Who’s Who in Myanmar: Influential Leaders & Public Figures
Who’s Who in Myanmar is a comprehensive directory of influential political leaders, business figures, cultural icons, artists, celebrities, and historic personalities who have shaped Myanmar’s past and present.
Myanmar’s modern history has been shaped by a complex mix of independence leaders, military rulers, civilian reformers, and opposition figures. The country’s political evolution—from colonial rule to independence, military domination, partial democratization, and renewed conflict—can be understood through the lives and decisions of its most influential individuals.
This Who’s Who in Myanmar directory provides a neutral, factual reference to the key figures who have played defining roles in Myanmar’s political, military, and social history.
Purpose of the Who’s Who in Myanmar Directory
The purpose of this directory is to:
Document historically significant figures in Myanmar
Provide contextual understanding of leadership transitions
Serve as an educational reference for readers, researchers, and journalists
Present information in a balanced, non-partisan manner
Each profile focuses on verifiable roles, leadership periods, and historical impact, rather than opinion or speculation.
Political Leaders
🏛️ Civilian Leaders
Civilian leaders in Who’s Who in Myanmar represent parliamentary governance, diplomacy, and reform efforts during periods of democracy.
Aung San Suu Kyi — State Counsellor of Myanmar
U Nu — Prime Minister of Burma
U Thant — UN Secretary-General; Burmese statesman
Ba Maw — Myanmar Prime Minister
Ba Swe — Former Prime Minister (AFPFL era)
Kyaw Nyein — Deputy PM
Thein Sein — President of Myanmar
🪖 Military / Junta Leaders
Military and junta leaders have dominated Myanmar’s political landscape for decades, shaping governance through coups, authoritarian rule, and centralized power.
Ne Win — Military ruler ; Revolutionary Council
Than Shwe — Former junta leader
Maung Aye — Deputy military ruler
Min Aung Hlaing — Commander-in-Chief; junta leader
Khin Nyunt -Former Myanmar Intelligence Chief
🏴 Opposition & Resistance Leaders
Opposition and resistance leaders play key roles in pro-democracy movements, armed resistance, and alternative governance structures opposing military rule.
Du Wa Lashi La — Acting President, National Unity Government (NUG)
Mahnn Win Khaing Than — Prime Minister, NUG
Dr. Sasa — Former NUG Minister; political strategist
Tayzar San —Myanmar Opposition & Resistance Leader
🗣️ Activists & Protest Figures
Min Ko Naing — Pro-democracy activist
PenCilo— Anti-government activist
🏴 Ethnic Political Leaders
Ethnic political leaders represent Myanmar’s diverse nationalities, advocating for autonomy, federalism, and ethnic rights within the union.
Twan Mrat Naing-Arakan Army Leader of Rakhine
Saw Mutu Say Poe — KNU (Karen)
General Gun Maw — KIA (Kachin)
Khun Htun Oo — Shan Leader
🕊️ Founding & Historic Leaders
Founding and historic leaders laid the foundations of modern Myanmar through independence movements, political ideologies, and nation-building efforts.
General Aung San — Independence Leader; founding father of Myanmar
Thakin Than Tun — Anti-colonial revolutionary; communist Leader
🏴 Golden Triangle & Armed Leaders
Khun Sa — Shan militia leader; Golden Triangle figure
Lo Hsing Han — Kokang militia leader; Asia World founder
🏢 Business Leaders
Business leaders in Myanmar have shaped the country’s economy through conglomerates, infrastructure projects, finance, and regional trade networks.
U Tay Za — Founder, Htoo Group
Serge Pun (U Htun Myint Naing) — Founder, Yoma Group
Zaw Zaw — Chairman, Max Myanmar Group
Steven Law (Tun Myint Naing) — Asia World Group
Aung Ko Win — KBZ Group
U Chit Khine — Eden Group
🎭 Cultural Figures
Cultural figures include writers, poets, artists, and intellectuals whose work reflects Myanmar’s identity, traditions, and social transformation.
Thakin Kodaw Hmaing — Poet; cultural nationalist
Min Thu Wun — Poet; writer
Zawgyi — Poet; literary figure
Ludu Daw Amar — Writer; cultural intellectual
Bagyi Aung Soe — Modern artist
🛕 Religious Leaders
Religious leaders in Myanmar influence spiritual life, education, and social values, with significant impact on public opinion and national culture.
Mahasi Sayadaw — Theravāda Buddhist scholar
Ledi Sayadaw — Buddhist monk; philosopher
Sitagu Sayadaw — Buddhist preacher (note: controversial)
Archbishop Charles Maung Bo — Cardinal; Catholic leader
🤝 Humanitarian Leaders
Cynthia Maung — Doctor & Humanitarian Leader
🩺 Healthcare & Public Health Professionals
🎬 Actors & Actresses
Actors and actresses from Myanmar have played important roles in film, television, and theatre, shaping popular culture across generations.
Female
Eaindra Kyaw Zin
Thet Mon Myint
Wutt Hmone Shwe Yi
Khin Than Nu
Moe Hay Ko
Male
Win Oo
Nyunt Win
Kyaw Hein
Pyay Ti Oo
Paing Takhon
Nay Toe
🌟 Models & Celebrities
Models and celebrities represent Myanmar on international platforms through fashion, beauty contests, entertainment, and social influence.
Thuzar Wint Lwin — Miss Universe Myanmar 2020
May Myat Noe — International model
Thinzar Wint Kyaw
Thae Su Nyein
🎤 Singers (Myanmar)
🎤 Male Singers
Khin Maung Toe
Lai Shao Thein Aung
Lay Phyu
Myo Kyawt Myaing
R Zarni (Zarni)
Sai Htee Sai
Sai Khan Late
Sai Sai Kham Leng
Sai Sai Maw – Influential Shan Singer in Myanmar
Htoo Ein Thin
🎤 Female Singers
Hay Mar Nay Win
May Sweet
Ni Ni Khin Zaw
Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein
Sports Figures
Aung La N Sang
Thet Htar Thuzar
This directory focuses on historical and public significance and does not imply endorsement, criticism, or political affiliation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (Who’s Who in Myanmar)
1. What is Who’s Who in Myanmar?
Who’s Who in Myanmar is a reference directory documenting influential political, military, and national leaders who have shaped Myanmar’s modern history.
2. Which types of leaders are included in this directory?
The directory includes independence leaders, military rulers, civilian presidents, reform-era politicians, opposition figures, and National Unity Government leaders.
3. Is this directory politically neutral?
Yes. All profiles are written using factual, non-partisan language and focus on verified historical roles rather than political opinions.
4. How are individuals selected for inclusion?
Figures are selected based on their historical significance, leadership roles, and impact on Myanmar’s political, military, or social development.
5. Does inclusion imply endorsement?
No. Inclusion reflects historical relevance only and does not represent support or opposition to any individual or political position.
6. Is this directory regularly updated?
Yes. The directory is expanded and updated as new leaders emerge and historical assessments evolve.
7. How is this directory useful for readers?
It serves as an educational resource for students, researchers, journalists, and readers seeking contextual understanding of Myanmar’s leadership history.
