(AUTOBIOGRAPHY)
(Present: 15th October 2021)
I. Early Life
The reader would read on if the reader would ever wonder what life is like for someone like him. He does not know when and where exactly he was born except somewhere in North East of Myanmar (Burma). He remembers growing up in a village called Hkin Dit Mare, today desolate place called Bum Ring Zup Mare, Mai Ja Yang District, Kachin State. He grew up knowing that he has a younger sister and a brother, but learned today that he has more siblings! He grew up as an orphan but today he knows that his mother lives! The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) was formed on October 25, 1960, and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) was created as an armed wing of the KIO1, he was born and grew up conflicts area. He would be talking about his date of birth, where he grew up, where he attended schools, where he worked in the following pages.
Who He was in Life
His name is Bawm Zung, the lineal name is Dum Hpau, and hence, Dum Hpau Bawm Zung in the Kachin people’s sense. In Kachin or Jinghpaw/Jinghpo or ethnicity, he belongs to Lachik or Lashi of six ethnicities2. He is 54 years now, living in Yangon at Bahan Township, serving as a School Principal (Yangon Adventist Seminary) of Seventh-day Adventist3, living with his wife, Daw Khin Mar Aye, his son, Zung Chang, and daughter, Zung Nam. As stated earlier, he does not know his date of birth but his Aunty, Daw Kaw that lived in Katha rescued him at about ten years of age, had to designate his birth date, so she set it as of October 10, 1967.
His father was U Chang Bawm (from Sein Lone, Kachin/Myanmar Citizen, and Burma side of the border area), born on May 20, 1943, and his mother Daw Bawm Lwi (from Lwe Lyan- China side of the border, Kachin/Myanmar Citizen). They got married on May 20, 1963. His father was from La Bang Dum Hpau clan of Kachin tribe, and the mother Lagwi/Dashi/ Zin Wa clan. They had Eldest daughter- Ma Kaw (who died in 1965), and Bawm Zung (the author), Bawm Wawn (Ma Lu), Bawm Myaw (Ma Roi), and Bawm Lang (Ma Naw). There’s a long history and mystery with his parents. Later in life, he learned that he has two fathers with other four siblings and their children!
His father, U Chang Bawm was born from his parents, U Bawm Chang & Daw Hkaw Lwi both are Kachin/Myanmar Citizens from Sein Lone. His grandfather, U Bawm Chang is Hkin Dit du or village chieftain. His Father has four Brothers (Bawm Hkaw- Magam, Bawm Ting- Ma Naw, Bawm Chang- Ma La, Bawm Sau- Ma Tu). His father was killed by armed insurgent group upon the pretext of treason and drug abuse since he was very young. His mother, Daw Bawm Lwi was born from her parents, U La Gwi Bawm and Daw Lu both from Sein Lone) from Lwe Lyan. My mother, Bawm Lwi re-married to N Sen Gam (Marip Kum Ja Clan). N Sen Gam has Ma Naw (problem of hearing), Tu Ja (Ex du kabar, died of sickness), and Kaw Mai (Living with them).
His mother and the other husband (his second father!) have children as (1) N Sen Sin Yawng- born in 1976 (42 years now). Living now with his family in Laiza Town; (2) N Sen Lu Tawng, age 38 (born in 1980) is the second daughter. Living now with her family in a refugee camp; (3) N Sen Ji Nu. Living now with her family in a refugee camp; (4) Tu Lawt is the fourth son. He takes care of his mother and they are living now somewhere in Moemauk, Bamaw District.
His sister, Bawm Myaw (Ma Roi)/Ma Tek married Hkang Je La Tawng (Marip clan) living now in Bum Ring Zup village. They have children like Hkang Je Brang Aung (Eldest, age 32) married to N Hkai Lu Mai (Maran clan). They have a four years old son named Brang Nan; Naw Sant (age 23); Hkawn Ra (age 20) married Yang Ing Chi (Chinese)/ (Maran Lang Zing). They have two years old son named Yang Rung Xing. Bawk Nu is 19 years old, Roi Tawng is 14 years old and La Seng is 13 years old respectively.
His younger brother, Bawm Lang had five wives. He was born in September 1972 – living now in Je Yang IDP Camp with his adopted mother and children. His brother was adopted by Maru Nu (Maru Tang Bau) who was married to Hpaw Yawm Labang (pass away). The fifth wife is Maru Ze Na married in 2005, now staying in Myitkyina, Zee Lun IDP Camp (E) building/saung. They have four children. Seng Dan (boy), in Je Yang Camp at Singapore Border in 5th Standard, the second son is Seng Naw, the third son is La Htoi, and the fourth son Tu San. These three children are with their mother in Myitkyina, Zee Lun.
Challenging Early Life
His early knowledge of life comes with the other Bawm Zung who died at an early age so that he lives! He can still recall in his mind, that his mother left home with the younger brother (infant then) while his father and younger sister were asleep. It seems that his father was bad so his mother and the baby left them not to be seen until he graduated at about 40 years of age as per the kindness of his Aunty in Katha. Learned later that his father followed his wife telling them that he would bring her back and left them with his Uncle, U Bawm Sau in the village. Since then his father was not to be found- it was known that his father met his mother, and she reported the armed group there, arrested him, and later killed him.
At an early age, he remembers attending school in the village learning basic Kachin and Burmese languages. Most of the time, he remembers fetching water from a long distance for the family, doing hilly slash & burn cultivation, sometimes carrying rice for the armed groups. Painful childhood, he remembers once he ate a handful of raw hot chilli for a lump of plain rice. One of the childhood memories was that his Aunty from Katha (adopted daughter of his grandparents) visited them in the village, looking pitiful and unhygienic children, she took them to the stream (where there was a natural hot-spring), undress them bathed them rubbing their skin with rough stones. One day, he heard the news that his Aunty would come again and take them to Katha- Town! It was a decisive moment for him and his sister, his Aunty can take only one of them. He must have been a bit problematic to the family then, his Uncle reasoning that the girl can be helpful to the family, and the boy (the author) have the chance of going to the armed group, etc… Despite the fact that he told his sister to cry hard so that she can also come along with him while they were fetching water with bamboo. It was fruitless, separated from his sister he followed his Aunt to Katha Town.
Primary and Secondary Schools Attended
He was taken to Kyan Taw Quarter, Katha Township, Sagaing Region to stay with his Aunty’s family. It was sometime in 1977 or so. His Aunty, Daw Kaw, and U Ma Lang La (Ex- military Personnel in Kachin Thit) have 10 children; they were well-off families then. It was God’s plan that he was to be brought up by this family, soon after reaching Katha, his Aunty, being an Adventist sent him to a boarding school in 1978 with her children at GyoTonBin (Si Yin Ywar) village, Tar Han, Kalay Township, Sagaing, Western part of the country. Being able to recite and write a popular phrase in Myanmar, the Principal (U Chit Sein) of the Upper Myanmar Adventist Seminary and his cousin took him to the government school to attend Grade one. After Grade four in 1983 there, his cousins moved to Mountain View Bible Seminary, Tarbye, Taungoo Township, Bago Division he followed them too and attended Grade five to seven there.
About three years later, he was then to follow them to Myaung Mya Adventist high school in 1986, Mosokwin Road, Myaung Mya Township, Ayarwaddy Region. He studied there till College 1st year in 1991. As he grew up and knowledgeable, being a big family and bad family business, his Aunty could not support and pay all his tuition and boarding fees, so he was schooled in Myanmar under the program of “REACH International” supporting orphanage children. He thought his life was wretched with his broken family, but his Aunt’s vision, friends, and teachers in Adventist schools he had some hope for the next day. As a young man, a frequent reminder of his homeland, not to be seen of bicycles, cars, trains. Some news about his mother who indirectly killed his father, hatred towards mother grew intense then. With close friends, he still remembers talking, “Let us give revenge on my mother who killed my father, please help.” It was sometime in 1985; he got baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church under Pastor U RollChina.
II. Education, Married Life and Trainings
He earned the ‘Division High School Certificate (DHSC)’ from Burma Union Bible Seminary, Roll No. 132, Mosokwin road, Myaung Mya, issued by the Department of Education Southern Asia Division of Seventh-day Adventist, Hosur, Tamilnadu, India, in March 1988. (Pass with Second Class). And the ‘Division College Eligibility Certificate (DCEC)’ from Burma Union Bible Seminary, Roll No. 605, Mosokwin Road, Myaung Mya, issued by the Department of Education Southern Asia Division of Seventh-day Adventist, Hosur, Tamilnadu, India, in February 1990. (Pass with Third Class). He also earned a diploma in Hospital Administration (DHA), Correspondence, from the Institute of Health Care Administration, from Madras, India, in June 1995. Diploma in Herbal System of Medicine, Correspondence, Indian Institute of Herbal Medicine, R.T.T. Road, Bombay, India in April 1995.
He has his BLA (A Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree) in Religious Philosophy (Major) and Health Education (Minor) from Spicer Memorial College (SMC), ID No. Z-43, Aundh Road, Pune 007, Maharashtra, India, on March 31, 1995. He has his highest academic achievement of MA Ed (Master of Arts in Secondary Education Degree) from Andrews University, ID No. 88500, Berrien Spring, MI 9104, USA, on June 7, 1998, at Spicer Memorial College External Examination Center, Pune 007, India, on March 29, 1998.
He would never be who he was today unless unknown or God-led individuals from foreign lands supported him financially in school days. In high school life, he received assistance through the REACH International sponsorship program, his donor was then Gay Churches, USA; in his college and university life, he received financial support from Ted & Linea Corbett, BC, Canada.
In his learning process, he learned typing at college, Microsoft Word, Excel, Page Maker, and PowerPoint & Myanmar typing as he grew up he learned them to some extent. He also has God-given gifts of learning and speaking languages such as Kachin/Jing Hpaw/Singhpo, Myanmar/Burmese, English, Hindi (basic), Chin & Mizo (basic), Kayin/Karen (basic), and Malayu (basic).
His Married Life and Service in the Church
After earning his Master’s degree from India, he returned to Myanmar and worked in Upper Myanmar Mission, Pyin Oo Lwin, in a school “Adventist Theological Institution” in 1998. His girlfriend was then working in Central Myanmar Mission, Taungoo. He married Daw Khin Mar Aye, daughter of U Kyaw Din (Retired denominational leader, still active at his 97 years of age), and Daw Khin Kyi (pass away at 85) on March 24, 1999, at Ward (6), Katha, Sagaing Region. Her birth date was November 14, 1968. After getting married, he worked as a regular worker in place of his wife in 2000 (Effective from Jan 1) at Central Myanmar Mission in Taungoo. They were then transferred to Manhkring Adventist Seminary, Myitkyina. Served there for three years (Jan 1, 2000, till March 31, 2003) and moved back to Yangon, Headquarters’ Office as Admin Office Secretary from April 1, 2003, till April 30, 2004.
They have three children. Their eldest son, Zung Chang, was born on February 11, 2000, at SDA Mission, in Taungoo, Bago Region. He is in 3rd Year College at Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary, Mosokwin Road, Myaung Mya. The second son, Zung Yeing born on November 5, 2002, died at seven years of age (2009) being disabled from jaundice. He died in Kyat Pyae village, dry zone. His birth at home in Manhkring Adventist Seminary, Myitkyina was the downside in his family life. Without current and fear of higher expenses at hospital and clinics, they delivered at home and negligence of him, the baby suffered from jaundice within a few days. By the time they realized, they called for the midwife, but it was late, so they had to rush to the hospital, did the blood transfusions, and did all that they could within their power. This has gradually led to constant care for the baby and expenses were beyond their reach. So, while working in the church, he resigned from work on April 30, 2004, and started the adventure to work in Malaysia. The youngest daughter, Zung Nam (Naam Nam) was born in his absence on July 14, 2006, at North Dagon General Hospital, Yangon. She is in Grade 9 now.
Major Trainings, Workshops and Seminars Attended
2021 (January 11): He attended a four days training of AMARA # Certificate in Performance Management conducted by U Tin Tun Aung. 2020 (November 11- 14): He attended the 23rd AIIAS Theological Forum (Webinar) with the theme “The Church: Its nature, mission, and authority.”
2018 (Feb 22- Mar 06): He travelled to UK held meeting with Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) team in their office, travelled to EU- Brussels and attended meetings with EU Competent Authorities and EC members on Myanmar FLEGT4 in general and peace in specific and travelled to Norway and held meetings with Rain Forest Norway & NORAD on FLEGT and updates on peace and Illegal loggings. 2017 (June): He travelled to UK held meeting Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) team in their office and attended an International stakeholder meeting on Illegal logging at Chattam House. 2017 (May): He visited Philippines to exchange knowledge on forest governance and natural resource management. 2016 (November): He had a study visit to Indonesia for learning the FLEGT process together with other Civil Society Organization (CSO) representatives of Myanmar. 2016 (June)- 2018 (May): As an Interim Task Force (ITF) Member of National FLEGT VPA Process, he attended regular monthly meetings, initiated advocacy awareness raising activities (Workshops & Forums) in all States/Regions including Nay Pyi Taw Council (today 28th meetings), facilitated & coordinated in the election process of CSOs representative from all States/Regions. 2015 (Sept 22 – Oct 2): He attended ‘The Sphere Project- 5 days TOT training’ as organized by The Johanniter in Indonesia by trainers Spain and Germany.
2015 (Sept8 & 9): He attended the ‘Do No Harm Principle Training/Workshop’ in Summit Parkview Hotel, Yangon. 2014 (May 21 & 22, 2014): He attended the “Accountability Training Series III- ‘Self-Assessment’” at Summit Parkview Hotel. 2014 (March 31): He attended one day Regional level Workshop on ‘Mangrove Conservation, Protection and Livelihood Improvement’ held at Pathein, organized by Ecodev. 2014 (March 19- 21): He attended the “Accountability Training Series II- ‘Community Feedback Mechanism’”. 2014 (Feb 20 & 21): He attended Third Bogalay Agri-Fair organized by BATWG (Bogalay Agriculture and Technical Working Group), facilitated by GRET and funded by The Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT). 2013 (Dec 19- 22): He organized, facilitated and participated in the ‘2013 Project Annual Review Workshop’ at Golden Beach Hotel in Chaung Thar, Pathein. 2013 (Nov 18): He attended ‘National Workshop on Rural Development Strategic Framework’ held at Myanmar Convention Center (MCC) hall in Nay Pyi Taw. President U Thein Sein visited the display booth. 2013 (July 11): He participated in a Field Level Workshop of Linkages and handing over of project assets between Departmental Authority and Community based Groups in Royal Hostel, Labutta.
2013 (June 11- 13): He participated in ADRA Myanmar’s Country Wide Strategic Planning 2013 and assisted in translation to the Consultant and CD held in Pyin Oo Lwin. He participated also in the Second Round strategic planning workshop was held again on November 25 & 26, 2013 in MYUM hall, Yangon. 2013 (May 29): He attended Field Level ‘Business Forum for Improving Agriculture Productivity and Market Linkage’ in Kan Bet Village, Labutta. 2013 (January 16): He attended a one day National Level Coordination meeting on Upgrading a Proposal on Sustainability and Managing of Nature Land Areas in Myanmar as hosted by Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry. 2012 (Dec 10): He attended the LIFT National Knowledge Forum and Seminar on Priorities in Agriculture Development of Myanmar, Jointly organized by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and LIFT in Nay Pyi Taw. 2012 (Nov 22 & 23): He translated and attended the two days’ workshop cum training on the “Cultural Rights, Indigenous Rights and Multiculturalism” to Karen community and political parties at Catholic Church in Maw La Myaing Town, Mon State. 2012 (November 12, 2012): He attended the workshop on the Mangrove Rehabilitation and Conservation organized, funded and facilitated by LIFT Consortium and presented by MERN, FAO, UNDP, FREDA and MSN on Sustainable Mangrove Rehabilitation and aquaculture project activities in Ruby Room, Inya Lake hotel, Yangon. 2012 (May 28 – June 1): He completed the staff capacity building training on Value Chain & Market Analysis and Micro-finance conducted by freelance Consultants in MYUM, Yangon. 2012 (April 4 & 5): He completed of the training course in Transparency & Accountability organized by ADRA Myanmar, ECODEV and Capacity Building Initiative (CBI).
2011 (July 7 & 8): He organized and assisted the facilitator (Jasper Besemer- WATSAN- Advisor), from Consortium of Dutch NGOs (Netherlands) for the Organization Development (OD) Training cum Workshop for MHDO in Yangon. 2011 (May 19-21): He assisted in the training of “Technical Supervision Workshop” and “Community-Led Total Sanitation” organization and managed by CDN- Consortium Dutch NGOs (The Netherlands) and MHDO in Paw Pae Village, Kalaw Township. 2010 (Aug 19-20): He attended the two days training course on “Monitoring and Evaluation” as organized by the Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) and ADRA Myanmar in Judson Center. 2010 (Aug 16-18): He attended the three days training course on “Project Cycle Management” as organized by the CBI and ADRA Myanmar in Judson Center. 2010 (Aug 11-13): He attended the three days training course on “Report Writing” as organized by the CBI and ADRA Myanmar in Judson Center. 2010 (Aug 9-10): He attended the two days training course on “Financial Management” as organized by the CBI and ADRA Myanmar in Judson Center. 2010 (March 9): He attended the Dry Zone Coordination Workshop among NGOs and INGOs, Dusit Inya Lake Hotel, Yangon. 2008 (Nov 19-27): He attended the emergency response training and simulation in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 2007 (January 21): He attended the in-service training on Volunteer Chaplaincy in Penang Adventist Hospital, West Malaysia. 2006 – 2007: He attended Pastoral Meetings (both in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) and NEWSTART training program (in Kuala Lumpur) and other NGO meetings.
2003 (Nov. & Dec.): He attended the First Adventist Writing Seminar, workshop, conducted by Institute for the development of Adventist Writers (IDAW), Southern Asia-Pacific Division, Philippine, sponsored by Myanmar Union Mission, Yangon. 2003 (September): He joined the Philanthropic Conference/Seminar at Central Church and at Parklane, Yangon. 2003 (April): He attended Summer Health training Course for Ministers at Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary, Mosokwin road, Myaung Mya. 2002 (August): He attended the Philanthropic Seminar at Central Church, Yangon. 2000: He attended Church leadership training at Parklane. 2000: ADRA Myanmar Workshop at Panda Hotel, Yangon. 1999 (March): Regeneration and Healthy Training at Taungoo Myo, Myanmar. 1999 (January): Church leadership and personal witnessing Seminar Phase II- 1999, Pyin Oo Lwin.
Sr Organizations Duration Months
1 MYUM (SDA) May 2020- Present 17
2 ALARM April 2016- 2020 Apr 49
3 arche noVa July 2014- April 2016 22
4 ADRA January 2012- June 2014 30
5 MHDO May 2011- Dec 31, 2012 8
6 ADRA – CILPRP November 2010- April 2011 5
7 ADRA – EC FIRM Jan 2009- October 2010 20
8 ADRA- EC FIRM Jan 2008- Dec 2008 12
9 Malay SDA 2006 – 2007 24
10 ADRA- WATSAN 2005 2
11 Malay SDA Jan 2004- Dec 2004 12
12 SDA- MYUM 2003- 2004 12
13 SDA- MAS 2000- 2003 36
14 SDA- CMM 1999- 2000 12
15 ATI- UMM 1998- 1999 12
16 ADRA- India 1995 7
Total Months of working experience 280
III. His Career/Ministry
Myanmar Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventist Church: – April 2020- to Present (Oct 2021):Union President, Timothy Muna Paul contacted him for serving as a Principal in Yangon Adventist Seminary (YAS). And MYUM reinstated5 for the employment and the position of School Principal. He takes it as a second call to the ministry and accepted willingly.
Advancing Live and Regenerating Motherland (ALARM)/EcoDev): –May 2020- April 2016: He worked in ALARM as National Project Coordinator (NPC) under Forest and Land Reform Program (FLRP), Project Team Leader for Joint Peace Fund project entitled “Natural Resources for Peace-NR4P”; and Project Manager of the FGMG project funded by DFID partnered with Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).
arche noVa- Initiative for People in Need: – April 2016 – July 1, 2014 (22 months): He joined with the organization and working with the title Program Coordinator base in Shwegondaing, Bahan Tsp.
ADRA Myanmar: (SCALE UP project- Jan 1, 2012- June 15, 2014), specifically he served as Project Manager from January 2013 till June 2014 (18 Months); and as Specialist: Product Development and Value Chain from January 2012- December 2012 (12 Months) respectively. He worked in the project- “Sustainable Community Alternative Livelihood Enhancement to Undermine Poverty- SCALE UP” (3 years project- June 1, 2011- June 15, 2014) Labutta Township.
Head of Program in Myanmar’s Heart Development Organization (MHDO): – May 2011- Dec 31, 2011: He served as Head of Program (8 months) in MHDO registered local/national non-government organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Myanmar.
Assistant Project Manager in LIFT/UNOPS – ‘Community Initiated Livelihoods and Poverty Reduction Project- CILPRP (Nov 2010- October 2013) – November 2010- April 2011: He started to work as the Assistant Project Manager for this project (5 months) implemented in three Townships. He assisted in the writing of this project proposal LIFT fund round one in June 2010. Food Need Assessment: Seik Phyu Township (October 26-31, 2010): As the team leader, he led in Food Need Assessment as required and requested by the World Food Programme (WFP), Magway, for the future extension of ‘Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation’ partnered with ADRA Myanmar team in Dry Zone. Assistant Project Manager in EC FIRM Project (2008-2010), Pakokku: ADRA Myanmar (INGO)- January 2009- October 2010- He was promoted to Assistant Project Manager in January 2009 (20 months) as there was in need for the post. He served both as a training program coordinator and an assistant project manager. Training Program Coordinator in EC FIRM Project (2008-2010), Pakokku: Jan 2008 – Dec 2008- He served in the ADRA Myanmar for the project EC FIRM, 2008-2010 (European Commission funded project titled ‘Food Insecurity Reduction in Myanmar), Myitchay, Pakokku as Training programme Coordinator (1 Year).
Assistant Church Pastor and Coordinator for Myanmar Ministry in Penang SDA English Church Organization: Malaysia (West): 2006 – 2007- He served as Assistant Church Pastor (to Pr. Lawrence Randig) and Coordinator for “Myanmar Ministry” in Penang Seventh-day Adventist English Church (2 years), Pulau Penang, West Malaysia. 2007 (January – Dec): He served as a Volunteer Chaplain under Dr. Shee Soon Chiew in Penang Adventist Hospital, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia for (1 year).
Field Project Coordinator in WATSAN (Water and Sanitation Assessment Project) 2005- He worked in ADRA Myanmar as Field Project Coordinator for “Water and Sanitation Assessment Project” (2 months) in Myaung Mya District. He led in the collection of raw data direct from the villages, compiled and reported for water and sanitation project in Myaung Mya District.
Apprentice and Inspector in Automation Technology Sddh. Bhd. Company (Malaysia) Malaysia (West): 2004 (Jan – Dec)- He worked (1 year) in workshop department, Assembly department, and served as Inspector in Quality Control Department at “Automation Technology Sdn. Bhd.”, Pulau Penang, West Malaysia.
Assistant in Philanthropic Services Department in MYUM (Yangon): 2003 – 2004- From May 2003 to April 2004, He worked in MYUM as an Assistant to the Philanthropic Services Director (Pr. Montana Paul) for (1 year) in the areas of training and assessing funding organizations and planning for fund raising, strategies for institutions. Principal at Manhkring Adventist Seminary (MAS) in Upper Myanmar Mission (Myitkyina): 2000 (Jan1) – 2003 (Mar 31)- He served as Principal/School Headmaster at Manhkring Adventist Seminary, for (3 Academic Years). He organized and implemented Youth Camp and served as a Camp Director for Adventist Youth Camp, Myitsung in the year 2002 (Nov.). Assistant to the President of Central Myanmar Mission (Taungoo): 1999 – 2000- He served as a Personal Assistant (especially in writing project proposals and do translation) to the President (Pr. Montana Paul) of Central Myanmar Mission of SDA for (1 year) at Taungoo Myo.
Instructor and Hostel Dean at Adventist Theological Institute in Upper Myanmar Mission (Pyin Oo Lwin): 1998 – 1999: He served as an Instructor and a Hostel Dean for (1 year) at Adventist Theological Institute (ATI), Pyin Oo Lwin.
Welder and a Staff in Maharashtra Earthquake Relief Project (India): India (Maharashtra): 1995- He worked as a welder and a staff for (7 months) in Maharashtra Earthquake Relief Project sponsored by ADRA India under Dr. Horst Rolly.
IV. Later Life
With the notion and acknowledgment that God is in control, he humbles himself into His care and keeping, if He wills he would continue serving Him in the Church; and then settle in Tabyay Village close to Mountain View Bible Seminary (Taungoo, Central Myanmar) doing things like gardening and other hobby things, writing and part-time teaching in the seminary if feasible. And to be united and living happily ever after with my parents and siblings!
As stated in the beginning, he was born sometime, somewhere with His providence God set things in the right order- born in Kachin State and living now in Yangon working for the Church at Yangon Adventist Seminary @ Yangon Adventist International Academy. With challenging experiences in early life, in a way, he was brought up by the Church (SDA), worked not only in Myanmar but also overseas, served both in the Church (including its denominations) and non-governmental organizations; including international non-governmental organizations and local non-governmental organizations (LNGOs) with numerous trainings, seminars, and workshops.
V. Contribution/Legacy Note
So far he could do some translations from English to Myanmar both verbal and writing in general. While working in ALARM, he also served as a Member in the Interim Taskforce (ITF) in FLEGT – VPA process- multiple stakeholder approach where Government (MONREC), timber companies (Private Sector) and CSOs (National & sub-national levels).
He assisted in writing a number of project proposals (development) while working in NGOs and INGOs.
People References
1. ALARM: U Win Myo Thu, Founder, U Lwin Maung Maung Swe, Program Director, Sonia Leonard, Senior Advisor, and Richard Holloway, Team Leader
2. ADRA Myanmar: U Kyaw Win, Project Manager, Kyaw Aung Oliver (Former Program Director) & Brendon Irvine (Former Country Director), U Saw Teddy Din, Country Director (Currently Board member of MHDO & ALARM/EcoDev; and Former ADRA Country Director), U Sein Myint (Deceased), (Retired Director of the Ministry of Planning), Project Coordinator
3. MHDO: Daw Em Htoo, President
4. arche noVa- Initiative for People in Need: Stefan Wetzel (Program Manager/Country Representative)
His Bio Poem
Dum Hpau Bawm Zung
Child of Chang Bawm & Bawm Lwi
Who loves truthfulness in this fallen world
Who hates pretention, boasting and abuse of power
Who wants to go back to homeland in Kachin State, Myanmar
Who wishes he could’ve met both of his parents and grandparents
Who is scared of hearing the death of loved ones and letting them go
Who dreams of living a happy life with siblings and parents in homeland
Who is determined to serve the Lord and less fortunate children
Who values togetherness of the family and young at heart
Who is proud of nothing, but always humble and honest
Who graduated from SMC and MA Ed (USA)
Who lives in Yangon but truly misses home
Bawm Zung, Dum Hpau
(Footnotes)
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kachin_people
2 Other five Kachin ethnicities included Rawang, the Lisu, the Jinghpaw, the Zaiwa, and the Lawngwaw/Maru.
3 It was under the Myanmar Union Mission (MYUM) of Seventh-day Adventists
4 Forest law enforcement, governance and trade
5 MYUM EC 2020-094 to reinstate the employment of Bawm Zung effective April 1, 2020 with vote 16:15; and 2020-095 to appoint Bawm Zung to serve as Yangon Adventist Seminary (YAS) Principal effective April 1, 2020 with vote 16:14.