speaker concludes by expressing the need to prevent the mindset of 'women can't do it' and emphasizes encouraging women to participate more in programs like these.

Question: Why don't women seem to enter the IT field as much? What do you think are the reasons for their lower participation?

Answer: This is an old question. It's better to answer this with data. Being in IT is risky. In the past, when women answered these questions, they preferred to stick with the facts and data. If you look at technology universities in Myanmar, there are many female students. But when it comes to entering the workforce, women prefer to agree with what people say about data. Women are not few in IT. I think the difference is just in terms of prominence. The tech world has been dominated by men from the beginning, with more men gaining fame and being more widely recognized. That's why women, especially in a country like Myanmar, are still behind when it comes to reaching global standards. Therefore, we should avoid the mindset of 'I can't do it because I'm a woman.' That's why programs like this have been started. For this question, that's all I can say.

Question: Where should women who are just starting in the field of technology begin their learning? How much time should they devote, and which areas should they prioritize? Do you have any advice from your perspective?

Answer: I often get asked this by junior female students and those who have finished their studies in computer science. For those still in school, there's the ITPEC (Information Technology Professionals Examination Council), including the IT passport, a recognized examination in 7 countries. Last time, there was a young person who didn't believe in their IT skills and had a distance education degree. They had 10 years of experience in IT. Many people like them should consider taking the 7-country recognized examination. Female computer science teachers who are freelancing also do the same and can provide answers. After passing this course, some people earn between 100,000 and 150,000 outside. These courses are quite expensive. The ITPEC examination is just about registering at the MICT park and taking the exam. I don't recommend the courses that cost between 500,000 and 1,000,000. Some attend these courses hoping to pass easily. If you have a part of IT to teach, but if you're a computer university teacher, you can teach well. I teach as a software developer. For those not from a technology background, taking this 7-country recognized examination is primarily for opportunities in Japan and Vietnam. Having this certificate allows you to go abroad. Many people fear languages. In reality, languages are the real killer. If you don't work on necessary language skills, you'll struggle with the never-ending technology learning process. Some brains can't learn, and some people are not smart enough. Regardless of who you are, if you know a language, use it. In IT, what you know now may not be applicable later. People don't realize this. When going international, knowing the local language is essential. If you're going to Western countries, you must learn languages like Spanish or French. Work hard on English; it's globally used. Young people are price-conscious. They are weak in English, which is not suitable for the current era. With technology advancing rapidly, people use translation machines. Those who can't afford these must work on learning essential languages. "Fill in what you lack. If you're going to Western countries, you must be able to speak languages like Spanish or French. Work on it, as English is already globally used. Young people are price-sensitive. They are weak in English, which isn't good in the current era. As technology advances rapidly, people use translation devices. Those who can't afford them must work on learning essential languages. Eliminate the mindset that you can't do English if it's globally used. That's why I talked about soft skills first. I'm a software engineer, so I'm not just talking about this career path. Our software developers can find jobs in any country. We have competitors, and our main competitors are Indians, followed by Filipinos. They are very good at English. However, our current Generation Z is very good at English, almost at a native level. For software developers and engineers, your career is your passport. You can travel to any country with your skills. You can't be price-sensitive with languages. Even the basic necessities can be a challenge. So, master the languages first, the ones that can be universally used and allow you to work comfortably anywhere. There are jobs that are less stressful and have less pressure. Any job will have its demands and pressures, and you need to be able to adjust. Young people's minds can adapt anywhere, so use it from a young age. There are big companies in Myanmar like International Telecom. Banks are there too. The business principles of international hotels and banks are the same. The software used in big companies here and internationally is the same. Gain work experience and step into the international arena. People in Myanmar working for companies like YOMA, CB, UAB use the same software and ticket flow as international standards. It's the same for non-technical companies. Work is created with tickets and follows international standards. That's just an example. These work methods are the same for companies here and abroad. Myanmar is the same. Japan is the same. If we want to advance, we can jump and surpass. Now we're hesitating. Hesitation means you can jump to the next level. If we fall from hesitation, it's more challenging for us, the young people. We can reach the same level as others if we strive and jump."

Question: In these times, there are young people who are feeling low in spirits. Could you offer some words of encouragement for them?

Answer: Firstly, I want to assure that it's okay to make mistakes and to forgive oneself. Nowadays, there are many people having mental breakdowns, thinking about suicide, or attending counselling. I've also sought counselling. Mental health needs serious attention. Everyone has their own mental issues, and everyone is struggling in their own ways. There is success from madness, and there are also failures. Having a mental issue in this era is not a problem. In fact, not having a mental issue could be considered a problem. This is not something that will bring you down or stop you. It's not about being calm. It's not about being inactive or feeling like you can't do anything. There are good guides out there, truly capable people. When obstacles become overwhelming, the ultimate and essential thing is to meditate. Even in international companies, they encourage meditation. Meditation doesn't mean going to extremes; it should be balanced. There are cases where people ended up in trouble by forcefully controlling their minds in meditation camps. When reading books to solve this problem, don't let the content poison you or take you to extremes. Internationally, the practice involves meditation and digital detox. Taking breaks, traveling. At home, the easiest way is to take a bath. Stay healthy. Know your body and mind. Only when these two are balanced can work be stable. My method is to take a bath; it refreshes you. Do all the heated discussions before the bath. After the bath, work on things that advance your life. Therefore, I do things I need to do before taking a bath. After bathing, I work on things that progress my life. Understand your body and its signs. Don't immediately check your phone upon waking up. Meditate or do yoga instead. Meditate whenever you feel like it, focusing on your breath. When you do this, you'll find yourself thinking about the positive side rather than the negative. Exercise, bathing, walking, traveling all benefit both the body and mind, including meditation. I can say this now because these practices work for me. Listen to what people who have actually succeeded and found it useful say. Try it yourself, and if it works for you, continue. Everyone's minds and bodies should not collapse; everyone should stay healthy to avoid other external dangers or destruction.

Question: If there is anything else you want to talk about, please feel free to do so.

Answer: I used to be very active in women's issues. Most of the people I knew earlier were women involved in these issues. However, due to a certain issue, I no longer speak on behalf of women in women's matters. I have never exploited women's issues for my own benefit. As I said at the beginning and I say at the end, please take my words as my opinion. I always strive to be a good example. I don't differentiate between men and women. I don't represent anyone. Only when we are mentally and physically healthy can we overcome challenges. If most people are unwell, we all fail. Take care of yourself, stay healthy. You are important. Don't stop, keep striving for your future. Also, share your positive actions with your society. Don't go to extremes. I want to say that whatever you do, stand firm without addiction or extremes.

Question: In these times, there are young people who are feeling low in spirits. Could you offer some words of encouragement for them?

Answer: Firstly, I want to assure that it's okay to make mistakes and to forgive oneself. Nowadays, there are many people having mental breakdowns, thinking about suicide, or attending counselling. I've also sought counselling. Mental health needs serious attention. Everyone has their own mental issues, and everyone is struggling in their own ways. There is success from madness, and there are also failures. Having a mental issue in this era is not a problem. In fact, not having a mental issue could be considered a problem. This is not something that will bring you down or stop you. It's not about being calm. It's not about being inactive or feeling like you can't do anything. There are good guides out there, truly capable people. When obstacles become overwhelming, the ultimate and essential thing is to meditate. Even in international companies, they encourage meditation. Meditation doesn't mean going to extremes; it should be balanced. There are cases where people ended up in trouble by forcefully controlling their minds in meditation camps. When reading books to solve this problem, don't let the content poison you or take you to extremes. Internationally, the practice involves meditation and digital detox. Taking breaks, traveling. At home, the easiest way is to take a bath. Stay healthy. Know your body and mind. Only when these two are balanced can work be stable. My method is to take a bath; it refreshes you. Do all the heated discussions before the bath. After the bath, work on things that advance your life. Therefore, I do things I need to do before taking a bath. After bathing, I work on things that progress my life. Understand your body and its signs. Don't immediately check your phone upon waking up. Meditate or do yoga instead. Meditate whenever you feel like it, focusing on your breath. When you do this, you'll find yourself thinking about the positive side rather than the negative. Exercise, bathing, walking, traveling all benefit both the body and mind, including meditation. I can say this now because these practices work for me. Listen to what people who have actually succeeded and found it useful say. Try it yourself, and if it works for you, continue. Everyone's minds and bodies should not collapse; everyone should stay healthy to avoid other external dangers or destruction.

Question: If there is anything else you want to talk about, please feel free to do so.

Answer: I used to be very active in women's issues. Most of the people I knew earlier were women involved in these issues. However, due to a certain issue, I no longer speak on behalf of women in women's matters. I have never exploited women's issues for my own benefit. As I said at the beginning and I say at the end, please take my words as my opinion. I always strive to be a good example. I don't differentiate between men and women. I don't represent anyone. Only when we are mentally and physically healthy can we overcome challenges. If most people are unwell, we all fail. Take care of yourself, stay healthy. You are important. Don't stop, keep striving for your future. Also, share your positive actions with your society. Don't go to extremes. I want to say that whatever you do, stand firm without addiction or extremes.