Before coming to Japan, I worked as a medical doctor in Myanmar. Through clinical practice, I became interested in understanding infectious and virus-associated diseases at the molecular level. I chose Nagoya City University because its Graduate School of Medical Sciences provides an excellent environment connecting basic medical research with clinically important questions.

I was also attracted to the ENPHAS program, an interdisciplinary program involving the Graduate Schools of Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Science. The program provides opportunities to study environmental and health safety, data science, global health issues, and the Sustainable Development Goals from different perspectives. I felt that this combination of specialized virology research and broad interdisciplinary education would help me grow as both a scientist and a global health professional.

While working as a medical doctor, I encountered diseases whose mechanisms, prevention, and treatment remained incompletely understood. Clinical medicine allowed me to help individual patients, but I realized that research could generate knowledge that might benefit many more people.

During my clinical career, especially through caring for children with infectious and other serious diseases, I became increasingly interested in the biological mechanisms underlying disease. This motivated me to move beyond clinical observation and acquire the scientific skills needed to investigate these questions systematically. I therefore decided to pursue a doctoral degree in virology and genomic medicine.

My application route through the MEXT Scholarship was slightly different from the regular entrance process. I first contacted my prospective professor and participated in an interview to discuss my background and research interests. I then prepared a research proposal with guidance from the professor and took part in the university’s internal selection process. After being selected for the scholarship, I completed the university’s formal admission procedures.

My research focuses on Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and its role in the development of EBV-associated diseases, particularly hematological malignancies. I study how genetic alterations in the EBV genome, such as mutations and deletions, may influence disease development and progression.

What makes this research especially meaningful to me is that EBV infects most people worldwide, yet only a small proportion develop serious diseases such as lymphoma or other EBV-associated cancers. Understanding why this happens is both scientifically fascinating and clinically important. I hope that identifying disease-associated viral genetic changes and understanding their biological effects will contribute to better prediction, prevention, and treatment of EBV-related diseases in the future.

A major advantage is having the opportunity to investigate an important scientific question deeply and develop the ability to conduct research independently. The doctoral program has also given me opportunities to collaborate with specialists, participate in international conferences, and learn experimental and computational methods.

The greatest challenge is that research does not always progress as expected. Experiments may fail, computational analyses may need to be repeated, and the interpretation of results can change as new evidence becomes available. Learning to manage this uncertainty has helped me become more patient, flexible, and persistent.

The most interesting part of my research is integrating different types of information. Viral genome sequences, phylogenetic relationships, clinical metadata, and laboratory experiments each provide a different perspective. When these separate pieces of evidence begin to form a coherent biological story, I find the process especially rewarding.

The ENPHAS coursework also allowed me to learn beyond my immediate specialization. Through interdisciplinary lectures and discussions, I gained broader perspectives on environmental and health safety, data science, risk management, public health, regulatory science, and the SDGs. Working with Japanese and international students also helped me understand how health and social issues may differ among countries.

I have acquired knowledge and practical skills in virology, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, phylogenetics, and evolutionary genomics. I have learned to manage and analyze large whole-genome datasets, use high-performance computing resources, conduct statistical analyses, and interpret genomic findings in biological and clinical contexts.

I have also developed skills in critical reading, experimental design, academic writing, manuscript preparation, data visualization, and scientific presentation. Through the ENPHAS program’s active-learning and global-presentation activities, I improved my ability to discuss scientific and social issues with people from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds and to present my research in English at international conferences.

Before entering graduate school, I imagined that research would progress in a relatively direct sequence from developing a hypothesis to obtaining results. In reality, research is much less predictable. Analyses often need to be repeated, unexpected results can change the direction of a project, and much time is required for reading, troubleshooting, discussion, and writing.

I was also required to think and make decisions more independently than I initially expected. Although this was challenging, the support of my supervisor and laboratory colleagues gradually helped me develop greater confidence and independence.

During my doctoral studies, the MEXT Scholarship allowed me to concentrate on my research without major financial concerns. I initially had some concerns about my career after graduation because academic research is competitive. However, my supervisors and the university have been supportive in providing career advice, information about postdoctoral opportunities, and opportunities to build professional networks through conferences and collaborations. These experiences have helped me prepare for the next stage of my research career.

Yes. In 2022, I was awarded the MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government Scholarship). I received the scholarship for my doctoral course under Nagoya City University’s Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Environmental and Pharmaco-medical Safety Sciences, known as ENPHAS, for the period from 2022 to 2026.

The scholarship has been essential in enabling me to study in Japan and focus on my doctoral research. The ENPHAS program has also provided interdisciplinary education and opportunities for international presentation and professional development.

Looking back, I wish I had started learning bioinformatics and programming skill earlier, as these skills became increasingly important when my research expanded to large genomic datasets. I would also have liked to pursue more opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and international networking. Nevertheless, gradually developing these skills and experiences has been an important part of my growth as a researcher.

My doctoral studies have transformed me from a clinician who recognizes medical problems into a researcher who can investigate their underlying biological mechanisms. My clinical experience continues to guide the questions I ask, while my scientific training has taught me how to examine those questions using experimental and computational evidence.

The program has also broadened my perspective beyond a single disease or discipline. International collaboration and interdisciplinary training have strengthened my desire to connect biomedical research with clinical medicine, public health, and research-capacity development.

Working as a medical doctor was meaningful, but I frequently encountered diseases for which the underlying mechanisms and treatment options remained limited. I wanted to contribute not only by treating individual patients but also by generating scientific knowledge that could improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for larger populations.

I do not consider graduate study to be a complete departure from medicine. Rather, it has expanded the ways in which I can contribute to healthcare. My clinical background continues to help me recognize the medical significance of research findings and maintain a patient-oriented perspective.

I think it is important to establish clear priorities and divide large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. I try to plan my work weekly while remaining flexible because experiments and analyses do not always follow the expected schedule.

Communication is also essential. When responsibilities overlap, discussing priorities with supervisors and colleagues can prevent unnecessary stress. Finally, adequate rest is important for maintaining concentration and sustaining research over several years.

My goal is to become an independent researcher integrating virology, evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, and clinical medicine. After completing my doctoral degree, I hope to continue advanced research training and deepen my expertise in viral genomic evolution and the functional interpretation of disease-associated variants.

In the longer term, I would like to connect the research experience and technologies I have acquired in Japan with clinical and genomic research in my home country and other Southeast Asian countries. I hope to contribute to international collaborative research, medical education, researcher training, and the improvement of healthcare and public health.

A doctoral program can be challenging, but it is also a great opportunity for both scientific and personal growth. You don't need to have everything figured out before you start. Curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to learn from your mistakes matter far more than having all the answers from day one.

For international students in particular, challenges around language, culture, research, and daily life are common, but you're not alone in facing them. Supervisors, lab members, university staff, and friends are all there to support you along the way.

Beyond the lab, I would encourage every student to make time to enjoy life in Japan. With its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and distinct seasonal changes, Japan offers countless opportunities to explore and experience something new. Taking time to appreciate these moments can make your years as a graduate student not only academically rewarding, but also some of the most memorable and meaningful years of your life.