a16z Podcast | Technology and the Opening of Myanmar | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

NGOs and startups are leveraging the connectivity revolution in Myanmar to empower people through better access to information and accelerate change and development in the country.

Key Insights

• 📱 Myanmar's connectivity revolution is driven by the liberalization of the telecommunications market and the availability of affordable smartphones.
• 🔉 Technology is empowering independent media and civil society to challenge government narratives and discuss important issues openly.
• 👾 The Myanmar Innovation Green House aims to provide a physical space for collaboration and development of technology tools and platforms.
• 👨‍💼 It is crucial for Myanmar to establish a regulatory framework for mobile payments and ensure rule of law and business contracts to foster a flourishing tech ecosystem.
• 🇰🇪 Lessons can be learned from the success of ICT hubs in other developing countries, such as the iHub in Kenya.
• 🌐 Support from international funders and a global network of experts can aid in the success and sustainability of the Myanmar Innovation Green House.
• 🎓 Education-themed hackathons and mentorship programs can contribute to the growth of the startup community in Myanmar.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated Engineers Without Borders to launch the Myanmar Innovation Green House?

EWB aims to harness the potential of the connectivity revolution in Myanmar by creating a space for collaboration between the technology community, civil society, and independent media.

Q: How has the opening up of Myanmar's borders and digital landscape impacted the country?

Myanmar has transitioned from a closed society with restricted access to information to a more open environment where journalists, bloggers, and independent media can freely discuss and critique the government and the system.

Q: What role does technology play in the connectivity revolution in Myanmar?

The introduction of smartphones and the availability of affordable SIM cards have allowed people in Myanmar to access the internet, with Facebook being the primary platform for internet usage. Viber, a service that doesn't require an email address, is also gaining popularity.

Q: How is Myanmar's experience with technology adoption unique compared to other regions?

Myanmar's rapid leapfrogging from no phones to smartphones, along with the absence of a desktop-based internet culture, presents unique opportunities and challenges for technology adoption and development.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Engineers Without Borders (EWB) has been working in Myanmar for 12 years, focusing on improving access to information through traditional media.

• Myanmar has recently undergone a connectivity revolution, with the liberalization of its telecommunications market and the introduction of smartphones.

• EWB has launched the Myanmar Innovation Green House, a physical space that brings together technology, civil society, and independent media to develop technology tools and platforms for social change in Myanmar.