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Ko San’s first school was No. 1 Middle School in Yankin Township. His family lived in a small apartment on the third floor of a low-cost housing block, and every day he walked to school. One of the earliest memories he carried from his school days was not receiving any pocket money from his parents. His mother packed his lunch early each morning, and unlike most children, that was all he had.
Ko San’s first school was No. 1 Middle School in Yankin Township. His family lived in a small apartment on the third floor of a low-cost housing block, and every day he walked to school. One of the earliest memories he carried from his school days was not receiving any pocket money from his parents. His mother packed his lunch early each morning, and unlike most children, that was all he had.
While other children enjoyed bowls of mohinga and bought small treats during break time, Ko San could only watch and quietly admire the liveliness around him. Unable to spend or socialize the way others did, he found himself turning inward, focusing on how he could excel in ways that did not require money.
While other children enjoyed bowls of mohinga and bought small treats during break time, Ko San could only watch and quietly admire the liveliness around him. Unable to spend or socialize the way others did, he found himself turning inward, focusing on how he could excel in ways that did not require money.
He concentrated deeply on his studies, putting in more effort than most of his peers, and the results soon began to show. From Grade 5, around the age of ten, he consistently ranked among the top three students in every school examination. He graduated from middle school in Grade 8 as the top student in the entire township.
He concentrated deeply on his studies, putting in more effort than most of his peers, and the results soon began to show. From Grade 5, around the age of ten, he consistently ranked among the top three students in every school examination. He graduated from middle school in Grade 8 as the top student in the entire township.
With his outstanding academic record, he was eligible to apply to any prestigious high school in the city and eventually enrolled at Bahan High School No. 2, widely known as “Nanyang.” Located in an affluent neighbourhood, the school drew students from prominent families across Myanmar. Many arrived in private cars or government-issued vehicles, while others came by school buses. Ko San was the only student in his class who travelled to school by public bus.
With his outstanding academic record, he was eligible to apply to any prestigious high school in the city and eventually enrolled at Bahan High School No. 2, widely known as “Nanyang.” Located in an affluent neighbourhood, the school drew students from prominent families across Myanmar. Many arrived in private cars or government-issued vehicles, while others came by school buses. Ko San was the only student in his class who travelled to school by public bus.
Rather than feeling discouraged, he drew strength from these circumstances. His dedication was soon recognized when he was appointed class prefect (monitor) immediately after the first semester, a rare honour for a student new to the school. In his final matriculation examination, he excelled with distinctions in all six subjects and secured a top-ten ranking nationwide. Determined to become a doctor, he enrolled at the Institute of Medicine, where he ranked fifth among his peers.
Rather than feeling discouraged, he drew strength from these circumstances. His dedication was soon recognized when he was appointed class prefect (monitor) immediately after the first semester, a rare honour for a student new to the school. In his final matriculation examination, he excelled with distinctions in all six subjects and secured a top-ten ranking nationwide. Determined to become a doctor, he enrolled at the Institute of Medicine, where he ranked fifth among his peers.
However, circumstances beyond his control altered his path. His mother urged him not to pursue medicine, as the long years of study and the family’s limited resources made it difficult to support the education of his two younger sisters.
However, circumstances beyond his control altered his path. His mother urged him not to pursue medicine, as the long years of study and the family’s limited resources made it difficult to support the education of his two younger sisters.
Faced with this reality, Ko Aye Chan made a decisive choice. He gathered his savings from academic awards received from various organizations, associations, and NGOs, and used them to purchase a one-way ticket overseas, despite his parents’ quiet objections.
Faced with this reality, Ko Aye Chan made a decisive choice. He gathered his savings from academic awards received from various organizations, associations, and NGOs, and used them to purchase a one-way ticket overseas, despite his parents’ quiet objections.
Venturing Overseas
Venturing Overseas
His first stop was Singapore, where he suffered the hardest as a newcomer with no money in a foreign land. Meals were irregular; on many days, he survived on just one meal, usually lunch. His mother urged him to return home, but he persevered. He pushed himself relentlessly to find work to support his daily needs, while simultaneously sitting for multiple college entrance and scholarship examinations in hopes of securing a university education.
His first stop was Singapore, where he suffered the hardest as a newcomer with no money in a foreign land. Meals were irregular; on many days, he survived on just one meal, usually lunch. His mother urged him to return home, but he persevered. He pushed himself relentlessly to find work to support his daily needs, while simultaneously sitting for multiple college entrance and scholarship examinations in hopes of securing a university education.
After numerous attempts, his persistence paid off. He was finally awarded a scholarship to study accountancy in the United Kingdom. Leaving Singapore in 1994, he embarked on a new chapter of his life.
After numerous attempts, his persistence paid off. He was finally awarded a scholarship to study accountancy in the United Kingdom. Leaving Singapore in 1994, he embarked on a new chapter of his life.
In 1996, he achieved what once seemed distant and uncertain: he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and graduated from the prestigious University of London.
In 1996, he achieved what once seemed distant and uncertain: he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and graduated from the prestigious University of London.
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