Youth Empowerment and Advocacy

Asia Youth’s Association (AYA) was founded by William, a brave LGBTIQ+ activist and human rights defender from Myanmar. Facing discrimination and fear growing up, he chose courage and visibility. From 2015 to 2021, he worked with CTUM Women’s Centre, empowering women and LGBTIQ+ youth. After the 2021 military coup, he protested, was arrested and tortured, then fled to Thailand. In exile, he founded AYA to support LGBTIQ+ youth, ethnic minorities, and human rights defenders. For him, AYA is more than an organization—it’s a movement born from survival, resilience, and the fight for justice and dignity.

May is a program manager and environmental advocate based in Thailand. With expertise in climate change resilience, waste management, and humanitarian aid, she empowers marginalized communities, especially women and youth. A co-founder of multiple initiatives, May integrates environmental sustainability with social justice, leading impactful projects across Myanmar and Thailand. She also collaborates with grassroots organizations to raise awareness about environmental rights and community health. Her work emphasizes participatory approaches, ensuring that local voices shape sustainable development efforts. Through training programs and advocacy campaigns, May continues to inspire positive environmental action in vulnerable communities affected by conflict and climate change.

With over 14 years of experience in journalism, I have worked as a reporter and video journalist for several respected media outlets in Myanmar, including Modern Journal, Kumudra Journal, Venus Journal, B2B Magazine, The Reporter, and MNTV. My work has focused on news reporting, video production, and public communication, requiring strong storytelling, research, and media coordination skills. My lived experience, I bring not only technical skills in journalism and multimedia communication but also resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to freedom of expression and human rights.

Experienced researcher with a strong background in social research across Myanmar. Skilled in quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis, study tool development, and project management. Proficient in CAPI/CATI surveys and large-scale opinion polls by using SPSS and KoboCollect. Have worked as a project manager with international clients including the World Bank, UNOPS, WFP, FAO, Gallup, BBC Media Action, and others. In addition to managing research teams, I have coordinated multi-country surveys and ensured high-quality data collection. I am passionate about evidence-based policymaking and committed to producing impactful research that supports development goals and promotes social change across diverse communities.

Prior to the military coup in Myanmar, I served in the Medical Records Department at Sagaing General Hospital under the Ministry of Health. In this role, I was responsible for maintaining and managing patient medical records, documenting significant and complex cases, and preparing weekly statistical reports, monthly summaries, as well as birth and death registrations.

Following the coup, I worked collaboratively with fellow healthcare professionals to establish and operate a free clinic for two months, providing essential healthcare services to underserved communities. I also delivered health education and capacity-building sessions for grassroots and community-based organizations.

Currently based in Mae Sot, Thailand, I am engaged with Asia Youths Association (AYA), contributing to programs focused on human rights and LGBTQ+ rights. In addition, I volunteer as a Japanese language instructor for AYA’s free language classes, supporting young people in enhancing their skills and expanding their access to educational and employment opportunities.