Htet Aung Kyaw, a 2025 graduate from Myanmar, reflected on six years at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics — from soccer victories to lifelong friendships and personal growth.

From the very first days at SUFE, he forged a deep-rooted bond with the green fields of the campus. He won the Freshman Cup, made the international students' soccer team, and competed in the "College Cup" tournament.

When his graduate studies began, his love for soccer led him to become the coach of the International Cultural Exchange School Soccer Team.

Under his leadership, the team won the College Cup championship and secured its place in the campus league. Watching his teammates celebrate each victory filled him with pride, a quiet affirmation of the role he had played. Whenever he spoke of his soccer journey, his eyes always sparkled.

Htet Aung Kyaw joined the International Student Union, where he valued the fresh perspectives of younger members. He humbly adjusted his working styles, learning from his juniors with an open mind.

During his undergraduate years, he was a dynamic presence with wide-ranging talents. He excelled in soccer, volleyball, choir competitions, and even short video production. As he entered graduate life, he decided to place more of his energy into academic pursuits.

According to Htet Aung Kyaw, undergraduate studies were about broadening horizons, while graduate school was about delving deeper to gain detailed knowledge. His growth was reflected not only in his academic achievements but also in his character. He developed a composed mindset to take him through complicated academics as well as the stress and anxiety in his daily life.

For Htet Aung Kyaw, the most valuable treasures at SUFE were the friendships he formed with peers from across the world. Whether it was the seniors who guided him, the teammates who stood by him, or the classmates who studied with him, these genuine connections became the warmest and brightest highlights along his six-year journey.

As graduation approached, Htet Aung Kyaw cherished every moment spent with his friends — lively discussions in the classroom, sweat-drenched matches on the soccer field, and the late-night chats in the dorm. These moments became the lasting memories of his youth.

After a brief stint in Myanmar following his bachelor's degree, Htet Aung Kyaw returned with a deeper bond to SUFE and Shanghai, and upon completing his master's, chose to stay in China to pursue his career. He said that, whether on campus or in the workplace, he holds onto a humble belief: to help anyone in need and to make contributions to society.

He encouraged his juniors to believe in themselves, remain curious, and make the most of the present.

What SUFE taught him extends far beyond textbooks. Through his journey of growth, he gained the strength and wisdom to keep him moving forward. As he bids farewell to the soccer field he loved, he carries the same determination into a new chapter on life's broader playing field.

Source: Official WeChat account of SUFE International Cultural Exchange School at "SHUPL-SICE"