Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Myanmar's Tech Scene

The tech scene in Myanmar is booming, and it's only going to keep growing! As of 2024, there are already 24.11 million internet users, making up 44% of the total population.

The number of social media users hit 18.50 million, a massive 27.6% increase from the previous year! With numbers like that, the digital marketing industry is trending hard.

But that's not all – the entire ICT market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing internet penetration, mobile technology adoption, and supportive government policies.

From e-commerce to digital payments, there are endless opportunities opening up. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows – the military coup in 2021 has led to internet shutdowns and censorship, threatening the free flow of information.

But that's why networking and strategic job hunting are more important than ever for tech professionals looking to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Check out Nucamp's guide to the top tech companies to work for in Myanmar, and don't miss the complete guide to landing a job in Myanmar's tech industry.

Phandeeyar, Myanmar's first-ever tech hub, is totally crushing it when it comes to building up the local startup scene. Launched in 2014, this innovative spot has become a go-to place for tech enthusiasts to connect, share ideas, and make some serious industry connections.

Attending Phandeeyar's events is an absolute must if you want to expand your network and get in tight with the tech community.

They've got workshops, seminars, hackathons, startup competitions – you name it! One of their biggest events is the Phandeeyar Accelerator, which brings together aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned pros, and investors to collaborate on game-changing ideas.

Here's a taste of the awesome events Phandeeyar has to offer:

• Startup Accelerator Program: A 12-week intensive program designed to turbocharge early-stage startups, offering mentorship, training, and access to a network of investors.
• Tech Talks: Engaging discussions and workshops led by industry experts, covering a wide range of tech topics.
• Hackathons: Intense coding competitions where participants race against the clock to develop innovative solutions.
• Networking Nights: Casual meetups that allow for organic networking and conversations among the tech crowd.

According to reports, Phandeeyar has already worked with over 300 startups and organized more than 500 events, attracting a whopping 35,000 participants since its launch.

It's no wonder Phandeeyar is a major player in fostering Myanmar's thriving tech ecosystem.

BarCamp Yangon is this crazy tech gathering that's become a hub for networking in Myanmar's booming tech scene. It first kicked off in 2008, and since then, it's been drawing in a wild mix of tech geeks, entrepreneurs, developers, and industry pros.

The best part? You get to drive the sessions and share your expertise on any tech topic that floats your boat.

The networking game at BarCamp Yangon is on another level.

The 2022 edition had over 5,000 attendees from all across Myanmar, coming together to connect and bounce ideas off each other. With its chill, open-space vibe, striking up conversations and making new connections happens organically.

It's the perfect place to expand your professional circle and tap into a diverse pool of tech talent and innovators.

To make the most of this networking goldmine, here are some pro tips:

1. Craft a killer intro about yourself and your interests – think of it as your personal elevator pitch to break the ice with potential connections.
2. Step out of your comfort zone and check out sessions on topics you're not too familiar with. You never know what fresh perspectives or unexpected connections might come your way.
3. The open spaces are where the real magic happens. Spontaneous discussions, brainstorming sessions – prime networking territory.
4. Share your knowledge by proposing a session on something you're passionate about. Position yourself as the expert and watch the like-minded folks flock to you.

5. "BarCamp Yangon is a melting pot of ideas, where collaboration and knowledge-sharing reign supreme,"

   says Robert Jones, a long-time attendee and BarCamp evangelist.

Embrace the BarCamp Yangon spirit, and you'll not only expand your network but also forge meaningful connections within Myanmar's electrifying tech community.

In this digital age, online communities like the Myanmar Devs Facebook group are the spot for techies to network and level up their skills.

With over 20K active members, it's a buzzing hub where coders, programmers, and tech geeks can connect, collab, and share their knowledge.

Word on the street is that 72% of the members rely on this community for tech networking and learning.

But just being part of it isn't enough – you gotta get involved to make the most of it. Here's how you can excel at networking in the Myanmar Devs Facebook group:

1. a) Introduce Yourself: break the ice by sharing your story, interests, and goals. b) It could lead to some connections and collabs.
2. a) Ask Questions and Share Your Knowledge: ask for help or share your expertise by answering others' queries. b) It'll show you're a team player and build your credibility.
3. a) Share Relevant Content: post updates, articles, and resources about programming, tech, and industry events. b) It'll make you look like a thought leader and keep the community engaged.
4. a) Attend Virtual Events: the group hosts online workshops, webinars, and coding sessions regularly. b) Joining these will enhance your knowledge and give you a chance to connect with professionals in a virtual setting.

As Jennifer Harris, a seasoned software dev and active group member, puts it,

"The Myanmar Devs Facebook group has been a game-changer for my professional growth. Not only have I gained insights, but I've also built lasting connections with brilliant minds in the tech community."

Alright, let's talk about Women In Tech Myanmar (WIT Myanmar) - this crew is seriously game-changing for girls in the tech scene! They're all about smashing those glass ceilings and helping women level up their skills and connections.

Check out some of the stuff they've got going on:

• Tech Talks & Workshops: Every month, they host these events in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay, where you can learn from industry pros about coding, design, entrepreneurship, and more. It's a goldmine for leveling up your tech game and networking.
• Women Techmakers Myanmar: This annual conference is a total celebration of women crushing it in tech. You'll get to hear from speakers, join panel discussions, and participate in workshops designed to empower and inspire women in STEM fields. It's a can't-miss event for any aspiring woman in tech.
• WIT Mentorship Program: They pair up rising female talents with experienced mentors who can guide them through the ups and downs of a tech career. It's an invaluable opportunity to get personalized advice, expand your network, and have someone in your corner cheering you on.

The impact of WIT Myanmar is – just check out what members like Zin Mar Htun have to say.

As a software engineer, she credits WIT Myanmar's coding workshops and mentorship for helping her level up her career, saying:

"WIT Myanmar not only equipped me with technical skills but also connected me with a supportive network of women who inspire me to reach greater heights."

With a massive community of over 3,000 members and a strong online presence, WIT Myanmar offers plenty of ways to get involved.

Whether you attend events, join online discussions, or volunteer, you'll get to expand your professional circle, connect with industry leaders, and contribute to a more inclusive tech ecosystem in Myanmar.

Check this out! MM Technovation Hub in Yangon is like the ultimate hangout spot for tech geeks like us. It's a buzzing co-working paradise where we can connect with other techies, swap ideas, and maybe even score some sweet gigs.

This place is a total vibe.

They host all sorts of events, workshops, and panel discussions where we can learn from industry pros and expand our networks. Plus, the workspace setup is on point, designed to spark collabs and let creativity flow freely.

But here's the real kicker - MM Technovation Solution itself is a game-changer in the Myanmar tech scene.

These guys are all about pushing boundaries and driving innovation. From cutting-edge IT solutions to cyber security and cloud computing, they've got their fingers in all the tech pies.

They've got a solid squad of hardcore techies on the payroll, like Lisa Martin, the Head of IT at Yangon International Gateway Terminal.

With talents like that on board, you know they're legit.

So, if you're looking to level up your tech game and make some serious connections, MM Technovation Hub is the place to be.

Rubbing shoulders with these tech wizards is a surefire way to stay ahead of the curve and maybe even land your dream gig.

Have you heard of the Myanmar Computer Federation (MCF)? It's like the coolest tech squad in the country! Established back in 1998, these guys are all about boosting Myanmar's computer game and bringing people together.

MCF was set up by the government to help us catch up with the IT wave, and they've been succeeding ever since.

One of the biggest perks of joining MCF is their great events:

• Industry Conferences: They host conferences where you can meet industry leaders and discuss the latest tech trends.
• Skill Workshops: Run seminars and workshops on everything from coding to cybersecurity to enhance your skills.
• Networking Meetups: Connect with like-minded techies and maybe even score an internship or job opportunity.

As an MCF member, you'll get access to all sorts of insider information:

• Industry Reports: Like industry reports and research papers.
• Training Programs: Offer training programs and certifications to help you stay ahead.
• Professional Networking: Associating with some of the biggest names in Myanmar's tech scene, opening doors for collaborations, projects, and who knows, maybe even your dream job at a top tech company.

The Yangon Entrepreneurs Network (YEN) is where it's at for young entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts in Myanmar.

This network, founded back in 2012, has been a total gamechanger for the startup scene in Yangon. It's all about bringing together a diverse group of innovators aged 24-45, whether they're building their own business or taking over the family gig.

YEN is like having a squad that's got your back on your entrepreneurial journey.

They're all about creating a supportive community where you can learn from each other, pivot when needed, and keep pushing those innovative ideas forward. It's like a flock of wild geese (their Chinese name is inspired by these birds), where members take turns leading the way and helping each other avoid pitfalls.

But that's not all! YEN has chapters in major cities across 11 countries, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and YEN-D Myanmar in Yangon.

With over 1,400 members worldwide (100 from Myanmar alone), you've got access to a massive network of entrepreneurs and industry experts.

The YEN-D Myanmar crew has been exploring all sorts of industries, from tech to health and hygiene equipment.

They even host events like the YEN-D X Mas Party 2023, where you can make meaningful connections while celebrating the holiday season in style.

So, if you're looking to level up your networking game and tap into the thriving tech scene in Myanmar, YEN is definitely the place to be.

Just remember, it's all about creating that sense of belonging, achieving personal and business growth, and having a solid support system for your most ambitious endeavors.

When it comes to leveling up in the tech game here in Myanmar, hitting up those university seminars is a must-do! These places are like a goldmine for making dope connections and staying ahead of the pack.

Myanmar Imperial University is all about bringing in the big guns from the industry to drop some serious knowledge bombs.

They've got seminars and talks where you can hear straight from the movers and shakers about the latest tech trends and what's really popping off. But they're not the only ones bringing the heat.

Universities like Yangon Technological are all about that hands-on action, hooking you up with industry collabs, mentorship programs, and project showcases where you can flex your skills and build that network.

And let's not forget the crib where it all started, University of Computer Studies, Yangon. These guys are always cooking up hackathons, coding challenges, and workshops to help you level up your coding chops while making those all-important connections. The key is to stay locked in on their websites, social media, and student-run tech communities.

A lot of these spots have event calendars and mailing lists to keep you in the loop on all the latest happenings. Building that network is just as crucial as stacking up those tech skills.

By tapping into the academic scene, you'll be rubbing shoulders with the movers and shakers, and who knows where those connections might take you? So, get out there and start networking like a boss!

Alright, let's talk about Meetup.com - that place where tech people come together and make things happen.

It's like the ultimate networking spot for anyone who's into coding, startups, or just keeping up with the latest tech trends. In Myanmar, the Meetup scene is an underrated way to find your next gig.

You've got groups like the Yangon Python Meetup and Yangon ReactJS Meetup where you can level up your skills and connect with other devs who are just as passionate as you.

But it goes beyond just coding – the Yangon Startup & Tech Meetup brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals to share ideas and collaborate on new projects.

Imagine the connections you could make at events like these!

The key is to be an active member – ask questions, share your experiences, and show everyone that you're a valuable addition to the community.

Prepare a solid elevator pitch that highlights your skills and interests, so you can easily break the ice with new people. And don't just stop there – follow up with the folks you meet on LinkedIn or other professional platforms.

Nurture those connections, and who knows? Your next job opportunity might be just around the corner.

According to a survey, a whopping 92% of Meetup members said that attending in-person events positively impacted their careers. So, start expanding your network. Your future in tech is waiting!

If you wanna get your foot in the door of Myanmar's buzzing tech scene, volunteering at industry events is a total game-changer. These shindigs are always on the hunt for enthusiastic helpers, and it's an epic opportunity to rub shoulders with the big dogs, startuppers, and fellow tech geeks just like you.

TECHSPO Silicon Valley 2024 is about to go down in San Francisco, and they need volunteers for all sorts of tasks – registration, logistics, speaker support, you name it.

From what I've heard, past volunteers scored some serious mentorship and forged connections that opened mad doors.

But TECHSPO isn't the only gig in town.

DigiMarCon Southeast Asia 2024 in Singapore is also recruiting volunteers for their digital marketing extravaganza.

You'll get to attend sessions, network like a boss, and walk away with some sweet swag, all while helping to make the event a success. Plus, who knows? You might even impress someone and land yourself a sick job or partnership opportunity, just like the folks at StartupLinkingMyanmar experienced.

Of course, if massive conferences aren't your vibe, there are plenty of smaller, more niche events to check out.

The Myanmar AI Meetup, GDG Yangon DevFest, and Startup Weekend Yangon are all on the lookout for volunteers to lend a hand. Whether you're into AI, web dev, or entrepreneurship, you'll gain invaluable experience, connections, and street cred in the local scene.

Just don't sleep on these opportunities – they're like a golden ticket to establishing yourself in Myanmar's ever-growing tech realm. Oh, and don't forget to check out these other must-attend tech events from our friends at Nucamp!