Here’s an enhanced profile of Dr. U Khin Shwe, a leading and controversial figure in Myanmar’s business and political world:
🏢 Background & Business Empire
Born 21 January 1952 in Mawlamyine, of Mon-Burmese descent
Started as a construction and survey engineer in government service, then founded Zaykabar Company in 1990—today one of Myanmar’s largest conglomerates, active in construction, property, tourism, banking, investment, media, and more
Holds leadership roles: chairman of Zaykabar, National Development Group, Myanmar Tourism Board, Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association; also patron of Myanmar Hoteliers Association
🎖 Honors & Sanctions
Awarded national titles: Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara (1998) & Agga Maha Thirithudhamma Manijhotadhara (2001).
Listed on the U.S. Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list for ties to the former military regime; sanctions lifted in October 2016
🏛 Political Career
Elected to Myanmar’s Upper House (Amyotha Hluttaw) representing Yangon Region № 9 (2011–2016); affiliated with military-associated USDP before later expelled for perceived closeness to Aung San Suu Kyi
⚖️ Reputation & Controversies
Known as a “crony” with deep military-linked connections. He’s publicly defended his business dealings amid reforms, emphasizing his position to partner with foreign investors .
Mixed record on land acquisition has drawn criticism; involved in alleged unfair land grabs around Yangon
📉 Legal Troubles
Arrested in March 2022 alongside his son Zay Thiha over a defective high-rise development on military-leased land; both detained in Insein Prison, then released in September 2024 on health grounds with a junta pardon
🌟 Philanthropy & Cultural Legacy
Donated millions to Myanmar’s peace process in 2017 as urged by Aung San Suu Kyi
Established the Zaykabar Museum in Yangon in 2021, the largest private museum in Myanmar
His son, Zay Thiha, is notable for promoting the World Lethwei Championship and leading the Myanmar Archery Federation
Zaykabar Museum
In 2021, Khin Shwe opened the Zaykabar Museum, Myanmar’s largest private museum located in Yangon’s Mingaladon Township
The museum spans around three acres and showcases his extensive collection—ranging from Pyu-era pottery and royal Thibaw-era paintings to stuffed wildlife specimens and rare artifacts
He initiated the museum to preserve fragile cultural items, explaining that the government needed private-sector support to protect these treasures .
🏗️ Major Construction Projects & Controversies
Khin Shwe’s Zaykabar Company (est. 1990) has led several high-profile infrastructure ventures, including a major road connecting rural Yangon townships
The Myayeik Nyo high-rise project, a US$500 million development on military-owned land, was abruptly halted by the military in 2018 amid allegations of breach of contract—destroying heritage buildings and lacking formal agreements
⚖️ Legal Troubles & Political Fallout
In March 2022, the coup-era junta detained Khin Shwe and his son Zay Thiha following the failed high-rise project, charging them over heritage destruction and financial disputes
This marked one of the first major arrests of a top crony following the 2021 coup. By September 2024, he had been released on health grounds via a junta pardon
🎖 Industry & Political Influence
Beyond business, Khin Shwe served as an MP in the Upper House (Amyotha Hluttaw) from 2011–2016, representing the pro-military USDP
He navigated political tides deftly—initially tied to the old guard, later forging ties with the NLD-led government and supporting Aung San Suu Kyi’s peace initiatives, donating over $10 million
🔎 Summary: Khin Shwe is…
A powerful and polarizing tycoon—he transformed a modest engineering background into a sprawling empire through strategic ties to the military and state. Honored for national service, yet marred by controversies such as sanctions, land disputes, and legal challenges. Nonetheless, he remains an influential builder, philanthropist, and cultural figure in contemporary Myanmar.