Meet Hsu Zar Lwin Hnin, Head of Accounting at ATALIAN Global Services Myanmar
I graduated college when I was 20 years old but couldn’t find a job for 9 months. I applied to only one company as a financial specialist and that was ATALIAN Global Services Myanmar.
I became the director’s executive assistant in April 2016 and to be honest, like a lot of new graduates, I had no idea what I was doing, and my first task was to buy a white mosquito net. The director said no to every colour except white which I thought was crazy and ended up getting my mom to help procure one.
Fast forward, I am now the Head of Accounting for the entire company, responsible for the financial governance of the business. I tease everyone sometimes that if I didn’t get my mom to help me find that silly mosquito net, I probably would’ve been fired!
What does the 2022 International Women’s Day slogan, #BreakTheBias mean for you in your work life?
I’d started as an Executive Assistant which many people consider a ‘woman’s job, but I knew I wanted to be more than just an assistant. I was given the chance to prove myself and as the head of finance, I now manage both men and women.
For me, #breakthebias, I could dream bigger to pursue a management position. I have achieved that but will continue to grow as a professional, as a woman, and as a human being.
What barriers have you overcome to be successful in your field?
In Myanmar attitudes about gender stereotypes are still very traditional. When I started my job, I felt like I wasn’t easily accepted because I was so young in my industry and my team. I broke the bias by delivering results, and this is why I became successful in my field.
What can be done to encourage and support a more inclusive workplace in your industry?
Women need to speak up about the things they want. Don’t hide behind bias or barriers – break them! When women have the chance to prove themselves, they need to make the most of it as they may not get the opportunity again.
If you were given 60 minutes for yourself during the working hour on International Women’s Day, how would you spend your time?
I will hold a coffee party and invite all my female colleagues to talk about how to improve our lives as professional women and as humans.