For Hnin Phyu, a graduate of the Master of Social Justice (Development Studies), her journey from Myanmar to Malaysia and eventually to Australia shaped not only her worldview but her mission to create a more just and humane approach to global migration.
We recently caught up with Hnin to learn more about how her lived experience inspired her to advocate for others, and how her time at the University of Sydney gave her the tools to do it.
Hnin’s path to social justice advocacy began long before she set foot in a university classroom. Raised in a small town in Myanmar where jobs were scarce, she made the difficult decision to migrate abroad to support her family.
“I got a job offer as a factory worker in Malaysia,” she recalled. “My dream was to own my house and pay off the family debts.”
After being detained at the airport due to issues with her work permit, Hnin was transported to several unknown locations before finally arriving at the factory. “The experience was terrifying because I didn’t know where I was and I didn’t speak the language, I felt powerless,” she said.
I felt deeply resentful that the dignity of workers was neglected, they are more vulnerable as they had limited language competency and low literacy. I really wanted to do something to help people in this situation.
Hnin Phyu, Master of Social Justice (Development Studies) graduate
The years that followed were filled with hardship. Her passport was confiscated, she was forced to sign a binding contract, and she worked for six months on half wages to repay recruitment costs. On the factory floor, she witnessed daily rights violations – unsafe working conditions, unfair wage deductions and widespread exploitation.
“I felt deeply resentful that the dignity of workers was neglected, they are more vulnerable as they had limited language competency and low literacy,” she said. “I really wanted to do something to help people in this situation.”
After returning to Myanmar, Hnin began working with vocational training programs and NGOs to support migrant workers and raise awareness of labour rights. Over nearly a decade, she helped promote safe migration pathways and supported survivors of human trafficking.
But as her experience grew, so did her desire to deepen her impact.
“I applied for a scholarship to study in Australia because I wanted to build the knowledge and skills to be more strategic in my advocacy,” Hnin explained. “The Master of Social Justice (MSJ) stood out. I knew it could help me take everything I had lived and turn it into something actionable.”
Today, Hnin works with the International Organisation for Migration as a project assistant for the Community Support Program, helping refugees rebuild their lives in Australia. Her journey has come full circle, and she credits the MSJ program for bridging her personal story with the skills she now uses to support others.
During her studies, she began to understand that what happened to her wasn’t just bad luck – it was part of a much bigger, more complex system. That insight transformed how she saw migration and it shapes how she approaches her work with refugees and displaced people.
Whether she’s helping newly arrived families navigate life in a new country or advocating for more inclusive policies, Hnin’s personal connection gives her work a deep authenticity.
For those considering the Master of Social Justice, Hnin has some heartfelt advice.
“From my experience, the most important thing is building a support network with classmates,” she said. “Never be reluctant to initiate friendships.”
She also encourages students to engage fully with university life – from joining student groups to seeking guidance from faculty.
“I used to be nervous about speaking up in class, but sharing my experiences helped me grow,” she said. “And connecting with people from other conflict-affected countries gave me strength I didn’t expect.”
Outside of the classroom, Hnin found meaning through volunteering and community involvement. “I participated in social groups outside university like the ‘Run for Resilience’ community group and I volunteered for food distribution,” she shared. “These experiences allowed me to connect with diverse cultures and enriched my cross-cultural understanding in ways that complemented my studies and fostered a sense of belonging to a foreign culture.”
Hnin’s story is a testament to the power of lived experience and how education can transform this into a force for good. Through courage, compassion and an unshakable commitment to justice, she continues to advocate for those who are too often unheard.
“I want others to know they are not alone,” she said. “I’ve developed meaningful connections at the University with friends from conflict-affected countries as well as those born in Australia.”
Find out more about the Master of Social Justice.
I used to be nervous about speaking up in class, but sharing my experiences helped me grow, and connecting with people from other conflict-affected countries gave me strength I didn’t expect.