Zaw Myo Khaing

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Assistant Forecaster

Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Ministry of Transport

Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Disaster Management Program, Flood Disaster Mitigation Course (’14)

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Please tell us about your career path so far. What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?

I entered the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Ministry of Transport while I was in my first year at Dagon University, in 1995. I started my career as Junior Observer in Data

Recording and Forecasting in the Hydrological Division. Seven year later, I was posted to the communication section as Senior Observer. At that time, my job involved data processing and checking and maintenance of hydrological instruments. In 2009, I was transferred to the Research and Training Section where I am currently working as Assistant Forecaster.

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Climate Change: Present and Future Challenges, Opportunities for Vulnerable Asia Pacific Countries-at in Pathumthani, Thailand-July, 2009.

During 1996 to 2006, I travelled to many hydrological stations throughout Myanmar to conduct field surveys. It was my task to do measurements and collect hydrological data and to analyze flood inundation.

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I am fortunate to have been provided opportunities for training and studies abroad. In July 2009, together with my senior colleague, I attended a climate change workshop, organized by Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) at Pathumthani, Thailand.

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Study Survey to Miyajima Island (near the Hiroshima City), 2012

Between 2010 and 2014, I was awarded a scholarship for studying in Japan twice. The first time, I participated in the “Hydrography for Charting, Disaster Prevention, and Environmental Protection” training. This 6-months training program was organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan Hydrographic and Oceano- graphic Department (JHOD) and was held in Tokyo. I had a chance to study and learn about hydrography, disaster prevention intended to prevent tsunami and storm surge, and environmental protection of the territorial waters. The second time, was when I was awarded the scholarship to study in the Disaster Management Policy Program at GRIPS, from October 2013 till September 2014.

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You are currently working as Assistant Forecaster in the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology at the Ministry of Transport. Please tell us about your main responsibilities and duties.

Sharing knowledge and experience with trainees in Hydrological Grade III course, Yangon Office

As my job title suggests, I am assisting the forecaster with issuing daily water level forecasts, flood warnings and bulletins. In addition, our Department is promoting capacity building by offering internal trainings as Meteorological/Hydrological Grade I, II & III and B.Sc Honours Course (Met/Hydrological Subjects) every year.? Since I had been working in the Research and Training Section, one of my responsibilities is to share my experiences with the trainees.

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Meeting with CTI, CTIE & ICHARM teams (from Japan) in Meteorology and Hydrology Office (Mawlamyine, Mon State) for Part II flood management

I am also involved in training as a trainee teacher in internal trainings. Participating in projects related to hydrological issues (including ADB TA-8456 MYA: Transformation of Urban Management- Part II Flood Management) is also part of my duties.

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What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work? And what have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?

These days, modern techniques are playing an increasingly important role in our forecasting work. However, though using these modern techniques may be a big aid in obtaining high quality data, staying up-to-date with the current communication systems, advanced highly technological instruments and software provides a big challenge for me and my department.

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Study trips, river surveying & flood inundation analysis have been some of the interesting aspects of my career. Another highlight in my career was the 2012 training course in Tokyo, Japan. But the most rewarding so far has been my opportunity to study in the Disaster Management Policy Program at GRIPS in 2013/14. The fact that I received the Sontoku award – for the flood disaster mitigation course – from ICHARM has made this all the more special.

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What is the most important thing you got out of your studies here, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavours?

BBQ party at TBIC with teachers fellow students from ICHARM

In collaboration with BRI, ICHARM/PWRI and JICA, GRIPS offers the master’s degree program in Disaster Management Policy. This program aims to enhance the capacity of professionals in developing countries to cope with natural disasters. As mentioned above, I joined the M.Sc course in GRIPS in 2013, with Flood Disaster Mitigation as my specialized subject. I completed the program in one year, spending most of my time in the International Center for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM) studying and analyzing issues related to my specialized subject. In addition, the various study trips and learning about the general disaster management subjects offered at GRIPS proved to be very useful.

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With ICHARM’s Director at Graduation Ceremony in GRIPS, Sept- 2014

Before I joined the M.Sc. course, I was hoping to get exposed to many experiences and to study modern techniques regarding disaster mitigation. As it turned out, my concentrated studies have given me not only the valuable experiences but also enhanced my confidence. I have gained a lot of specialized knowledge and experience through this program as well as basic knowledge necessary for disaster risk management, including those of seismology, tsunami and water related disasters. The knowledge and experiences from GRIPS & ICHARM, the light from glittering stars, are guiding me the way to do a better job in the field of water related disaster management at present and in the future.

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What are some of the fondest memories of your time spent at GRIPS?

I have very fond memories of the study trip to Nagoya that was organized by GRIPS. I have become interested in studying the culture of Japan, its advanced technique of preparedness and prevention for water related disasters in Nagoya.

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I guess it is fair to say that it is the overall experience, of learning about general disaster management (including evacuation road map & public awareness), together with building friendships with my classmates and the study tour to Nagoya are among my fondest memories of GRIPS.

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What is your favourite thing to do when you are not working?

Group discussion of Myanmar Participants at TIC (Tokyo JICA Building), 2012

My main hobbies are reading and watching TV. I am interested in reading journals, magazines and newspapers but also enjoy watching the international & local news and sports channel on TV in my leisure time. I also like to go out and talk and socialize with family and friends sometimes.

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Do you have any suggestions on how to further utilize the GRIPS alumni

network?

I believe that the GRIPS alumni network can be a great resource for sharing knowledge and experiences among current and former students. The activities and achievements of GRIPS alumni can also help to reach out and appeal to potential highly skilled scholars from ASEAN countries and beyond who might be interested in studying at GRIPS.

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