In Conversation with.....Hsu Mee

In these informal discussions, our Grass Roots Intern, Meg Bray delves into each of our guest's backgrounds, finds out what makes them 'tick' and poses a few questions about their future opportunities and aspirations.

So...why not grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea, kick back for a while (you deserve it) and read the latest instalment in our current series of BLT interviews by Meg as she talks to a member of our Fresh Advisors Board ( Fab 15) 

Hi, Hsu Mee thank you so much for talking to me, the first question is, where did you go to university and what were some of your favourite parts? 

Hsu Mee: It's been a while since I went to University, I was studying, working and volunteering but I remember studying with my friends until late at the canteen and I think that was a great part, just being with people. We have a military regime here in Myanmar so the people I am protesting with are my university friends and they are my friends for life so that was one of the best parts. And I went to Coventry University but I attended the Singapore Campus and studied mechanical engineering. 

I had no idea there was a Singapore Campus! Well, my next question kind of links to that as it's what do you like to do - on a day off? 

Hsu Mee: Well before the pandemic it would be going out with friends, hiking and socialising. Just being out in nature really. But now I've just been reading and watching shows on Netflix like Modern Family. After the military coup, I also go out and protest on the streets as well! 

Modern Family is a brilliant show! Netflix is definitely one of the best ways to spend a day off at the moment. I can tell you are a sociable person, you have such a kind and bubbly nature. How have things been since the military coup? 

Hsu Mee: Since the 1st February things have really changed. At around 1 or 2 am the military went into the President's office and detained important people in Parliament and the President and we only all found out in the morning and the whole country was shook. So we all started silent protesting, banging pots and pans in the streets to show we were protesting against them and protesting in the streets. Not something I thought I would ever do in my life. 

It's not really something you think is ever going to happen to you, we read about all of these things that happened in the past but we don't really think it's something that's going to happen to our generation. 

Hsu Mee: It's similar to the pandemic! Who would have thought we would all be stuck inside! 

It's not how I planned to spend my 20's! The next question is, what is one thing that can instantly make your day better? 

Hsu Mee: Coffee! Particularly black americano. I need coffee every day, I manage to go through 4-5 cups a day! People often say it's too much! 

No, I completely agree, coffee is a must-have, keeps me awake, bit of a zombie without it! The next question is, how do you manage to keep yourself motivated and what do you think is your career highlight?

Hsu Mee: I do find it difficult to motivate myself sometimes. I'm a very jolly person so I need people around so they can laugh at my jokes! But after the pandemic, I had to learn to motivate myself in a different way but I focused on what makes me happy and then breaking it down to what I can achieve in a day so I get a sense of accomplishment. Working out and doing yoga really helps as well. 

You mentioned physical activity, do you find that really helps you and is it something you enjoy? 

Hsu Mee: It really is. Even now when I think about it, I realise it's something I really enjoy so in a sense, I think unconsciously I'm being healthy! If I don't do physical activity for one day I feel like I'm going crazy! I need to do something to keep me going. As for my career highlight what I studied doesn't really have anything to do with what I'm doing right now. I studied mechanical engineering and I'm doing Government contract writing working under a trading company. I'm currently doing two jobs, one under the trading company, dealing with consumer goods and customer and client management but another job I do is with the consultant firm of the director which is where I mainly work. I work in research and engagement and I have to talk to a lot of people and do a lot of projects. It's quite complicated so I try to learn and learn every day as I don't always know what I will be doing each day as it varies so much ... so I try to learn as I go.  

Learning on the job is a great skill. being both practical and being able to put what you have learnt to use. Do you enjoy learning new skills? 

Hsu Mee: Yeah, I want to keep improving what I know so I can put it to good use and it helps me stay motivated in my work. 

I think that's a great mentality to have. The final question is what do you want your Fab15 legacy to be? 

Hsu Mee: Great question! I will probably be remembered for my lame jokes and personality! I feel as though the Fab takes people from all over the world, one of the great things is the international connection. If anyone ever comes over to Myanmar then they have a friend! Also, the projects we do are all different so there is so much variation and will help younger students as well as the business. It can be so inspirational so I want to give what I can to future members of the Fabso they can feel as proud to be part of the Fab as much as I have.